This progress was driven by just three technologies – solar panels, heat pumps and battery storage:
That equates to one every 90 seconds, according to data from MCS, the UK’s quality mark for small-scale renewables. This is a 34 percent increase on 2024 and brings the total to 2.4 million certified installations since MCS started recording figures in 2009 – with more than a quarter of these completed in the last two years alone.
The estimated annual generation – which is the amount of energy capable of being generated by installations delivered in 2025 – was 1.8 billion kWh. That is enough to power the London Underground network, including Overground lines and associated offices, for an entire year1. It brings the total installed capacity across all MCS installations since 2009 to more than 10 GW.
Installation numbers are rising right across the UK, with Cornwall, Somerset, and North Yorkshire seeing the highest volume in 2025. When looking at the volume of installations as a proportion of households, Welsh local authorities are leading the way – with Isle of Anglesey, Ceredigion, and Gwynedd making up the top three2.
A key driver for the record uptake, particularly in solar, has been installations on new build properties. 28 percent of all installations were on new builds – rising to more than 36% when just looking at solar. Following details announced in the Warm Homes Plan last month, which stated solar is set to be mandated on new homes, this demonstrates the opportunity within the housebuilding market – for installers, manufacturers, housebuilders, and the wider supply chain.
“It’s great to see the record-breaking uptake of small-scale renewables across the UK, and these figures are only set to increase following the release of the government’s Warm Homes Plan” said Ian Rippin, CEO at MCS. “This represents a fantastic opportunity for the sector to grow, but it’s critical that as more people invest in home-grown energy, high-quality, certified installations continue to underpin consumer confidence.”
Government funding played a role in boosting installation numbers last year, with 27 percent of all installations funded – either wholly or in-part – by a government initiative. This is particularly true for heat pumps with the success of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). 43 percent of certified heat pumps installed in 2025 were delivered under the BUS, with a 95 percent satisfaction rate according to outreach conducted by MCS.
As demand for renewables continues to rise, there is also a growing need for certified installers to deliver these installations to industry-recognised standards. The number of MCS certified installers increased by 7 percent over the course of 2025, reflecting an industry that is growing as the UK continues its drive towards net-zero and more people seek out the benefits of home-grown energy.
“We look forward to building on this growth further with the rollout of our redeveloped installer Scheme, which puts consumer protection and quality at the heart of MCS” added Mr Rippin. “We take our responsibility of being the sole certification scheme for government clean heat measures very seriously and are proud of the role that MCS certified installers are playing in the UK’s transition to net-zero.”
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