Four London boroughs among lowest for household solar uptake

Four London boroughs are among the areas with the lowest rates of household solar panel installation in Britain, according to new analysis. Kensington and Chelsea, Tower Hamlets, Hammersmith and Fulham, and Westminster all feature in the national low-uptake figures for the period between 2019 and 2025.

Uptake figures analysed

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The analysis, conducted by Glow Green using MCS-certified Solar PV installation data, ranked boroughs by the percentage of households with solar panels. Kensington and Chelsea recorded 170 installations, representing 0.25% of its households. Tower Hamlets had 350 installations, equivalent to 0.29% of households. Hammersmith and Fulham registered 328 installations, or 0.40% of households, while Westminster had 497 installations, accounting for 0.52% of households.

These figures place the four boroughs among the lowest nationally for household solar uptake. The ranking method, which prioritises the share of homes rather than the total number of installations, means larger or more populous areas can appear low if only a small proportion of residents have adopted solar technology.

Challenges to installation

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Lloyd Greenfield, CEO of Glow Green, commented that while solar installations have risen across the UK, adoption is uneven. He noted that in areas like inner London, challenges often stem from property suitability, access, and the need for permission from landlords or managing agents. Factors such as flats, rented accommodation, and limited roof space can make installation more complex compared to less densely populated regions.

Greenfield added that with rising energy bills, more households are seeking ways to manage costs. While solar is not suitable for every property, it can be an effective method for suitable homes to reduce their reliance on the national grid over time.

Considerations for London households

For London residents considering solar panels, practical checks are advised. These include assessing whether the property has sufficient suitable roof space, the amount of daily shade, and whether permission is required from a landlord, freeholder, or managing agent. Households in conservation areas or those with listed buildings may also need to consult local planning regulations. A thorough assessment of the property is recommended, as projected savings can vary based on the specific home, the size of the system, and how much of the generated electricity is used on-site versus exported.