Solar PV panels: The facts and figures of this sustainable energy tech.
Your solar energy statistics.
Want to know how many solar PV panels there are in the UK? Or perhaps you want to know how many people work in the solar energy industry? We’ve got you covered with statistics about the solar energy world.
How much solar capacity is installed in the UK?
According to government data, as of May 2024, there’s currently 16.8 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity in the UK.
As each solar PV panel has a peak power rating of 3kWp, that means its the equivalent of 5.6 million solar panels.
How quickly is solar capacity increasing in the UK?
Back in 2010 the UK’s solar capacity was just 0.0937GW, however that has increased 17,800% since then to 16.8 GW. One of the main drivers for that was the Feed-in Tariff which paid customers for exporting their excess electricity back to the grid.
Whilst solar PV panel installations slowed in 2016 with the reduction in payments and again in 2019 with the removal of the scheme, the introduction of the Smart Export Guarantee has seen the rate of solar panel installations increase again in 2022 and 2023.
How many homes in the UK have solar panels?
According to government data, as of May 2024, 1.39 million homes in the UK have solar panels installed.
In 2010 there were only 28,211 homes with solar panels, so that’s an increase of 4,827% in that time.
Which region has the most solar panels in the UK?
If you think it’s the south of England, you’d be right. As of September 2023 the South East has 178,954 whilst the South West has 172,655. At the bottom, London has 47,479 whilst Northern Ireland has just 24,847.
What percentage of the national grid is solar power?
In 2023 solar power made up 4.9% of the electricity generated in the UK. It’s continuing to grow, having been as low as 0.01% in 2010.
What percentage of renewable energy in the UK is solar?
Solar power accounts for 3.38% of renewable energy in the UK as of 2023. It’s around the same level as heat pumps and double that of hydro.
How many people work in the UK solar industry?
According to the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology’s (REA) 2023 report, 13,860 people work in solar energy in the UK.
That number has risen from 10,911 in 2018, showing how much of a growing industry it is.
Solar energy myths vs. facts.
Debunk common misconceptions about solar energy and provide factual information. These need fact checking but are the common myths vs facts I’ve found.
Myth: Solar panels do not work in cloudy or cold climates.
Fact: Solar panels can still generate electricity on cloudy days and in cold climates. While their efficiency may decrease with less sunlight, they can still produce energy. In fact, solar panels are more efficient in cooler temperatures.
Myth: Solar panels require a lot of maintenance.
Fact: Solar panels require very little maintenance. They have no moving parts and only need occasional cleaning and periodic checks by a professional to ensure they are functioning optimally.
Myth: Solar energy is too expensive and not economically viable.
Fact: The cost of solar energy has decreased significantly over the past decade. Additionally, there are incentives that can reduce the initial investment. Over time, savings on electricity bills can make solar energy a cost-effective option.
Myth: Solar panels damage your roof.
Fact: When installed properly, solar panels can actually protect and preserve the portion of the roof they cover. They can also be installed without damaging the existing roof structure.
Myth: Solar panels are bad for the environment after their useful life.
Fact: Solar panels have a lifespan of 25-30 years, and many components can be recycled. The industry is working on improving recycling processes, making solar energy a more sustainable choice in the long term.
Myth: Solar energy systems require batteries.
Fact: While batteries can store excess energy for use when the sun isn't shining, they are not necessary for a solar energy system to function. Many systems are ‘grid-tied’, meaning they can draw power from the grid when needed and feed excess power back into it.
Myth: Solar energy is only for wealthy people.
Fact: Solar energy is becoming more accessible to people of all income levels. Financing options, leasing programs, and government incentives make it easier for a wider range of homeowners to afford solar energy systems.
Myth: Solar panels will make my house look unattractive.
Fact: Solar panel designs have evolved, and there are now sleek, low-profile options that can blend with the roofline. Some solar shingles and tiles can match the appearance of traditional roofing materials. Plus all the solar panels we sell are all black, helping them look sleek on your home’s roof.
Myth: Solar panels are not efficient enough to be worthwhile.
Fact: Solar panel technology has advanced significantly, with modern panels converting sunlight into electricity at high efficiencies. Even less efficient panels can be worthwhile depending on the installation location and energy needs.
Myth: Solar energy cannot fully power a home.
Fact: With the right system size and setup, solar energy can meet all the energy needs of a home. This includes accounting for energy use patterns and incorporating energy-efficient practices.
Save up to £760 off your electricity with solar panels.
A 12 panel solar system and battery could see savings of up to £760 a year on your home's electricity bill1. T&Cs apply.
With the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), you can also get money paid back for exporting excess solar energy you generate back to the grid.
E.ON have 2 solar packages that can be tailored to meet your requirements, the Energise package and the Optimise package. Find out more about which solar package is right for you.
Plus, if you have an electric vehicle, our Next Drive EV tariff can be used with solar.
Get a solar quoteConsider solar if you drive electric.
Another big benefit to having both solar panels and a battery is the fact that owners of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids can use their own renewable energy to provide the electricity to charge their car.
Given that the UK government has already announced plans to ban all sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035, this offers not only an immediate benefit today, but a great way of futureproofing your investment, too.
In fact, our own research revealed almost nine out of 10 prospective homebuyers (89%) would now prefer properties with sustainable energy tech like solar panels, over having a garden (80%). Furthermore, it has been found that solar panels can increase the value of an average home by as much as £30,000.2
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