What It Means for the South East
The UK solar sector is heading for another record breaking year. Early forecasts suggest that 2026 will see solar capacity grow by around 50% year on year, continuing the momentum already built over the past two years and reinforcing solar’s role at the heart of the UK’s energy transition.
According to market analysis, the UK is expected to add between 5 and 5.5GW of new solar capacity in 2026. If achieved, this would make it the strongest year on record for solar adoption nationwide.
A Market Growing at Pace
The rapid growth forecast for 2026 follows a strong performance in 2025, when UK solar capacity passed 23GW after approximately 3.5GW was added in a single year. Much of this expansion was driven by large scale ground mounted solar, but rooftop installations also continued to play a vital role.
For homeowners and businesses across the South East, this growth reflects a wider shift: solar is no longer niche or future facing – it’s becoming a mainstream energy solution. With higher electricity prices and greater awareness of energy independence, more properties across Essex, Kent, London and the wider South East are turning to solar PV as a long term investment.
Residential and Commercial Solar on the Rise
While ground mounted solar now represents the largest share of new capacity nationally, rooftop solar continues to perform strongly. Residential rooftop installations recorded their best year on record, with growth of around 25% year on year. Commercial rooftops followed closely behind.
This trend is especially relevant in the South East, where housing density, commercial estates, schools and agricultural buildings offer ideal conditions for rooftop solar installations. From suburban homes to warehouses and office, unused roof speace is increasingly being recognised as a valuable energy asset.
Government backed initiatives and continued policy support have helped accelerate adoption, but the underlying driver remains simple: solar helps reduce reliance on the grid and protect against volatile energy costs.
Challenges Behind the Headlines
Despite the optimism, the industry is not without its challenges. Grid connection delays remain one of the biggest obstacles to deployments, particularly for large solar farms. Some developments are mechanically complete but waiting months, or even longer, to export power due to delayed connection dates.
Build times are also increasing as project sizes grow, with many new installations now exceeding 50MW. These challenges highlight why careful system design, realistic timelines and experienced installers are more important than ever – especially for commercial and multi-property projects in the South East.
Looking Ahead: Solar’s Role in the UK Energy Mix
Over the next four years, sustained growth will be essential if the UK is to meet the targets set by National Energy System Operator (NESO), which include ambitious levels of operational solar capacity.
Large scale solar will play a major role, but rooftop solar – particularly in high demand regions like the South East – will remain critical. Every domestic and commercial installation contributes to reducing strain on the grid, cutting carbon emissions and increasing local energy resilience.
What This Means for the South East
For property owners across the South East, the message is clear: solar is proven, scalable and here to stay. With record growth forecast nationally and continued demand locally, now is an ideal time to consider solar PV – whether for a home, business, school or agricultural site.
At SolarTherm UK we work across the South East delivering tailored solar PV systems designed around real world energy usage and future needs. From residential rooftops to commercial installations, our focus is on honest advice, quality workmanship and long term performance.
If you’re considering solar in the South East, now is the time to plan – not wait. 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.
