New solar panels in Great Britain at 15-year high as fossil fuel costs soar
Great Britain has seen a 15-year high in solar power installations during the first half of 2026. The surge is driven by rising fossil fuel costs and new government legislation allowing for balcony solar panels.
Why it matters
This trend highlights a significant shift toward decentralized renewable energy as households seek to mitigate high energy costs.
UK households will be able to fit balcony solar panels by the end of August after legislation was passed this month. Photograph: Climate Central UK households will be able to fit balcony solar panels by the end of August after legislation was passed this month. Photograph: Climate Central Solar power New solar panels in Great Britain at 15-year high as fossil fuel costs soar Boom in solar farms and home installations in first half of 2026 began shortly after start of US-Israel war against Iran
Prefer the Guardian on Google Great Britain has recorded more new solar power installations in the first half of this year than in any six-month period since 2011, as households turn to rooftop panels to help cut their energy bills.
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