United Kingdom Solar Power Market Overview, 2030

The United Kingdom has made significant strides in its commitment to renewable energy, positioning solar power as a key element in its broader strategy to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050. Solar energy is set to play a central role in the country’s decarbonization efforts, not only as a source of clean energy but also as a driver of economic growth and innovation. From its initial reliance on government-led incentives, such as Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs), to the recent shift toward subsidy-free projects, the UK solar market has evolved considerably. Private sector investments are becoming increasingly important as the industry grows, with the UK being a leader in offshore solar hybrid projects and the integration of solar technologies in urban environments. The country is also capitalizing on the advancements in solar storage, which offer solutions to mitigate the intermittency of sunlight. Key drivers of solar power adoption include ambitious government decarbonization targets, corporate commitments to sustainability, and technological advancements that make solar energy more accessible. However, challenges such as land constraints, the intermittency of sunlight, and regulatory complexities related to Brexit remain. Policies such as the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, which guarantees fixed payments to renewable energy producers, and Local Area Energy Plans, which guide the integration of renewable sources, will continue to shape the solar landscape in the UK.

According to the research report "United Kingdom Solar Power Market Overview, 2030," published by Bonafide Research, the United Kingdom solar power market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 22.77 Billion by 2030. The UK solar market has seen substantial growth in recent years, driven by an increasing demand for renewable energy and government policies that support solar installations. By 2030, the market is expected to reach significant milestones, with projections indicating robust growth in solar installations, grid capacity, and overall revenue. As of 2024, the market has demonstrated resilience in its recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, spurred by continued investments in renewable energy projects. Prominent players in the market, including Light source BP, EDF Renewables, and Octopus Energy, have been at the forefront of this growth, with new entrants making strides in solar innovations. The UK’s solar sector is showing strong performance across regions, particularly in England, which benefits from more sunlight hours than other parts of the country like Scotland. Government initiatives have also supported the rise of solar farms and community-driven solar projects, contributing to the market’s expansion. The UK’s reliance on imported solar modules is shifting as domestic manufacturing capacity grows, bolstering the country's energy security. Looking ahead, large-scale solar parks and battery-integrated solar systems are expected to drive further growth in the market.

The United Kingdom solar power market consists of various products essential for efficient energy generation, storage, and management. Solar panels are the core component of solar power systems, converting sunlight into electricity through photovoltaic (PV) technology. Over the years, advancements in PV technology have significantly improved the efficiency and reduced the cost of solar panels, making them more accessible to a wide range of consumers. Charge controllers are another crucial product, ensuring the proper regulation of power flow from solar panels to the batteries, preventing overcharging and enhancing the longevity of the system. Batteries have become increasingly important in the UK solar market, allowing users to store excess energy generated during peak sunlight hours for later use. This makes solar energy more reliable, especially in residential applications, where energy consumption does not always align with peak solar generation times. Inverters play a pivotal role by converting the direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC), which is used by most appliances and can be fed into the national grid. The growing adoption of battery storage systems has also contributed to increased demand for advanced inverters capable of managing both solar energy generation and storage. Other products, such as mounting systems, trackers, and electrical components, optimize the performance and durability of solar installations.

The UK solar power market is witnessing a diverse range of end-users driving adoption across various sectors, each with its unique needs and motivations. Residential consumers, spurred by rising electricity prices and government incentives, are increasingly investing in rooftop solar systems to reduce energy costs and achieve greater energy autonomy. In parallel, commercial enterprises are following suit, driven by the need to meet sustainability targets, reduce operational costs, and future-proof their businesses against energy price fluctuations. Large-scale utility-driven projects continue to expand the UK’s solar energy generation capacity, playing a vital role in the national push for decarbonization. The demand for solar energy is further accelerated by government grants, net metering incentives, and the growing recognition of solar as a reliable, long-term energy solution. Solar installers, leasing options, and online platforms are key facilitators, making solar adoption more accessible across different consumer segments. As environmental awareness grows, a significant trend is emerging, with more consumers opting for solar-integrated smart homes, and communities coming together through programs like Solar Together to benefit from collective procurement efforts and achieve cost savings. Urban areas, particularly London, are seeing a rise in rooftop solar adoption due to limited space and high demand for sustainable energy solutions, while rural regions, with their vast available space, are focusing on large-scale solar farms. This diversified adoption across various sectors is reshaping the UK’s energy landscape, pushing the country closer to its renewable energy and carbon reduction goals.

Major Companies present in the market:
Canadian Solar Inc., Trina Solar Co., Limited, Jinko Solar Holding Co., Limited, Longi Green Energy Technology Co., Limited, JA Solar Technology Co., Limited, Sunpower Corporation, First Solar Inc., Hanwha Corporation, Abengoa, S.A., Engie SA



Considered in this report
• Historical year: 2018
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Solar power market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Region-wise solar power market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Regions covered in the report
• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle-East & Africa

Types of Technology in the report:
• Solar Photovoltaic
• Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)
• Others

By Product
• Solar Panels
• Charge Controllers
• Batteries
• Inverters
• Others

By Installation
• Ground mounted
• Roof mounted
• Others

By Application in the report:
• Residential
• Commercial/ Industrial
• Others

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analysing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to solar power industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.