For homeowners searching the UK market for solar panels, battery storage, or EV charging, the choice of installer is the most critical part of the process. Picking a Which? Trusted Trader guarantees you’ll be working with solar professionals that have not only been vetted for workmanship and industry excellence, but also operate with transparency and reliability. Which? has a broad reputation for consumer advocacy; its endorsement signifies that solar installers like Atlantic Renewables pass one of the strictest vetting regimes in the industry.

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.

The UK’s newly unveiled 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy marks a pivotal moment for the country’s commitment to clean growth and sustainable development. Central to this bold vision is a record-breaking commitment to invest at least £725billion into economic and social infrastructure from 2025 to 2035, with an explicit focus on energy transition, the decarbonisation of industry, and regional economic opportunities.

A transformative shift is underway across the UK as the Environment Agency introduces a new pathway to achieve sustainable growth within industrial clusters. These hubs, including powerhouses like Humber, Teesside, and HyNet (North West), are vital to the nation’s economy and clean energy ambitions. Their unique geographical concentration of industries – such as refining, advanced manufacturing, and chemical processing – presents immense opportunities for decarbonisation, investment and technological innovation. By proactively planning for growth with a focus on sustainability, the Environment Agency is clearing the way for a new era of industrial leadership and environmental stewardship.

Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) confirm the United Kingdom’s rapid shift towards a low-carbon economy, with employment in green jobs surging to unprecedented levels. As of 2023, green industries across the country counted 690,900 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions—a remarkable 34.6% increase from 2015, when the number stood just over half a million. Waste management, energy-efficient products, and renewable energy sectors together now account for 54.3% of the green job market, spotlighting the crucial role sustainable industries play in job creation.

The UK Government has launched its National Industrial Strategy, a comprehensive 10-year plan aimed at driving business investment, innovation, and sustainable growth across key sectors of the economy. Launched on 23 June 2025, this strategy is designed to create a more competitive, resilient, and prosperous business environment by addressing structural challenges and supporting industries with the greatest growth potential.

Domestic solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have gained incredible popularity as the UK accelerates toward net zero. Simply put, solar PV panels convert sunlight into electricity, powering your home and helping to lower your energy bills. More and more UK homeowners are turning to solar for its environmental benefits, energy independence, and long-term savings.

For residents of UK flats seeking to play a direct role in the energy transition, the German “Balkonkraftwerk” (balcony solar power station) model offers a compelling blueprint. These compact, plug-and-play solar systems are transforming access to self-generated electricity for millions of renters and apartment dwellers across Germany, and show clear potential for adaptation in the UK.

Though the concept of solar energy may seem modern, the roots of solar power stretch back centuries. As early as the 7th century BC, ancient Greeks and Romans harnessed sunlight for warmth, using simple magnifying glasses to ignite fires. Fast forward to 1839, French physicist Edmond Becquerel uncovered a world-changing phenomenon—the photovoltaic effect—when he found that some materials produced an electric current when exposed to light. This foundational discovery underpins modern solar panel technology.