The number of solar panel installations in England has risen by 10% in the first six months of the Labour government, according to new research by iChoosr, a leading renewable energy accelerator. The study reveals that 75,000 solar panels were installed in the second half of 2024, up from 68,000 in the first half of the year.
The research also highlights a broader 15% increase in renewable energy adoption across England since the government took office. Heat pumps, battery storage systems, and solar panels have all seen a surge in installations as a result of policies promoting clean energy solutions.
Government’s Renewable Energy Drive
Since coming into power, the Labour government has placed significant emphasis on expanding the use of renewable energy. Key initiatives include the establishment of Great British Energy to invest in clean power projects, the setting of ambitious solar energy targets for 2030, and the launch of the ‘rooftop revolution’ aimed at encouraging homeowners and builders to adopt solar energy solutions.
George Frost, UK Country Manager at iChoosr, welcomed the rising adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems but emphasized the need for a more drastic shift to meet net-zero targets. “While it is heartening to see accelerating adoption of PV, a step change is needed if we are to meet ambitious net-zero targets,” he said.
According to Frost, energy consumers across the UK are now more inclined to switch to renewable sources, driven by rising energy costs and an increasing desire for sustainable living options. “UK households are looking for more energy-efficient ways to power their homes,” he added.
Leading Green Energy Regions in 2024
iChoosr’s study also identified the top regions for renewable energy adoption in 2024, based on installations of solar panels, heat pumps, and battery storage systems. The top five ‘Green Energy Champions’ were:
- Maldon, Essex
- Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
- East Lindsey, Lincolnshire
- South Hams, Devon
- Winchester, Hampshire
- Maldon, South Hams, and the Forest of Dean recorded the highest concentration of solar panel installations across the year.
A Growing Renewable Energy Market
Frost noted that the accessibility and affordability of renewable energy solutions have significantly improved, enabling more households to make the transition. “From Devon to Essex and Hampshire to Lincolnshire, renewable installations are taking place in homes right across the country. The days of renewable solutions being inaccessible and unaffordable are gone for many households,” he said.
iChoosr plays a crucial role in expanding solar energy adoption through its Solar Together programme, which partners with local authorities across the UK. To date, Solar Together has facilitated more than 37,000 solar panel installations, with an expected reduction of 718,850 tonnes of carbon emissions over the next 25 years.
As the government continues to push forward its clean energy agenda, the trend of increasing renewable installations is expected to accelerate, further supporting the UK’s transition towards a more sustainable future.
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