[Solar PV: UK Solar Hits 2M Installations as Volumes Surge to 14-Year High]

Published: May 7, 2026 09:14
As of March 2026, UK solar capacity reached 22.1 GW, supported by over 2 million cumulative installations. Monthly growth peaked in March with 27,607 new sites, the highest rate since 2012. While small-scale arrays under 50 kW dominate by count, large-scale progress was highlighted by the 373 MW Cleve Hill plant. Bolstered by a £15 billion home efficiency fund and the upcoming legalization of 'balcony solar' devices, the UK is accelerating toward its 45 GW 2030 target, with a record 4.9 GW recently secured via the latest CfD auction round.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Related News
[Solar: Europe-bound freight rates rise sharply as port congestion disrupts module delivery]
May 29, 2026 18:41
[Solar: Europe-bound freight rates rise sharply as port congestion disrupts module delivery]
Read More
[Solar: Europe-bound freight rates rise sharply as port congestion disrupts module delivery]
[Solar: Europe-bound freight rates rise sharply as port congestion disrupts module delivery]
According to SMM research, freight rates for PV products shipped to Europe have increased significantly recently, with quotes on some routes rising by around USD 2,000-3,000 per high-cube container from previous levels. Meanwhile, congestion has emerged at Rotterdam and some ports in Portugal, leading to vessel schedule delays and lower container pickup efficiency. This is expected to cause certain disruptions to European module delivery schedules and temporarily push up module landed costs. SMM will continue to monitor the subsequent impact.
May 29, 2026 18:41
Silicon Metal Production in May
May 29, 2026 18:01
Silicon Metal Production in May
Read More
Silicon Metal Production in May
Silicon Metal Production in May
According to SMM data, silicon metal production in May was 331,300 mt, up 3.6% MoM and up 7.6% YoY. Cumulative silicon metal production from January to May 2026 was 1.6319 million mt, up 6% YoY.
May 29, 2026 18:01
Silicon Metal Production Slightly Increased MoM in May [SMM Silicon Metal Production Data]
May 29, 2026 17:52
Silicon Metal Production Slightly Increased MoM in May [SMM Silicon Metal Production Data]
Read More
Silicon Metal Production Slightly Increased MoM in May [SMM Silicon Metal Production Data]
Silicon Metal Production Slightly Increased MoM in May [SMM Silicon Metal Production Data]
According to SMM data, China's silicon metal production in May was 331,300 mt, up 3.6% MoM and up 7.6% YoY. Cumulative silicon metal production from January to May 2026 was 1.6319 million mt, up 6% YoY.
May 29, 2026 17:52
As of March 2026, UK solar capacity reached 22.1 GW, supported by over - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)