What It Means for Solar and Your Home
2025 was a pivotal year for renewable energy in the UK. For the first time in the nation’s history, wind and solar together generated a record volume of electricity as part of the UK’s drive to decarbonise and reshape its energy mix.
At SolarTherm UK, we see this as a milestone as validation of both the accelerating role that solar PV (photovoltaics) plays in the National Grid and the relevance of investing in rooftop solar and battery ready systems for homeowners and businesses alike.
Renewables Took Centre Stage in the UK Energy Mix
According to BBC News and reporting data from the National Energy System Operator (NESO), renewable sources—primarily wind and solar—reached a new high in electricity generation in 2025. Unusually sunny conditions throughout the year significantly boosted solar output, while the continued expansion of solar and wind farms across the UK increased overall generation capacity, making conditions ideal for record-breaking renewable electricity production and further reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
While wind remains the largest single source within renewables, solar’s contribution has grown significantly. On bright days, solar PV has supplied more than 30% of the UK’s electricity demand and overall solar generation rose by roughly a third compared to 2024.
This is clear, concise evidence that clean energy infrastructure is working and delivering measurable results.
Why 2025 Was Exceptional for Solar
Several factors combined to make 2025 a record year for solar:
- More installed capacity: the UK expanded its solar PV installations, with increases in both rooftop solar and utility scale solar farms capacity resulting in higher output.
- Sunniest conditions on record: 2025 was one of the warmest and sunniest years in recent memory, significantly boosting solar generation potential.
- Grid integration improvements: better forecasting and grid management by NESO helped renewables deliver more consistent supply.
Together, these helped push solar output upwards, not just a seasonal peak, but as a meaningful contribution to a national energy supply.
What This Means for Homeowners and Businesses
The rapid growth in renewables – and particularly solar – has several implications for those looking into solar now.
- Solar is now a proven, scalable contributor
Solar is no longer a niche, futuristic technology. Solar is now meeting energy demand and shifting the balance away from fossil fuel generated electricity.
- Reduced lifetime costs for solar owners
The cost of solar continues to decrease, falling over 80% in the last decade. Combined with rising energy bills and the potential savings from generating your own clean, free electricity, solar becomes even more compelling.
- Added value from battery storage
High solar output years, like 2025, underline why pairing PV systems with battery storage can be a strategic investment, enabling homes and businesses to consume more of their own self-generated electricity.
- A clear path to carbon reduction
Every kilowatt hour of solar electricity displaces carbon forms of electricity generation. This growth in solar helps both the UK’s Net Zero commitments and your personal or corporate sustainability goals.
The Future of the UK’s Energy Mix
In the future, battery storage will be critical to increasing the overall share of renewable energy available in the UK electricity system because it directly addresses the issue of intermittency. Only 2% of the year, there is neither enough solar or wind power to generate electricity, however, regularly wind turbines are required to be switched off as they are generating more electricity than the demand.
Storage will allow surplus energy to be captured, stored and released when demand is highest, reducing reliance on fossil fuel power stations during low wind or solar energy periods. At scale, widespread storage smooths supply and demand, stabilises the grid, reduces renewable curtailment and enables a higher penetration of wind and solar without compromising reliability.
In effect, storage transforms renewable generation from a variable resource into a more controllable, dispatchable energy supply, unlocking significantly greater usable renewable capacity.
SolarTherm UK’s Commitment
At SolarTherm UK, we are committed to helping our customers make the most of these national trends. Our solar PV and battery storage solutions are:
- Designed to maximise generation across the seasons
- Tailored to your property needs
- Compatible with future grid requirements
- Installed by MCS accredited professionals with ongoing support and maintenance
Whether you are considering your first solar installation or looking to upgrade an existing system, the 2025 renewable records highlight why now is an opportune time to act.
Take The Next Step
Solar power is no longer the alternative power source, it is the way to a cleaner, greener, more affordable energy future. Contact SolarTherm UK today for a free, no obligation quote and design, tailored to your property, usage and future energy needs. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice.
Your home. Your energy. Your future.
