As the year draws to a close, it’s a good time to look back and see how solar panel trends have evolved over 2025.

A growing market

Solar energy is a growth market. This year, for the first time, renewables surpassed fossil fuels in the UK, with 14.43 billion kWh generated by solar energy. There were 1.73 million solar panel installations in the UK in 2025, showing an increase of 6.8% over 2024.

Falling costs

Solar panels are becoming more affordable, with a drop of 90% globally. This is increasing the popularity of solar panel installation. If you are interested in installing solar panels, find a solar panel installation company near you to learn more. A relevant internet search like solar panel installation Bristol will provide links to companies, such as //redbridgeandsons.co.uk/solar-pv-panels/solar-panel-installation-bristol/.

You may be able to take advantage of the Smart Export Guarantee that allows owners to sell excess energy to the grid.

Economic impact

The solar energy sector in the UK supports almost 20,000 jobs and generates close to £1.9 billion GVA or Gross Value Added. Thanks to the government’s net zero target, this trend is expected to increase, with the possibility that by 2035 it will support around 43,000 jobs and generate £5 billion. As jobs in the fossil fuel industries are declining, many are encouraging the transition of workers to the solar energy sector. Combined with further investment, including the Great British Energy initiative, this could help the plan to make Britain a clean energy powerhouse, with the solar energy market increasing through 2026 and beyond.