Installed solar energy capacity in United Kingdom
United Kingdom: Installed solar energy capacity was 17.88 gigawatts in 2024. ◆ Volatile
Installed solar energy capacity in United Kingdom, 2000–2024
Source: IRENA (2025) – processed by Our World in Data. Measured in gigawatts.
Analysis
In 2024, installed solar energy capacity in United Kingdom stood at 17.88 gigawatts. That is the highest value across all 25 years on record.
That represents a change of up 9.9% on the previous year and up 223.5% over ten years.
Over the whole period, installed solar energy capacity in United Kingdom peaked at 17.88 gigawatts in 2024 and was at its lowest, 0.002 gigawatts, in 2000.
That places United Kingdom 16th out of 218 countries with data for 2024, putting it in the top 10%.
The series is highly variable year to year, so single readings are best treated with caution.
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000s | 0.0116 gigawatts | 0.002 gigawatts | 0.027 gigawatts | 10 |
| 2010s | 7.2 gigawatts | 0.095 gigawatts | 13.35 gigawatts | 10 |
| 2020s | 15.45 gigawatts | 13.87 gigawatts | 17.88 gigawatts | 5 |
Countries ranked near United Kingdom
More energy & mining data for United Kingdom
- Fuel imports 8.2% (2025)
- Ores and metals imports 3.3% (2025)
- Ores and metals exports 5.7% (2025)
- Gas production 299.32 terawatt-hours (2025)
- Fossil fuel production per person, by fuel 4,304 kilowatt-hours per person (2025)
- Fossil fuel production by fuel 299.32 terawatt-hours (2025)
- Gas production per person 4,304 kilowatt-hours per person (2025)
- Fuel exports 7.1% (2025)
- Electric power transmission and distribution losses 9.9% (2024)
- Share of dietary energy supply from carbohydrates vs. GDP per capita 49.5% (2023)
Frequently asked questions
- What is installed solar energy capacity in United Kingdom?
- Installed solar energy capacity in United Kingdom was 17.88 gigawatts in 2024, according to IRENA (2025) – processed by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest installed solar energy capacity recorded in United Kingdom?
- The highest recorded value was 17.88 gigawatts in 2024.
- What is the lowest installed solar energy capacity recorded in United Kingdom?
- The lowest recorded value was 0.002 gigawatts in 2000.
- How does United Kingdom rank for installed solar energy capacity?
- United Kingdom ranks 16th out of 218 countries with data for 2024.
- Is installed solar energy capacity rising or falling in United Kingdom?
- Over the last ten years it is up 223.5%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
- Where does this United Kingdom data come from?
- The figures come from IRENA (2025) – processed by Our World in Data, published as part of Installed solar energy capacity. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
Download this data
CSV · JSON — 25 observations, free to reuse under CC BY 4.0 (Our World in Data).
About this data
Total solar (on- and off-grid) electricity installed capacity, measured in gigawatts. This includes solar photovoltaic and concentrated solar power.