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There were more than 142,000 solar installations across the UK in the first half of 2026
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Solar panel installations are surging across the UK, according to official data, with new figures showing that 2026 could be another record-breaking year for households generating their own electricity.
More homeowners are investing in the best solar panels available, as they look to cut their reliance on grid electricity and take greater control of their energy bills.
According to the latest government figures cited by energy supplier E.ON Next, 142,536 solar installations were added across the UK during the first six months of 2026, taking the total number to more than 2 million.
These figures put the UK on course to surpass the record for solar installations set just last year.
E.ON Next has also reported an even sharper increase among its customers, stating that solar installations rose by 151 per cent during the first half of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025.
Use our comparison tool to get free quotes from leading solar panel installers.
The latest increase follows a record year for the technology. According to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), 269,000 solar installations were completed in 2025. This was 37 per cent more than in 2024, making 2025 the highest calendar year on record for solar installations.
Around 255,000 of these were rooftop systems, meaning at least 95 per cent of installations were on homes, businesses and other buildings rather than standalone solar farms.
One factor making solar more accessible is falling upfront costs. Government figures published in May showed the cost of acquiring and installing solar PV had fallen by up to 9 per cent, depending on the size of the system.
For households considering making the switch, comparing quotes from the best solar panel installers can help establish the likely upfront cost, the number of panels a property needs and the potential savings.
Solar panels can reduce the amount of electricity a household needs to buy from the grid by supplying power directly to the home. Surplus electricity can also be stored in a solar battery for later use or exported to the grid through a Smart Export Guarantee tariff.
Phil Gilbert, director of net zero delivery at E.ON Next, says the figures reflect a growing desire among households to “take control of their bills and rely less on the grid.”
“More and more households are realising just how much they can save by generating and storing their own energy,” he summarises.
With more than 142,000 installations already completed during the first half of the year, 2026 could surpass 2025’s record if demand remains strong.
Whether solar panels make financial sense for an individual household will still depend on factors including the property’s roof, the size and cost of the system and how much of the electricity generated can be used at home.
But after a record 2025 and the strongest start to a year in 15 years, the latest figures suggest rooftop solar is becoming an increasingly common feature of UK homes.
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