Renewables round-up - June 2026
Solar Records Keep Falling
The UK passed two million solar installations this spring, and momentum carried into June. Analysts expect 5-5.5 GW of new capacity this year, with ground‑mounted projects leading the way. Panel costs have fallen further, helping households and businesses invest.
Energy Price Cap Rises
Ofgem confirmed the price cap will increase by 13.5% from July, taking average bills to £1,862. This has sharpened interest in solar and battery systems as a way to manage costs and reduce reliance on volatile gas markets.
Battery Storage Challenges
While demand for storage is growing, one of the UK’s most popular battery brands, GivEnergy, entered administration this month. It highlights both the opportunities and risks in a fast‑moving sector, even as more sites pair solar with batteries to balance demand.
Policy - Seventh Carbon Budget
The government announced its Seventh Carbon Budget, pledging to cut emissions by 87% between 2038 and 2042. The plan is expected to attract billions in private investment and create thousands of jobs across wind, solar, storage and hydrogen.
Plug‑In Solar Standards
New interim standards for plug‑in solar were introduced, aiming to simplify installation and improve safety. This regulatory change should make rooftop and small‑scale systems easier to deploy, reducing technical risks for households and businesses.
Public Sector Decarbonisation
Delivery data shows more than 1,200 public sector projects underway, including solar, heat pumps and building upgrades. These efforts are setting benchmarks for energy efficiency and influencing private sector adoption.
Industry Milestones
The UK has now reached 2.5 million MCS‑certified renewable installations, with over 5,000 accredited contractors active nationwide. A redeveloped installer scheme is being phased in to streamline certification and reduce paperwork.
The Takeaway
June underscored the pace of change: solar growth accelerating, storage moving into the mainstream despite challenges, and policy pushing the sector towards deeper decarbonisation. Rising energy costs are making renewables not just a sustainability choice but a financial necessity.
