Government grants push renewable tech installations to record levels

•  Solar panels, heat pumps and batteries saw huge leaps
•  Almost 50,000 renewable installations were on new build properties
• There were 120,000 certified solar panel installations in the first six months of 2025

Certified installations of renewable technology, including solar panels, storage batteries and heat pumps increased by 37% in the first half of 2025, with a record 170,000 taking place between January and June thanks in part to support from government grants, according to the MCS. 

There were 120,000 certified solar panel installations in the first six months of 2025, a 36% increase on the same period for last year and 13% higher than the previous January-June record, which was set in 2012. 

Battery storage had almost 20,000 installations, a 130% increase on the same period last year and there were more 30,000 certified heat pumps installed – a 12% increase on last year’s record. 

Ian Rippin, CEO, MCS said almost 50,000 renewable installations were on new build properties, accounting for 28% of the total for the year so far. This is almost double the figure for January-June 2024, he said, where 21% of certified renewables went onto new builds. 

The data highlights the “massive potential” for growth in the industry, Rippin said, as the government works towards key housebuilding targets, especially as the Future Homes Standard is set to come into effect from 2027. 

Install solar panels

Solar panels can reduce your bills and reliance on the National Grid. Hear from our trusted suppliers for a free, no obligation quote about how much solar panels will cost you.

Get quotes

Rippin praised government financial support from schemes including the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan, the Social Housing Net Zero Fund and ECO4, which he described as one of the “key drivers” behind the record installation rates. 

The MCS explained that 11,737 of the heat pump installations between January and March were government-supported, which equates to about three quarters of total heat pump installations. 

Minister for energy consumers, Miatta Fahnbulleh said the record number of installations should not be surprising as renewable technology lets households save “hundreds of pounds off their energy bills”. 

Charlotte Lee, chief executive, Heat Pump Association, said it was “fantastic” to see continued growth in installation numbers and that continued electrification will be vital in bringing down consumer bills and make the UK more energy secure. 

Rippin confirmed there are more MCS certified installers than ever before, helping to increase a growing capacity to deliver high-quality installations at volume into people’s homes. 

“With roughly 14% of greenhouse gas emissions estimated to come from domestic heating, it’s critical that installations of low-carbon technologies are delivered to a high quality,” he said. 

“As installation numbers continue to rise, we’re proud of the vital role that MCS standards continue to play in giving everyone confidence in the ability of home-grown technology to heat and power their homes”. 

Thinking of installing a heat pump?

A heat pump can reduce your carbon footprint and save you money on your energy bills. Use the button below to get a free, no obligation quote from our trusted suppliers.

Get quotes

Written By

Tamara Birch Senior writer

Tamara is a London-based journalist and has written about environmental topics for more than four years. This includes advising small business owners on cost-effective ways, like solar panels and energy-efficient products, to help them become more sustainable.

She has used her journalist and research skills to become highly knowledgeable on sustainable initiatives, issues, and solutions to help consumers do their bit for the environment – all while reducing monthly costs.

In addition to adopting sustainable practices in her personal life, Tamara has worked in the retail B2B space to help independent retailers think about their environmental choices and how they can help improve their business. She now uses this knowledge to help consumers do the same.

Her passion for sustainability and eco-friendly solutions stems from a long obsession with nature and animals and ensuring they feel looked after. In her free time, Tamara enjoys reading fantasy novels, visiting the gym, and going on long walks in new areas.

More about

Reviewed By

Maximilian Schwerdtfeger Content manager

Max joined The Eco Experts as content manager in February 2024. He has written about sustainability issues across numerous industries, including maritime, supply chain, finance, mining, and retail. He has also written extensively for consumer titles like City AM, The Morning Star, and The Daily Express.

In 2020, he covered in detail the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) legislation on sulphur emissions and its effects on the global container shipping market as online editor of Port Technology International.

He also explored the initiatives major container ports and terminals have launched in order to ship vital goods across the world without polluting the environment.

Since then, he has reported heavily on the impact made by environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices on the supply chain of minerals, with a particular focus on rare earth mining in Africa.

As part of this, in 2022 Max visited mines and ports in Angola to hone in on the challenges being faced by one of the world’s biggest producers of rare earth minerals.

His most recent sustainability-related work came much closer to home, as he investigated the eco-challenges faced by independent retailers in the UK, specifically looking at how they can cut emissions and continue to thrive.

Max lives in South London and is an avid reader of books on modern history and ghost stories. He has also recently learned to play the game Mahjong and takes every opportunity to do so. He is also yet to find a sport he doesn’t enjoy watching.

More about