Britain has broken its record for solar power generation in 2025, according to new data. This tracks with the UK’s sunniest spring on record, combined with an increase in solar photovoltaic (PV) panel installations across the UK.
Solar Generation Outpaces Wind Generation
Solar energy generation increased by 32% in 2025, producing a record 9.91 TWh, and outpacing wind power generation in the process. According to the report by energy think tank Ember, either solar or wind power generation is possible for 98% of the year. They are like the salt and pepper of the energy industry; balanced perfectly to keep electricity green year-round. This means that even though wind power generation dropped at the beginning of the year, the deficit was offset by the sunny weather of spring and summer.
It helps that solar PV installations are at their highest level in ten years, with households and businesses turning to solar energy as a solution to rising energy prices. The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) noted that there were 120,000 certified UK solar installations in the first half of 2025, which is a 37% increase on the same period last year. This is no surprise, given that solar PV systems are now more affordable than other energy sources, including wind power.
Solar’s Role in Reducing Carbon Emissions
While solar energy is not 100% carbon neutral, its carbon footprint is substantially smaller than that of other energy solutions. The lifetime carbon footprint of a solar array is only 50g (equivalent to a golf ball!), and this is offset within a few years. So, by generating clean electricity from solar panels instead of exclusively burning fossil fuels, the UK is making substantial progress toward becoming a clean energy superpower. In fact, gas fell to just 21% of energy generation in June 2025, representing record lows for two consecutive months.
This displacement of fossil fuels by clean energy directly reduces carbon dioxide emissions and contributes to the UK’s climate targets. That being said, at present, gas continues to be necessary as a reserve energy source. As the UK’s solar power capacity increases, this dependence is likely to reduce.
UK Clean Power Targets and Initiatives
The UK government’s ambition is for the UK to rely solely on clean power by 2030 and to be Net Zero by 2050. To facilitate these targets, the UK government has introduced green initiatives and funding opportunities for businesses wanting to transition to renewable energy.
- Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): A scheme that allows your business to sell unused energy to energy suppliers, for use on the National Grid.
- Climate Change Levy (CCL) Exemption: By generating your own solar energy output with “small generator” based solar panels, your business will receive exemptions from the Climate Change Levy.
- Enhanced Capital Allowances: Businesses can take advantage of capital allowances that enable solar equipment costs to be deducted against taxable income, improving the financial return on investment in solar power.
- Great British Energy: A publicly owned company that invests in green energy solutions for communities across the United Kingdom. This is a good funding option for third sector organisations.
The government says this green energy drive will result in a “reindustrialisation” which could create investments worth £40bn per year, increase jobs, and lower energy bills for homes and businesses alike. This represents an opportunity for UK businesses to benefit from the clean energy transition. By investing in solar projects, they can increase energy independence and move towards both financial and ecological sustainability.
Solar Energy for Businesses
With supportive government initiatives in place, it makes perfect sense for businesses to invest in solar sooner rather than later. Frankie Mayo, Senior Energy Analyst at Ember, comments,
“Solar works for households, it works for businesses and it works for the country. Developing both solar and wind projects is essential to ensure that we have a strong, stable and clean power system year round.”
The first half of 2025 has proven that the UK’s solar capacity can deliver remarkable results when combined with favourable weather conditions, making solar a continued rising star of the energy industry.
Want to join the masses who are taking advantage of solar system gains? Book a free consultation today, and power up your business’s energy.
