UK's Solar Hotspots: Top Cities and Regions for Solar Power in 2024

Solar power adoption in the UK has significantly risen in recent years. This increase is driven by rising energy costs, environmental concerns, and supportive government policies. The country's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and fostering sustainable energy sources has spurred significant growth in solar panel installations across numerous regions. Consequently, many areas are now seeing a rapid increase in the adoption of solar technology.

This comprehensive analysis explores the UK's solar hotspots. Specifically, it identifies the cities and regions with the highest installed solar panels and the top local authorities for solar power. Additionally, it highlights the sunniest regions and the most significant increase in solar power installations.

Data was sourced from various reliable platforms to ensure the accuracy and comprehensiveness of this analysis. Specifically, the MCS Data Dashboard and ONS Regional Renewable Statistics were utilised. Additionally, information was gathered from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. The analysis covers 2018 to 2024, providing a detailed view of solar power adoption across the UK.

The 4kW solar panel system has emerged as the most widely adopted size in the UK residential market as of 2024. This system size balances cost-effectiveness and energy output, making it a practical choice for the average British household.

A system of 4kW solar panels costs between £9,000 and £10,000. With decent sunlight hours and installation on a south-facing roof, it can save an average household around £770 per year. Therefore, investing in solar panels can be financially beneficial in the long run.

With the current incentives and energy prices, the payback period for a 4kW system is typically between 10 and 15 years. Consequently, this makes it an attractive long-term investment. Homeowners seeking to reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint will find this option particularly beneficial.

However, smaller systems (e.g., 2kW or 3kW) may be suitable for households with lower energy demands. They may need sufficient energy production to offset significant energy costs. Larger systems (e.g., 6kW or 8kW) can be more expensive and require additional roof space. Conversely, this can be a limiting factor for some properties.

Residential installations represent the bulk of solar PV adoption in the UK. As of February 2024, there were 1,468,652 solar panel installations across the UK. Notably, residential buildings accounted for 83% of new systems installed in February 2024.

The increasing electricity prices and advancements in solar technology have driven more homeowners to adopt solar PV systems. This is possible through a coastal city in the South West of England with a hotspot score of 8.48 out of 10. Moreover, this city has embraced solar power, capitalising on its favourable climate and the region's commitment to renewable energy.

Commercial solar panel installations have grown significantly, particularly in urban areas with large rooftop spaces. Cities like London and Bristol have numerous businesses that have installed solar panels, contributing to the overall increase in solar capacity.

The capital's commitment to sustainability and the availability of suitable rooftop spaces have contributed to this impressive figure.

Several factors determine the solar hotspot score:

The Green Homes Grant and Home Upgrade Grant have significantly contributed to the increase in solar installations. In particular, these programs have benefited low-income households.

Wales and Scotland dominate the top regions for solar installations, with significant increases in installations and high solar hotspot scores. This is partly due to government policies mandating solar installations on new builds and community initiatives.

These cities are leading the way in adopting solar power in the UK. This progress is driven by favourable policies, community initiatives, and a strong commitment to renewable energy.

On the other hand, the following table lists the bottom 15 local authorities in the UK based on the percentage of households with solar PV installations. 

Urban areas, particularly in Scotland and Northern Ireland, tend to have lower solar adoption rates due to higher population density and fewer suitable rooftop spaces. In addition, Stoke-on-Trent saw a significant decline in solar panel installations, with a 90% drop from 4,287 installations in 2018/19 to just 428 by 2023/24.

However, regions like Moray (2.64%) and Dumfries and Galloway (2.57%) showed significant solar panel adoption. Although Northern Ireland ranks lower overall with a score of 1.21, it has seen a substantial increase in solar panel installations, with a 226% rise compared to 2018-19.

Additionally, these regions experience lower average sunshine hours, contributing to the reduced adoption of solar energy.

According to the MCS Data Dashboard, the following regions experienced the most significant year-on-year percentage increase in solar PV installations between 2018/19 and 2023/24. Moreover, these regions saw substantial growth in solar PV adoption over the five years.

Northern Ireland and the North West of England have witnessed remarkable growth, with Mid Ulster leading the way with a staggering 1,430% increase in solar installations. This surge can be attributed to favourable government incentives and community initiatives. Moreover, awareness of solar power's economic and environmental benefits is growing.

Local authorities have demonstrated exceptional performance in promoting and facilitating solar power installations. Their proactive policies, community initiatives, and support for renewable energy projects have set them apart. 

According to the MCS Data Dashboard, Pembrokeshire in Wales is the local authority with the highest percentage of households with solar PV installations between 2023 and 2024. With a remarkable 9.17 solar hotspot score, Pembrokeshire has embraced solar power. Therefore, 2.54% of its households had installed solar panels as of December 2023.

The Dorset, England, is closely followed by a solar hotspot score of 9.16 and 1.30% of households with solar installations. Cornwall (9.11 score, 1.56% households) and Wiltshire (9.00 score, 1.63% households) round out the top four local authorities in the UK for solar panel adoption.

The following table highlights the top local authorities in terms of solar panel installations.

However, other counties, like the Isle of Anglesey, another Welsh county, are also leading with a solar hotspot score of 8.6 and 4.21% of households with solar installations. Anglesey has become a model for solar adoption. Ceredigion (8.12 score, 4.12% households) and Powys (7.29 score, 3.29% households) solar panel adoption. 

The adoption of solar power has been widespread across the UK. However, certain areas have experienced a more significant year-on-year increase in solar installations between 2018 and 2024.

For instance, Liverpool noted an 887% rise, with installations growing from 113 to 1,115. Also, Mid Ulster saw an extraordinary increase of 1,430%, from just ten installations in 2018/19 to 153 in 2023/24.

According to the MCS Data Dashboard, the regions with the most substantial growth in solar power adoption are:

While solar power can be harnessed across the UK, certain regions benefit from higher solar irradiation levels. Consequently, these regions are more conducive to solar energy generation.

According to data from the Met Office, the sunniest areas in the UK over the past 30 years (1991-2020) are:

According to the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), rural constituencies have enough domestic solar panels to generate 12.5 megawatts (MW) of energy yearly compared to 4.5 MW in urban areas.

A range of government policies and community-driven initiatives have facilitated the growth of solar power in the UK. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero's Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery (LAD) and Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) schemes have supported energy efficiency upgrades for low-income households across England.

Specifically, these initiatives have provided crucial funding and resources to improve home insulation and heating systems. As a result, many low-income families have benefited from reduced energy bills and improved living conditions.

These schemes have also facilitated solar panel installations for these households. Homeowners can also benefit from the solar panel grant offered by the government to encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources.

According to the latest data from December 2023, the LAD 3 scheme delivered 27,000 measures across 19,700 households, with solar PV accounting for 38% of the installations. The HUG 1 scheme, focused on off-grid properties, installed 6,400 measures across 4,100 households, with solar PV representing 28% of the installations.

Community-led initiatives, such as the Westmill Solar Park in Oxfordshire, have empowered local communities to participate in the transition to renewable energy. Additionally, these initiatives foster a sense of ownership and engagement among residents. These initiatives contribute to the UK's solar power capacity and foster a sense of ownership and engagement among residents.

If every household in the UK installed solar panels, the country could produce approximately 95,880 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean, free electricity each year. Consequently, this would save households an estimated £32.6 billion annually. Additionally, according to government data, it would reduce the UK's annual carbon footprint by 28 million tonnes of CO2, which is a 7% reduction.

Residential and commercial solar installations have played a significant role in the UK's solar power landscape. Large-scale solar farms have also contributed to the country's renewable energy mix. Moreover, these large-scale solar farms have significantly bolstered the nation's renewable energy capacity.

According to a survey by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, 88% of respondents support using solar power in the UK. Furthermore, this high support indicates a strong public endorsement of renewable energy sources. However, only 54% would be happy about a solar farm in their local area.

According to the latest data, the top largest solar farms in the UK are:

These large-scale solar farms contribute significantly to the UK's renewable energy generation. The growing number of residential and commercial installations contributes significantly to the UK's renewable energy generation. Additionally, they play a crucial role in the country's efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

The UK's solar power landscape is dynamic and rapidly evolving, with cities and regions embracing this clean and abundant energy source. The adoption of solar power is gaining momentum. Solar hotspots like Plymouth, Leeds, and Sunderland lead the way in residential areas. Meanwhile, commercial powerhouses such as London, Birmingham, and Manchester are also making significant strides.

As the UK transitions to a more sustainable energy landscape, the regions highlighted in this analysis serve as exemplary models for solar power adoption. High solar irradiance, supportive local governments, and community initiatives have created a strong foundation. These factors have positioned these areas at the forefront of the UK's solar revolution.

Moreover, these factors have contributed to the rapid growth of solar energy adoption in these regions. Consequently, these factors have collectively driven significant advancements in solar energy adoption.