Latest figures from the MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) dashboard show the current total stands at 1,500,718 – a milestone achievement for the most popular domestic renewable energy system.
This covers solar installations with a maximum DC output of 50 kilowatts, beyond which it is considered commercial scale. A typical household rooftop system capacity is 3-4KW.
Ian Rippin, CEO at MCS, said: “We’re incredibly proud that the UK has reached 1.5 million MCS-certified solar PV installations. This milestone mirrors the growing demand among homeowners to generate home-grown electricity – reducing energy bills, claiming energy independence, and decreasing their carbon footprint.”
Chris Hewett, chief executive of Solar Energy UK, said: “Congratulations to MCS for reaching this important milestone. The fact that 500,000 of these installations have been carried out since the end of subsidies in 2019 shows that consumer demand for clean energy is stronger than ever.
“Solar Energy UK is proud to work alongside the organisation to drive the industry forward and maintain high standards.”
It is anticipated that at the current rate of installation, the two million milestone could be achieved in around three years.
Roadmap to 70 GW
At the latest count, the UK had reached a cumulative solar capacity of 15.7 GW – that’s against a government target of achieving 70 GW by 2035. The number of new residential installations in the UK last year was the highest since 2011 and latest figures suggest there are plans in the pipeline for ground-mounted solar projects of more than 24 GW combined.
The eagerly awaited publication of the roadmap to 70 GW by the Solar Taskforce is also expected this year, so we’ll be keen to see the suggested steps for taking the UK further towards that target.
We featured a full in-depth round up of where we are in the journey to solar PV and what lies ahead in the latest edition of the Renewable Energy Installer magazine, available now.
Image credit: iStock.