Cornwall has emerged as the frontrunner in renewable energy adoption across the UK, with new data from the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) revealing that the county hosts over 38,000 MCS certified renewable installations, surpassing any other local authority in the country.
These installations, ranging from solar panels to heat pumps and battery storage units, are powering more than 15% of Cornish households.
Solar panels dominate the landscape, accounting for 72% of all MCS certified renewable installations in Cornwall since 2008.
The trend continues in 2024, with solar panels constituting 65% of all certified installations.
Additionally, heat pumps are gaining traction, with Cornwall witnessing a record-breaking year in 2023 and an upward trajectory in 2024, particularly in air source heat pumps.
Ian Rippin, Chief Executive Officer of MCS, attributes this surge to Cornwall’s abundant sunshine and government initiatives like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), which provides financial incentives for low carbon heating installations.
The BUS offers grants of up to £7,500 for eligible setups, driving further adoption of renewable technologies in Cornwall and beyond.
