United Kingdom (UK) Bi-facial Solar Market Overview, 2031

Market Insights on United Kingdom Bi-facial Solar Market

• The United Kingdom’s bifacial solar market is undergoing a significant transformation, propelled by a record-breaking year for solar deployment and ambitious government targets. The nation added 2.5 GW of new solar capacity in the first 11 months of 2025 alone, a substantial upward revision from initial government data, bringing the total cumulative capacity to 21.5 GW by the end of November, according to the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). This 13% growth represents a notable acceleration from the 2.2 GW added during the same period in 2024.
• According to the research report, "United Kingdom Bi-facial Solar Market Overview, 2031," published by Bonafide Research, the United Kingdom Bi-facial Solar market is anticipated to add USD 556.48 Million by 2026–31. The market is being reshaped by the integration of advanced technologies like n-type dual-glass bifacial modules and energy storage, as seen in the landmark 49.9 MW Sandon Brook project in Essex. This project, which will power over 16,500 homes and reduce carbon emissions by nearly 15,000 tonnes annually, exemplifies the move towards integrated solar and storage solutions. The UK government’s Solar Taskforce has published a comprehensive Solar Roadmap outlining 72 actions to achieve 45-47 GW of deployed solar capacity by 2030. This roadmap, supported by a £13.2 billion investment in the Warm Homes Plan, aims to spark a rooftop revolutio” by removing barriers and ensuring solar is properly valued on properties.
• The technology landscape is also evolving, with research from the Harvesting the Sun Twice campaign demonstrating that vertical bifacial photovoltaic (VBPV) systems can offer an 8-12% annual energy advantage over conventional tilted bifacial systems at the UK’s latitudes. With over 65 GW of solar capacity in the UK planning pipeline, the choice of technology will have profound implications for energy output, agricultural preservation, and grid costs.

Competitive Landscape of United Kingdom Bi-facial Solar Market

• Trinasolar’s delivery of nearly 80,000 of its n-type dual-glass bifacial Vertex N modules for the Sandon Brook project in Essex marks a significant milestone, representing its first project to combine modules, mounting structures, and energy storage systems from a single source for client Low Carbon. This integrated approach ensures high compatibility and performance optimization.
• On the domestic front, UKSOL, a British solar module producer, has been showcasing its N-Type TOPCon bifacial modules, which offer superior bifacial response and minimal light-induced degradation (LID), achieving MCS and TUV-SUD IEC certifications. The company celebrated milestones at the 2025 Installer Show, including 20 MW of installations under the ECO4 scheme.
• The market is also seeing innovation in project types, with OCS securing a £2.4 million contract to install 2,250 bifacial solar panels in a solar carport at Scottish Water’s headquarters. The project is one of the most significant on-site renewable initiatives undertaken by the utility company.
• At the utility scale, the 373 MW Cleve Hill solar farm, which came online in July 2025, is the largest operating UK plant to date. It is one of 15 solar farms with a Contract for Difference (CfD) to come online in 2025. The government’s grid connection reforms have reshaped the pipeline, with the National Energy System Operator (NESO) retaining a 238 GW portfolio, including 29.9 GW of solar prioritized for 2030. Entry barriers include high upfront capital requirements, complex planning processes, and grid connection challenges, although the CfD mechanism and corporate PPAs are helping to de-risk investments.

United Kingdom Market Dynamics

Driver: Ambitious Government Targets and Policy Support The UK government's Solar Roadmap, which sets a target of 45-47 GW of solar capacity by 2030, is a primary driver for the bifacial market. This ambition is backed by a £13.2 billion Warm Homes Plan and a zero VAT rate on solar installations until March 2027, which applies to bifacial modules and significantly reduces costs for consumers. The roadmap's 72 actions, which include mandates for rooftop solar on new homes and reforms to the CfD scheme, are creating a stable and favorable environment for large-scale investment in advanced technologies like bifacial panels. To achieve its 2030 goal, the UK needs to maintain a high rate of deployment, making the adoption of higher-yield bifacial technology increasingly critical.

Challenge: Grid Connection and Planning Bottlenecks Despite the strong policy push, the UK bifacial market faces significant hurdles in grid connection and planning. While reforms by NESO have reduced the grid queue from over 700 GW to a more manageable 238 GW pipeline, securing a connection remains a lengthy and complex process. The planning system, particularly for large-scale projects, can be slow and unpredictable, with projects facing local opposition. Furthermore, the lack of a clear regulatory framework for co-located solar and storage projects adds complexity and cost for developers integrating bifacial panels with battery systems. Overcoming these barriers is essential for the UK to unlock its full bifacial potential and meet its 2030 targets.



Trend: The Rise of Vertical Bifacial Photovoltaics (VBPV) A significant trend is the growing interest in vertical bifacial photovoltaic (VBPV) systems, particularly for agrivoltaics. The UK sits above the critical 40° latitude threshold where VBPV systems are scientifically proven to outperform conventional tilted systems. Research from the “Harvesting the Sun Twice” campaign shows VBPV can offer an 8-12% annual energy advantage over standard tilted bifacial systems. This configuration also provides a more balanced generation profile, reducing the severity of the “duck curve” by 57% and decreasing battery energy storage system (BESS) requirements by approximately 52%. By generating more power during morning and evening peaks, VBPV aligns better with grid demand and maintains up to 80-90% of agricultural land for farming, making it a promising solution for the UK’s land-use challenges.

Segment Analysis

United Kingdom Bi-facial Solar Market by Type
• Dual-Glass Bifacial Solar has become the standard for utility-scale and high-performance projects in the UK due to its superior durability and 30-year lifespan. The 49.9 MW Sandon Brook project utilizes nearly 80,000 of Trinasolar's n-type dual-glass bifacial Vertex N modules, which provide enhanced protection against mechanical stress and moisture ingress. This configuration is also preferred for its resistance to potential-induced degradation (PID), ensuring consistent performance over decades. The 373 MW Cleve Hill solar farm, the UK's largest operating plant, also relies on advanced bifacial technology, highlighting the dominance of dual-glass in the utility-scale segment.
• Glass-Backsheet Bifacial Solar is more commonly deployed in commercial and industrial (C&I) applications where weight constraints are a primary concern. The solar carport project for Scottish Water, which features 2,250 bifacial panels, likely utilizes glass-backsheet modules to reduce the structural load on the car park. While offering slightly lower durability than dual-glass, this configuration provides adequate performance for rooftop and building-integrated applications, making it a practical choice for the growing C&I segment. The UK's record year for rooftop installations, with over 244,000 systems recorded in the first eleven months of 2025, suggests a significant market for these lighter modules.

United Kingdom Bi-facial Solar Market by Cell Technology
• TOPCon technology is rapidly gaining dominance in the UK bifacial market, driven by its superior efficiency, higher bifaciality rates (up to 85%), and excellent low-light performance. Trinasolar’s Vertex N modules, which feature n-type TOPCon cells and achieve up to 700W output, are being deployed in major projects like Sandon Brook. UKSOL, a British manufacturer, also produces N-Type TOPCon bifacial modules, which boast minimal light-induced degradation (LID) and superior bifacial response. The technology's ability to generate more power per square meter is critical for maximizing yield in the UK's limited land and rooftop space.
• PERC technology, while still present in the market, is increasingly being displaced by TOPCon for new, high-value projects. Its lower efficiency and bifaciality rate (typically 70-75%) make it a less attractive option for developers seeking to maximize energy output. However, PERC modules remain a cost-effective choice for smaller, budget-conscious installations where the latest technology may not be economically justified. Its role is likely to diminish further as TOPCon production scales and costs continue to decrease.
• HJT technology occupies a premium niche in the UK market, offering the highest efficiency potential and superior temperature coefficient. This makes it attractive for high-value applications where space is at a premium, such as on commercial rooftops. However, its higher manufacturing costs and limited production capacity restrict its widespread adoption. As manufacturing scales, HJT could become a more significant player, but for now, it remains a specialized option for projects seeking maximum performance.
• Others encompass emerging technologies like perovskite-silicon tandems, which are the subject of ongoing research. These technologies represent the future of the bifacial market and could offer significant efficiency breakthroughs. However, they are not yet commercially viable for large-scale deployment in the UK, with their role currently limited to research and development initiatives.

United Kingdom Bi-facial Solar Market by End-User
• Utility-Scale remains the dominant end-user for bifacial solar in the UK, driven by the need for large, cost-effective generation to meet the 2030 targets. The 373 MW Cleve Hill solar farm and the 49.9 MW Sandon Brook project are prime examples, both utilizing advanced bifacial technology. The planning pipeline includes over 65 GW of solar projects, with a significant portion being utility-scale. The CfD mechanism continues to be a key enabler for this segment, providing revenue certainty for large-scale investments, with the government mulling reforms to further support the growing pipeline.
• Commercial & Industrial (C&I) is a rapidly growing segment, driven by corporate sustainability goals and the need to reduce energy costs. The solar carport project for Scottish Water demonstrates the increasing adoption of bifacial panels in this sector. The UK government is actively working to unlock the significant potential of commercial rooftops through the Solar Roadmap. However, securing finance for behind-the-meter installations can be challenging, often restricting adoption to major corporates, though the government is exploring interventions to promote corporate PPAs and unlock this market.
• Residential adoption of bifacial solar remains limited due to the higher upfront cost and lower bifacial gain on standard dark roofs. However, the UK's record year for rooftop installations, with over 244,000 systems installed in the first 11 months of 2025, indicates a massive and growing market for solar. The government's "rooftop revolution," backed by the Warm Homes Plan and zero VAT, is expected to significantly boost residential solar, potentially creating a larger market for bifacial in new builds and premium installations. The Solar Taskforce estimates that installing rooftop solar could save the average UK household around £500 annually.


Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2020
• Base year: 2025
• Estimated year: 2026
• Forecast year: 2031

Aspects covered in this report
• Bi-facial Solar Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Type
• Dual-Glass Bifacial Solar
• Glass-Backsheet Bifacial Solar

By Cell Technology
• PERC
• TOPCon
• HJT
• Others

By End-User
• Utility-Scale
• Commercial & Industrial
• Residential