Fact Check: over 80% of domestic solar installations during the period were retrofits

Fact Check: "Over 80% of Domestic Solar Installations During the Period Were Retrofits"

What We Know

The claim that "over 80% of domestic solar installations during the period were retrofits" appears to originate from a report that discusses solar installations in the UK, stating that "over 80% of domestic solar installations during the period were retrofits" (source-4). However, this statistic is specific to the UK market and does not necessarily reflect trends in other regions, such as the United States.

In the U.S., the solar market has seen significant growth, with a record of 32.4 gigawatts (GW) of new electric generating capacity added in 2023 (source-3). The U.S. solar industry is characterized by a mix of new installations and retrofits, but specific percentages regarding retrofits compared to new installations are not consistently reported across sources.

Analysis

The claim's validity hinges on the context and geographic specificity. The source indicating that over 80% of installations were retrofits is focused on the UK market (source-4). This statistic may not be applicable to other regions, particularly the U.S., where the solar market dynamics can differ significantly.

In the U.S., while retrofitting existing structures with solar panels is common, the overall market growth includes a substantial number of new installations. The report from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) highlights a record increase in solar capacity, but does not specify the proportion of these that are retrofits (source-3).

Furthermore, the reliability of the sources must be considered. The report from PV Magazine is focused on the UK and may not reflect broader trends. The SEIA report, while credible, lacks specific data on retrofitting versus new installations.

Conclusion

Needs Research: The claim that "over 80% of domestic solar installations during the period were retrofits" requires further investigation to determine its applicability across different regions, particularly outside the UK. While the statistic is supported by a credible source in the UK context, it does not necessarily translate to the U.S. or other markets without additional data. More comprehensive studies are needed to clarify the proportion of retrofits versus new installations in various regions.

Fact Check: over 80% of domestic solar installations during the period were retrofits