Great Britain installed 142,536 solar systems in the first half of 2026, its strongest six-month period since 2011, as high fossil-fuel prices prompted more households to seek cheaper, self-generated electricity. The increase matters because it could surpass last year’s record for new solar additions and signals growing consumer interest in reducing exposure to volatile energy bills.

Most new installations were rooftop systems, though they account for under a third of total solar capacity; Britain now has more than two million solar installations. E.ON Next reported a 151% annual rise in household solar installations, while Octopus Energy said sales rose more than 54% in March after Middle East conflict pushed oil and gas prices higher; grants for heat pumps are also increasing, with applications up 21% year-on-year.