[SMM PV News] UK Secures Record 4.9 GW Solar in AR7 Auction at £65/MWh

Published: Feb 12, 2026 14:49

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The UK government has awarded contracts for a record 4.9 GW of solar capacity in its latest Allocation Round 7 (AR7) at a clearing price of £65/MWh ($88/MWh). This surpasses the previous record of 3.3 GW set in AR6. The capacity is split between 1.87 GW coming online by 2028 and 3 GW by 2029. The lower strike price, which down from £72/MWh in the previous round—is attributed to the extension of Contract for Difference (CfD) terms from 15 to 20 years, which reduced the cost of capital for developers. West Burton Solar emerged as a major winner, securing 479 MW across three sites. This auction is a significant step toward the government's target of doubling solar capacity from 21.5 GW in 2025 to 45 GW by 2030.

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