Solar Panel Popularity Soars: UK Public Embraces Clean Energy Future

New Study Reveals Overwhelming Support for Solar Development

A recent study commissioned by Solar Energy UK and conducted by Copper Consultancy has unveiled a significant surge in public support for solar energy development across the United Kingdom. The 2025 survey shows that an impressive 77% of respondents either "support" or "strongly support" solar development in their local area, marking a 4% increase since 2023.

What's Driving the Solar Boom?

The growing popularity of solar panels can be attributed to several key factors:

1. Cost-effective energy solution: 43% of respondents cited providing low-cost energy to the local community as a primary benefit of solar energy, up from 32% in 2023.

2. Clean energy provision: 41% of respondents considered the provision of clean energy to the local area as a significant advantage.

3. Environmental awareness: Public understanding of solar farms' benefits to biodiversity has dramatically improved. In 2023, 42% of respondents were unaware of solar farms' contribution to nature recovery. This figure has plummeted to just 11% in 2025, indicating a growing appreciation for the positive environmental impact of solar installations.

From Skepticism to Support: The Solar Journey

Interestingly, the study reveals a shift in attitudes throughout the solar farm development cycle:

• Only 17% of people living near solar projects in the development phase support them.

• However, once sites are operational, support rises significantly to 61.5%.

This trend underscores the importance of effective communication and community engagement during the development phase to address concerns and build trust.

Public Perception and Knowledge Gaps

Despite the overall positive trend, some misconceptions persist:

• Only 7% of respondents were aware that access to the national grid is the primary factor in determining solar farm locations.

• While 53% believe solar farms can improve local biodiversity, it's still not widely recognised as a key benefit.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

While the overall trend is positive, there has been a slight increase in opposition, from 4% in 2023 to 13% in 2024. This highlights the need for the solar industry to continue educating the public and addressing concerns.

Solar Energy's Role in National Planning

More than half of the survey respondents believe that solar energy should be a priority for national planning decisions, given the need to hit net zero targets. This sentiment aligns with the current government's commitment to solar power, as enshrined in its "clean power by 2030" mission.

Regional Variations and Political Implications

The study reveals that support for solar development varies across different regions and constituencies. Chris Hewett, chief executive of Solar Energy UK, commented on the political implications: "It is clear that attacking solar farms is far from the vote winner some politicians might think it is, so Rishi Sunak's administration is wise to be far more positive about them than his predecessor's".

The Impact of Living Near Solar Farms

The survey provides valuable insights into the attitudes of people living near solar installations:

• 42% of people living near an existing, proposed, or under-construction solar farm strongly support developing the solar sector.

• Only 1% said they were strongly opposed.

These figures suggest that firsthand experience with solar farms tends to foster positive attitudes towards the technology.

Bridging the Knowledge Gap

While public support for solar energy is growing, there are still areas where public awareness could be improved:

• 54% of respondents were unaware that solar farms can deliver a net gain in biodiversity.

• Only 13% of participants identified biodiversity as a key benefit of solar farms.

These findings highlight the need for continued education and outreach efforts by the solar industry.

The Future of Solar in the UK

With the Labour Party keen to sustain the growth of the solar energy sector, projections suggest that solar capacity could reach almost 60 GW by the end of the decade. This ambitious target underscores the critical role that public support will play in the successful expansion of solar energy infrastructure across the country.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Solar Energy

The latest survey results paint a promising picture for the future of solar energy in the UK. With growing public support, increasing awareness of environmental benefits, and a government committed to clean energy goals, the solar industry is well-positioned for continued growth and success.

At Atlantic Renewables, we're excited to be part of this clean energy revolution. If you're considering installing a solar PV system or have questions about existing systems, our team of experts is here to help. Call us on 0161 207 4044 and take the first step towards a sustainable energy future today!