Published: 27 Apr 2023, 12:37
Q1 2023 94% increase on solar PV installations in the first quarter of 2019. Image MCS.
According to the latest data from the Microgeneration Certifications Scheme (MCS) there were 50,719 MCS certified domestic solar photovoltaic (PV) installations in Q1 this year – a 114% increase from the same period in 2021.
Overall solar accounted for 85% of the 60,004 total MCS certified installations in Q1 this year – the highest deployment rate since Q4 2015.
The installation rates from January to March 2023 also exhibit a 94% increase on installations in the first quarter of 2019, which saw the end of the government’s Feed-in-Tariff incentive.
March was the best month for solar installations in Q1 2023 at 17,497, 73% higher than March 2022 and the highest deployment of solar PV since December 2015.
These results show that solar is continuing on its upward trajectory from 2022, which saw a 114% year-on-year rise in solar PV installations
Battery storage – the newest addition to MCS’ accreditation – experienced its best quarter for installations at 351 – over 50% of the scheme’s 621 total.
The first quarter of 2023 also saw 359 contractors join MCS to install solar PV a huge 385% increase from the same period last year.
In total, 2,286 contractors are now certified to deliver solar PV, a 66% increase from Q1 last year.
“The year has got off to a remarkable start as our robust, near-real-time data demonstrates how we are playing a vital role in domestic decarbonisation,” said Ian Rippin, CEO at MCS.
“As more people look to decarbonise their homes, installation quality of small-scale renewables is vital, so it’s encouraging to see the record growth in MCS certified contractors. Solar PV deployment continues its exponential rise, as more talent enters the sector to service huge consumer interest in this cost-saving, proven, low-carbon technology.”