[SMM PV News] UK Solar Capacity Hits 22 GW Amid Utility-Scale Surge

Published: Mar 27, 2026 09:17

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A surge in utility-scale solar deployment has driven the UK's total photovoltaic capacity to a provisional 22 GW by the end of February 2026. According to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero ('DESNZ'), the country added 2.5 GW of capacity over the past 12 months. This rapid growth is largely fueled by the commissioning of large-scale plants (25 MW or greater) supported by the government's fifth and sixth Cfd allocation rounds. Meanwhile, small-scale rooftop installations also set new records, reaching 6.3 GW of total capacity. The industry expects this momentum to continue as the seventh 'CfD' round expands the utility-scale pipeline, while upcoming household efficiency grants and rooftop mandates for England and Wales promise further growth in the residential sector.

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