Record number of small-scale renewable installations in UK homes

There were a record 170,000 certified renewable installations in the first half of 2025, according to data from MCS, the UK's quality mark for small-scale renewables. Surging demand has driven a 37% increase in installations on the equivalent period in 2024.

The number of small-scale renewable installations in the first six months of 2025 was 33% higher than the previous record start to a year (Jan-June 2023), driven by three technologies:

• 120,000 certified solar panel installations (a 36% increase year-on-year)
• 20,000 battery storage installations (a 130% increase year-on-year)
• 30,000 certified heat pump installations (a 12% increase year-on-year)

Almost 50,000 of these installations were on new build properties (28% of the total), nearly double the figure from the previous year. With the Future Homes Standard due to mandate solar panels and low carbon heating in new build homes starting from 2027, this demand will only increase and represents a huge opportunity for existing installers and businesses looking to enter the green tech markets.

A key driver for this increase is the availability of financial support, with schemes like ECO4, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and the Social Housing Net Zero Fund providing whole or part funding for installations. Between January and March 2025, 11,737 heat pump installations were government-supported, equating to almost three quarters of the total number of installs.

Capitalising on growth opportunities

With new build demand and increasing government and local authority support, there has never been a better time to enter the small-scale renewables markets. Whether you are already installing green tech, or are looking to diversify and enter new sectors, support is available.

Our Solar Installer Accelerator, funded by the UK Government and West Yorkshire Combined Authority, is a free five-day training course that aims to upskill electricians in solar panel and battery storage, helping small businesses across West Yorkshire to enter new markets and win new contracts.

Find out more

Get in touch with one of our Green Tech consultants to explore the other ways that Green Economy can assist you in accessing new opportunities and enter new markets.