Record number of UK renewables installed, MCS reports

According to data from MCS, there were a record 170,000 certified renewable installations in the first six months of 2025. This is a 37% increase on the equivalent period last year, and a 33% increase on the previous highest start to a year in 2023. MCS stated that the record number of installations is fuelled by three technologies: solar panels, battery storage, and heat pumps.

There were 120,000 certified solar panel installations in the first six months of 2025. This is a 36% increase on the same period for last year and 13% higher than the previous January to June record which was set in 2012.

Battery storage saw almost 20,000 installations, a 130% increase on the same period last year. The data also revealed a further 30,000 certified heat pump installations, which is a 12% increase on last year’s record start to a year.

MCS data found that there were almost 50,000 renewable installations on new build properties, which has accounted for 28% of the total for the year so far. The scheme noted that this is almost double the figure for January to June 2024, where 21% of certified renewables went onto new builds.

The Future Homes Standard is set to mandate solar panels and low carbon heating in new build homes from 2027. MCS said this has highlighted the massive potential for growth in the industry as the government works towards key housebuilding targets. The scheme added that one of the key drivers behind the increasing number of renewable installations is financial support from government. This is through schemes such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan, the Social Housing Net Zero Fund, and ECO4. For example, data from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) highlighted the impact that government incentives are having on heat pump uptake. The latest figures available, from January to March 2025, showed that 11,737 heat pump installations were government-supported, which equated to about three quarters of total heat pump installations.

The CEO at MCS, said: “Across all renewable technologies, we are seeing a dramatic rise in the number of installations being delivered into homes – helping to reduce energy bills for consumers and drive down emissions. Crucially, there are also more MCS certified installers than ever before, which means a growing capacity to deliver high-quality installations at volume into people’s homes. 

“With roughly 14% of greenhouse gas emissions estimated to come from domestic heating, it’s critical that installations of low-carbon technologies are delivered to a high quality. As installation numbers continue to rise, we’re proud of the vital role that MCS standards continue to play in giving everyone confidence in the ability of home-grown technology to heat and power their homes.” 

The Minister for Energy Consumers, added: “People can save hundreds of pounds off their energy bills when installing renewable and low-carbon technologies like solar panels, heat pumps and batteries. “So it is no wonder that installations in the first six months of 2025 have broken records, as households recognise it just makes financial sense.   "that is why we are also pushing ahead with our Warm Homes Plan, which will deliver lower bills and warmer homes for millions of families.”

Taken from Heating & Plumbing Monthly

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