Why 2025 Set a New Record for MCS Residential Solar Installations
The UK solar industry experienced a staggering uptick in 2025, with Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) residential installations hitting unprecedented numbers. In the first half of the year alone, over 120,000 homes received certified solar panel systems—a 36% increase on the same period in 2024 and a 13% leap over the previous high set in 2012. Several factors are fueling this boom: rising electricity bills, greater consumer awareness about renewable energy, and government incentives, all combining to turbocharge demand for home-grown power.
What sets 2025 apart is not just the numbers, but also the growing consumer trust in certified installers like Atlantic Renewables. This trust is backed by the fact that MCS certification is now a leading requirement for government schemes, like the Smart Export Guarantee, and a signal of quality for households investing in future-proof solar solutions.
How New Government Rules Have Driven More Solar Installations on UK Homes
The enactment of stricter building regulations—most notably, the revised "Part L" energy efficiency standards—has spurred a dramatic increase in solar uptake, especially on new builds. Over 40% of new homes constructed in late 2024 and early 2025 were equipped with solar PV, marking a direct response to the push for greener building codes.
This regulatory environment, further strengthened by upcoming Future Homes Standard legislation, has made rooftop solar nearly standard for those seeking planning approval for new developments. For existing homes, incentives and finance schemes continue to encourage upgrades, making now the best time to contact the Atlantic Renewables team of experts if you’re considering a PV system.
A record-shattering 120,000 MCS-certified residential solar installations took place in the first six months of 2025. This figure is more than just a headline—it highlights how rapidly the British public is adopting low-carbon technology and how installation capacity among trusted companies like Atlantic Renewables has scaled to meet demand.
Added to this, battery storage systems also saw massive growth: nearly 20,000 units were installed, representing a 130% increase compared to last year . This evolution signals a fundamental shift—UK households are not only generating their own clean power but are also keen to store it, reduce reliance on the grid, and lower their energy costs.
Why Are UK Homeowners Choosing Solar and Battery in 2025?
Homeowners are choosing solar in record numbers to take control of their energy bills, shrink their carbon footprints, and add value to their properties. With gas and electricity prices remaining unpredictable, solar PV offers a way to lock in lower costs for decades. According to new data, average UK solar output surged by 42% in the first five months of 2025 after the sunniest spring on record, with solar generating a record 7.6TWh between January and May.
Battery storage is also surging in popularity, giving homeowners new flexibility to use their solar energy day and night. More than 3,400 certified residential battery systems were installed in May 2025 alone—up 112% on the previous year. Interested in harnessing solar and battery technology for your own home? Get in touch with the knowledgeable engineers at Atlantic Renewables to find out how you can benefit.
What Is MCS Certification and Why Does It Matter in 2025?
MCS certification is more than just a badge—it's a guarantee of quality and eligibility for government programmes. The number of certified MCS installers has climbed steeply, reaching over 5,250 in 2025, up from just 1,700 in 2019. This expansion means more UK households have access to trusted, competent professionals.
Installers certified by MCS, such as Atlantic Renewables, must meet strict standards in installation quality and consumer protection. This gives homeowners peace of mind and the confidence that their solar systems will perform reliably for years to come.
How 2025’s Solar Boom Is Impacting the UK Energy Mix
The UK’s ever-expanding solar fleet generated a record 7.6TWh of electricity in the first five months of 2025—up 42% from the same period in 2024 and marking a 160% increase over the last decade. This pushed solar’s share to over 10% of monthly nationwide electricity generation for April and May. This surge has avoided around £600m in gas imports and prevented 6 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
This momentum is part of a wider government plan aiming for at least 45GW of solar capacity by 2030. With current installed capacity at 20.2GW as of early 2025, residential installations are a central driver for achieving this ambitious goal.
Where Can I Find a Trusted Solar Installer for My Home?
The rise in installations has created more opportunities, but also emphasised the importance of choosing the right partner. Only MCS-certified companies such as Atlantic Renewables can ensure you receive the full benefits and protections offered by government-backed initiatives. With our track record of delivering thousands of successful installations, we stand ready to advise and guide you through your solar journey.
Ready to make your home greener and your bills lower? Learn more about our services for residential properties, battery storage options, and discover why UK homeowners trust us with their energy future:
Get in touch
If you are looking to get a solar PV system or battery storage installed in your home, or need advice on upgrading or maintaining an existing solar solution, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at Atlantic Renewables. Call us today on 0161 207 4044 and let our engineers guide you towards a cleaner, more affordable energy future. The solar revolution is underway—join thousands of fellow homeowners in making the switch!
