Nearly 172,000 solar installations have been fitted across the UK since the start of 2026, according to government data published on 27 August 2026, with increases in every UK nation and English region over the previous 12 months1. The figures were released alongside the first regional breakdown of UK solar deployment, and follow the legalisation of plug-in solar panels across Great Britain1.
Nearly 28,000 installations were completed across homes, businesses and larger-scale projects in July 2026, the third-highest month on record behind March and June this year1. Rooftop solar accounted for more than seven in ten July installations, with more than 19,800 rooftop installations in the month, equivalent to one every two minutes1. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero published the regional totals for the year to date1:
| Region | Installations in 2026 | Cumulative total | Change since last July |
|---|---|---|---|
| South East | 22,628 | 305,101 | +14% |
| South West | 17,539 | 271,400 | +13% |
| East of England | 18,109 | 241,195 | +15% |
| East Midlands | 15,981 | 182,606 | +17% |
| North West | 15,927 | 186,253 | +16% |
Wales recorded an 18% rise, Scotland grew by 14% and installations in the North East increased by 11%1. Energy Minister Michael Shanks said:
"Record numbers of families are installing solar panels to generate clean, homegrown power, helping them cut their energy bills."
Plug-in solar panels became available to buy in the UK on 27 August 2026, connecting directly to a standard UK household socket, with extension cables not permitted3. Each kit produces up to 800W, enough to provide up to 20% of an average home's electricity use, with no installation cost, and the Energy Saving Trust puts potential savings at up to £100 a year4. The Scotsman reports the average cost of plug-in units at around £450, down from £760 for early models, against an average rooftop installation cost of around £7,600, down from around £20,0002. A typical rooftop installation is 4.5kW, against around 800W for a plug-in2. Owners are legally required to register plug-in devices before use, providing name, postcode and the make and model, and should check the model appears on the Energy Networks Association Connect Direct LCT device register3.
Why it matters for households
The figures show solar adoption widening beyond households able to fund a full rooftop system. Plug-in kits are aimed at homes where rooftop installation is not an option, whether because of an unsuitable roof or the installation cost, and suit garden space, balconies or fences2. The Energy Saving Trust says compliant panels are safe and compatible with UK wiring, following independent safety testing, and that the UK safety specification is more stringent than Germany's4. Permissions may still be needed, including from a landlord, building owner or freeholder, or planning permission or listed building consent4. The Scotsman reports that the UK government has set solar as permitted development, so most people would have the right to plug in solar, but that this is not the case in Scotland, where planning permission could still be required in some buildings2.
What happens next
Retailers including Currys, B&Q, Screwfix and Amazon have worked with government on the rollout and will soon stock plug-in solar in stores and online1. Argos is already selling the kits, with the others set to follow2. The Energy Saving Trust reports that Amazon, Argos, Currys and Wickes have committed to stocking plug-in panels4. No date has been given for the remaining retailers' stock, and no response from the Scottish Government on permitted development has been reported2.
Sources4 cited
- First regional solar breakdown as installations hit record highs - GOV.UK, gov.uk
- Could plug-in options mean now is the time to go solar?, scotsman.com
- Plug‑in Solar Panels UK | What They Are, How They Work & How to Register, enwl.co.uk
- Plug-in solar panels available in Great Britain - Energy Saving Trust, energysavingtrust.org.uk