UK solar capacity tops 20 GW after record 2025 additions

The United Kingdom has surpassed 20 GW of installed solar capacity, adding 1.4 GW since January 2025, according to provisional data from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). The 373 MW Cleve Hill project, commissioned in July, became the country’s largest solar plant.

Ground-mounted and standalone systems now account for about 40% of total capacity, rising to 58% when including unaccredited sites. Around 520 MW of new capacity in 2025 came from plants over 5 MW.

Further growth is expected as several large projects, including the 500 MW Tillbridge Solar Project, gain approval. The UK targets 45 GW of solar capacity by 2030, but progress will depend on future Contract for Difference (CfD) rounds.