UK solar on track for record CfD deployment in 2026
Total number of UK PV plants backed by contracts for difference (CfD) could more than double in 2026, if developers hit deadlines. Latest investment report from scheme contract company reveals solar holds the greatest number of contracts of any generating technology.
Solar budget of up to $180 million in next UK CfD auction
Seventh allocation round (AR7) budget for onshore technologies assigned by the government, with enough cash for solar to support 4 GW of capacity. Success for solar at the next two contracts for difference (CfD) seen as key to achieving UK government’s 2030 clean power targets.
UK adds 1.9 GW of solar in 12 months
Latest government figures record 20.7 GW deployed PV capacity at the end of October 2025, up 10.4% in a 12-month period. Surge in contracts for difference (CfD) supported connections recorded in 2025 with more large ground-mount projects in the pipeline.
UK solar capacity hits 20 GW
Major milestone for UK solar deployment as 15 CfD-backed projects switch on during the first three quarters of 2025. Further utility-scale deployment is expected, but much will depend on the outcomes in the next two CfD allocation rounds.
Netherlands plans CfDs to replace large-scale solar subsidy in 2027
The Dutch government is preparing to phase out its Stimulation of Sustainable Energy Production and Climate Transition (SDE++) subsidy scheme for large-scale renewable projects and replace it with two-way contracts for difference (CfD), in line with EU market reforms.
Strongest year on record for UK solar generation as deployment accelerates
Generation data for the first half of 2025 shows a record start for solar, while new government capacity data points to accelerating deployment and larger installations.
UK opens seventh CfD renewables auction
Extended contracts and more flexible commissioning dates on offer for solar developers. The target commissioning window for solar projects has also been extended, giving developers more flexibility on contract start dates.
UK installs 621 MW of PV in H1
Provisional data finds United Kingdom on course to add more than 1 GW in 2025 with revisions likely to show greater capacity as more plants are recorded. However, the pace of deployment must accelerate to hit 45-47 GW target by 2030.
UK government extends CfD contract length to 20 years
Changes announced ahead of seventh Contract for Difference (CfD) allocation round widely viewed as key to achieving government’s clean power targets for 2030. Target commissioning window for solar projects also extended in anticipation of larger capacity projects.
Largest UK solar plant goes online
The 373 MW Cleve Hill Solar Park is now exporting 100% of its capacity to the grid. Under construction, co-located energy storage to come online at a later date. The project has broken UK records for financing and offtake agreements, according to developer Quinbrook.
