Wales has emerged as the leading region in the UK for adopting solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, according to new data.
Figures from the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) reveal that 15,418 new solar PV systems were installed across Wales in 2024. This equates to about 500 systems per 100,000 people — double the installation rate seen in England.
Of those, 13,310 systems were installed on residential properties, while 2,108 were fitted on commercial buildings.
The Isle of Anglesey topped all UK local authorities for the proportion of homes embracing solar energy, with over 3% of households installing panels during 2024. A total of 979 installations took place on the island, slightly fewer than in 2023.
Overall, six out of the ten top local authorities for home solar adoption last year were located in Wales.
Ceredigion came second in terms of uptake, with 891 new domestic systems, while Powys led the nation in total installations with 1,466 systems added in 2024.
Areas with the most new solar panel systems in Wales last year:
- Powys – 1,466
- Carmarthenshire – 1,373
- Gwynedd – 1,118
- Pembrokeshire – 1,076
- Isle of Anglesey – 979
In contrast, Cardiff and Swansea saw lower engagement with solar, recording just 742 and 600 installations respectively — putting them among the UK’s least active areas for solar adoption per capita.
The study, conducted by EnergyEfficiency.ie using MCS data, also highlighted a sharp drop in installation costs. Between January 2024 and January 2025, the average cost of fitting solar panels in Wales fell by approximately £1,000 — from £8,956 to £7,961.
Despite high numbers in 2023, last year slightly exceeded it, making 2024 one of the most successful years on record for solar panel adoption. The only year with more installations was 2011, which saw 16,265 systems fitted.
Scotland also posted strong results in 2024, with 24,338 solar systems installed, including 15,409 for households. This translates to about 450 installations per 100,000 people — just behind Wales — though Wales had a higher proportion of residential installations.
England lagged behind with only 250 systems per 100,000 residents, totalling 142,791 new PV installations for the year.
In total, the UK saw over 260,000 MCS-certified renewable energy systems installed in homes and small businesses in 2024, including solar panels, heat pumps, and battery storage — marking a 7% increase from the previous year, which was itself a record.
