Curious about the latest statistics on solar power in the UK and around the world? Join us as we delve into the most up-to-date facts and figures in this exploration.
- What is the Global Solar Capacity?
- How much solar energy reaches Earth daily?
- And how much solar energy is consumed globally?
- What is the UK's Solar Capacity?
- What is the best area of the UK to install solar?
- Which country has the most solar panels?
- What percentage of the UK's energy is solar?
- How many solar panels are in the UK?
- How many solar panels would be required to power the entire country?
- Where is the largest solar farm in the world?
- Can you get free or subsidised solar panels in the UK?
Over the past few years, the adoption of solar power in the UK has seen a significant surge, especially in light of the ongoing energy crisis.
As more households embrace solar panels, it begs the question: How does the UK's progress in solar power compare to the rest of the world?
In this article, we will unveil the global aggregate solar capacity, explore the continuous enhancement of the UK's solar proficiency, and identify the most optimal region within the UK for solar panel installations.
PS We offer MCS-certified solar panel installation nationwide. Simply answer these questions, get your fixed price and arrange your free design.
What is the Global Solar Capacity?
Solar capacity denotes the highest potential output of an entity, whether it's a country or a solar farm.
In fact, the International Energy Agency (IEA) projects approximately 310 GW of solar will be installed worldwide in 2024.
This upward trajectory is projected to persist, with the IEA anticipating that global solar capacity will triple by the end of 2027, ultimately becoming the world's dominant power source.
How much solar energy reaches Earth daily?
At any given moment, our Earth is bathed in an astonishing 173,000 terawatts (TW) of solar energy, a revelation substantiated by leading researchers in the field.
This impressive figure dwarfs the world's entire energy usage over the same time frame by a factor exceeding 10,000.
To place this immense solar energy influx into context, it's worth noting that the current global population consumes approximately 23,900 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity each year, with a significant portion deriving from conventional fossil fuel sources.
And how much solar energy is consumed globally?
According to Our World in Data, the average per capita solar energy consumption in 2022 stood at 432 kWh.
In a rather sunny twist of fate, Australia emerged as the reigning champion in solar energy consumption per capita for 2022, where they embraced a whopping 3,868 kWh per person. Following the sunlit trail were the Netherlands, Japan, Israel, and Chile.
Examining energy consumption per capita, rather than the overall aggregate, proves highly enlightening when comparing countries.
This way, we ensure that the results don't merely hinge on the country's size. Now, here's a lighthearted joke to brighten your day:
Why did the solar panel break up with the battery? Because it couldn't find a spark between them!
What is the UK's Solar Capacity?
As of 2024, data from the trade association Solar Energy UK reveals that the United Kingdom's total solar capacity has reached an impressive 15.6 gigawatts (GW).
Moreover, the sun's influence on our energy landscape is set to grow, with a remarkable 0.952 GW of solar PV capacity being added across the UK between June 2022 and June 2023 alone.
A gleaming example of this upward trajectory can be seen in the domestic sector, where solar panel installations nearly doubled in 2022 compared to the previous year.
Looking ahead, the UK aims to quintuple its solar capacity to 70 GW by 2035, aligning with broader decarbonisation goals and transforming its energy system.
And now, a solar-themed joke to bring some light into your day:
Why don't solar panels ever get invited to parties? Because they always bring up the sun! 😄
Still learning about solar panels? Explore our helpful guides on various topics, including solar panel grants, payback periods, the mechanics of solar energy, determining the number of panels you need, and solar car charging solutions.
What is the best area of the UK to install solar?
According to MCS data, around 10% of households in Cornwall have solar panels installed - that's over 23,000 households, making it the most popular place to install solar in the UK.
The reason for this is that Cornwall receives more sunlight hours and exposure than anywhere else in the UK.
Which country has the most solar panels?
China leads the world by a considerable margin in terms of its solar capacity.
China's remarkable growth in the solar industry is truly astonishing. Over the past decade, their solar installations have experienced an explosive expansion, increasing from a modest 2.5 gigawatts (GW) of cumulative capacity in 2011 to a staggering 393 GW by 2023.
Even more impressively, China's influence extends well beyond its borders. Today, they produce approximately 80% of the world's solar panels, solidifying their pivotal role in the global solar industry.
Explore a Solar Case Study: Check out an insightful Q&A session featured in one of our detailed case studies on domestic solar panels. Hear directly from a Heatable customer in the UK and gain valuable perspectives on their experience here.
The image above shows a 23-panel solar installation, carried out by the MCS-certified solar team at Heatable, featuring the REA Fusion2 solar panels.
If you are researching solar panel companies, you may find our resources valuable. Check out our comprehensive comparison of the best solar panel companies in the UK, learn about the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) process, and explore our detailed solar panel guide and solar advice section for expert insights and recommendations.
What percentage of the UK's energy is solar?
Regrettably, solar power's share in the UK's total energy generation remains relatively modest, with the year 2023 seeing it contribute to just approximately 2.3% of the total energy production.
The encouraging news, however, lies in the ongoing change, as solar capacity continues to grow year by year. This is a positive sign for a nation committed to achieving carbon neutrality.
For reference, it's worth noting that renewables, as a whole, made a significant stride by accounting for a record-breaking 47.8% of the UK's energy generation in the first quarter of 2023.
How many solar panels are in the UK?
Determining an exact count is challenging due to unregistered amateur installations. Nevertheless, according to official data from the MCS, there are approximately 1.3 million solar panel installations across the entire UK.
To put this into perspective, with the UK housing around 29 million households, these 1.3 million solar panel arrays make up approximately 4.1% of the total households
Moreover, beyond domestic installations, there are also commercial installations and solar farms to consider. In fact, the UK boasts an estimated 1,000 solar farms at present.
How many solar panels would be required to power the entire country?
To envision the UK powering itself entirely with solar energy, would necessitate an expansive 29,690 square kilometres of land for housing the solar panels. Regrettably, this constitutes a substantial 12% of the UK's total landmass.
What should you know before buying solar? Have a flat roof? Read all about flat roof solar and if you have a conservatory, it is possible to have solar on a conservatory roof too.
Where is the largest solar farm in the world?
The world's largest solar farm, the Golmud Solar Park, is situated in China.
Found in Qinghai Province, this expansive solar complex comprises a staggering 80 solar power plants with a combined capacity of 2.8 GW.
This remarkable capacity is more than sufficient to provide electricity for over a million households.
The second-largest solar farm, the Bhadla Solar Park, is nestled in the Thar Desert of India. Encompassing a vast expanse of 14,000 acres, it boasts a formidable total capacity of 2.7 GW.
Related solar guides:
Can you get free or subsidised solar panels in the UK?
Potentially yes, you can apply for funding and may be eligible for help with the costs of a solar panel installation via the ECO4 scheme.
Explore what solar panel grants and funding are currently available in our comprehensive solar grant guide here.
Next Steps For Your Solar Journey:
When planning to install solar panels for your home, there are several important factors to consider. Make sure to refer to the following guides to help you make informed decisions:
To dive deeper into these topics, head over to our advice section, check out our YouTube channel for informative videos, or read a customer case study to see how others have benefited from their solar installation.
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Thousands of Happy Customers: We boast an average score of 4.9 on Trustpilot, outperforming the market leader.
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Exclusive Panels: We offer REA Fusion solar panels, available only through Heatable.
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Save Your Quote: You can save your quote and decide later.
Bespoke Design Tool: Draw your own conclusion (literally) on whether solar is worth it for you, here.
