UK solar installations hit highest monthly total in over a decade as war in Iran accelerates clean energy push

Britain recorded its highest monthly total of solar installations in more than a decade in March 2026, with over 27,000 new systems completed as the government intensifies efforts to reduce the country's dependence on international gas markets following the outbreak of the war in Iran.

Government data published on 30 April shows that solar capacity across the UK has now surpassed two million installations for the first time, spanning both solar farms and rooftop systems. Two-thirds of the March installations were new solar panels fitted to homes, underlining the extent to which households are driving the surge.

Solar capacity grew by 11.7 per cent over the past year, adding 2.3 gigawatts of domestically generated clean electricity to Britain's energy mix. The National Energy System Operator recorded a further milestone during the month, with solar output passing 15 GW on Britain's electricity system for the first time.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the figures demonstrated the government's clean energy mission "in action". He stated: "The numbers speak for themselves — the highest monthly installation of solar in over a decade, rising capacity and more than two million solar installations now powering homes across Britain. This is our clean energy mission in action — helping families weather global energy shocks, bringing bills down, and getting Britain off the fossil fuel rollercoaster."

The government outlined a series of measures intended to sustain the momentum. These include the approval of Springwell Solar Farm, described as the largest power-producing solar farm in UK history, and plans to ensure solar panels are fitted as standard on new homes built in England.

Plug-in panels and social housing investment

Ministers also confirmed that so-called "plug-in" solar panels — low-cost units designed to be placed on balconies or in outdoor spaces — would be available in shops within months. The government said the panels would allow more households to generate their own electricity and reduce their energy bills without the need for a full rooftop installation.

In addition, subject to final approvals, the government is providing an extra £100 million for the Social Housing Fund, which it said could deliver up to 57,000 solar installations for social housing tenants during the current financial year. A further 100 schools and colleges are set to receive rooftop solar through Great British Energy's existing scheme.

The record deployment figures come against a backdrop of heightened concern over energy security. The war in Iran has roiled international fossil fuel markets, prompting the government to accelerate its clean power programme in a bid to shield consumers and businesses from price volatility.