The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) announced that 2024 was a record-breaking year for small-scale renewables.
According to data from the MCS Data Dashboard, there were more than 260,000 certified installations in UK homes and small businesses last year, including heat pumps, solar and battery storage. This is a 7% increase compared to 2023.
The numbers from last year have also taken the total number of certified installations past the two million mark.
Heat pumps saw a significant rise in 2024 with almost 60,000 certified installations, which is a 43% increase on 2023. This milestone brings the total number of certified heat pump installations in the UK to over 275,000.
MCS stated that the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), available in England and Wales, and the Home Energy Scotland (HES) Grant and Loan, available in Scotland, have both played a key part accelerating growth by making heat pumps more accessible and affordable for homeowners. The initiatives offer grants of up to £7,500 for certified heat pump installations, it noted, with the HES Grant & Loan offering to £9,000 for households that qualify for a rural uplift.
Solar PV is the most popular renewable technology with over 180,000 certified installations recorded last year, while battery storage reached nearly 20,000 certified installations.
Ian Rippin, CEO at MCS, said: “It’s fantastic to see the record-breaking uptake of renewable energy technologies across the UK. More consumers are making the switch to home-grown energy, placing their trust in MCS certified contractors to give them confidence in their renewable installations.
“As the numbers rise and more people benefit from home-grown energy, it’s crucial that standards are maintained in order to continue the momentum. This is where MCS product and installation standards have a key role to play in building confidence as the UK transitions to net zero.”
Miatta Fahnbulleh, Minister for Energy Consumers, added: “It is excellent news that clean energy is now within reach for more people than ever. From heat pumps to solar panels, renewables are essential for supporting working people to secure affordable, homegrown power for their homes and businesses.
“By almost doubling the budget for our Boiler Upgrade Scheme in the next financial year, we hope that records for renewable installations continue to be overtaken.”