According to data from the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), 2024 is on track to see more heat pumps installed in the UK than ever before.
In the first six months of the year there have been 27,000 certified heat pump installations in the UK, which is 45% higher than the same period in 2023, the data said. It means that the total figure for 2024 is almost certain to be higher than any previous years.
Charlotte Lee, chief executive of Heat Pump Association, said: “It is fantastic to see the continuing growth in heat pump installations within the UK, underscoring the progress and commitment from the sector in supporting the decarbonisation of heat. Clarity and confidence from the new Labour government on the direction of travel for the electrification of heat will be crucial to continue the momentum and ensure we stay on track for a record year.”
The data also revealed that more than 80,000 homes have had certified solar panels installed so far in 2024, having surpassed the 1.5m installations mark earlier this year. Battery storage installations, meanwhile, have reached almost 8,000 certified installations in 2024, which is already more than any previous year with six months still to go.
Chris Hewett, CEO at Solar Energy UK, added: “I am glad that consumer demand for solar energy has remained both substantial and stable over the first half of the year, buoyed both by high energy bills and undoubtedly by environmental concerns too. This should provide installers with the confidence to invest in their staff, particularly in recruiting the new people we need to grow the sector.”
“We should also celebrate reaching the milestone of 1.5m MCS-scale solar installations this spring, not to mention battery storage systems, the natural partner to solar PV, hitting a new record last month. It’s safe to say that now is something of a golden era for smaller-scale sustainable energy.”
Ian Rippin, CEO at MCS, said: “As the decarbonisation of UK homes gathers pace, it’s vital that homeowner confidence in renewables continues to grow alongside that to sustain demand. High-quality installations are key to this because we want everyone to enjoy the benefits of home-grown energy, so it’s fantastic to see these record numbers for certified installations.
“We also know that alongside consumer trust in the effectiveness of renewable technology, ongoing government support can make a significant difference in helping to make the transition. The recently published Heat Strategy for Wales highlights a clear commitment to heat pumps, and initiatives such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) – which provides up to £7,500 towards the installation of a heat pump – are crucial in providing support to consumers.
“It is no coincidence that the record number of certified heat pump installations has coincided with a record number of BUS applications in 2024, which is ensuring more homeowners have access to low-carbon technology. It’s something that we hope the government will continue to support as home-grown energy becomes more mainstream in UK homes.”