Record-Breaking Rise in Solar, Heat Pump and Battery Installs

Image Credit: STA

The first half of 2025 has marked a significant milestone for the UK’s green energy transition. More homes and buildings than ever before are now equipped with solar panels, battery systems and heat pumps, according to new data.

Figures released by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme, which provides the official quality mark for small-scale renewable energy installations in the UK, show that over 172,000 certified installations were completed between January and June. That’s a 37 per cent jump compared to the same period in 2024 and roughly one third higher than the previous record set at the start of 2023.

So what is driving this surge?

The MCS points to three technologies leading the charge: solar panels, electric heat pumps and home battery storage. Solar panels remain the most popular option by far, with 123,000 certified installations recorded in just six months. This marks a new all-time high for the January-to-June period, surpassing the previous record set since 2012.

Battery storage is also gaining serious momentum. More than 18,000 batteries were installed across homes in the first half of the year. That’s more than double the number from the same timeframe in 2024, when fewer than 8,000 units were registered. These batteries allow homeowners to store surplus solar energy or charge up during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper, then draw on that power when prices spike. The result? Lower bills and greater energy independence.

Heat pumps are also experiencing steady growth. These ultra-efficient systems use electricity to pull heat from the air or ground and are used to warm homes and water. Around 30,000 certified heat pump installations were completed from January to June this year, representing a 12% increase over the first half of 2024.

Newbuild properties are playing an increasingly important role in this trend. Almost 50,000 of the total renewable installations so far this year have been in newly constructed homes. That represents 28 per cent of all installations to date in 2025 — a notable increase from the 21 per cent share seen during the same period last year.

Looking ahead, the Future Homes Standard is expected to accelerate this growth even further. Beginning in 2027, all new homes will be required to include solar panels and low-carbon heating systems. The MCS sees enormous potential in the industry, especially as the Government continues to push for increased housebuilding while tightening climate targets.

Financial incentives remain a key part of the story. Schemes such as the £7,500 grant for households replacing traditional boilers with heat pumps have significantly lowered the barrier to adoption. According to the latest figures from January to March, approximately 75 per cent of heat pump installations were either fully or partially funded by government support.

With momentum building and policy frameworks aligning, the UK’s shift toward cleaner, more innovative energy technologies is well underway. And for many homeowners, the transition is already happening — one rooftop, one battery, and one heat pump at a time.

Ian Rippin, chief executive at MCS, said: “Across all renewable technologies, we are seeing a dramatic rise in the number of installations being delivered into homes, helping to reduce energy bills for consumers and drive down emissions.

“Crucially, there are also more MCS certified installers than ever before, which means a growing capacity to deliver high-quality installations at volume into people’s homes.”

Miatta Fahnbulleh, minister for energy consumers, said: “People can save hundreds of pounds off their energy bills when installing renewable and low-carbon technologies like solar panels, heat pumps and batteries.

“So, it is no wonder that installations in the first six months of 2025 have broken records, as households recognise it just makes financial sense.”