Fact Check: "The inflation-adjusted median for a 4 kW to 10 kW installation was the lowest on record."
What We Know
The claim suggests that the inflation-adjusted median cost for solar installations between 4 kW and 10 kW is at a historical low. To evaluate this, we must consider the relevant data on solar installation costs and inflation rates.
According to the Office for National Statistics, inflation measures the change in prices for goods and services over time, which is crucial for adjusting costs to reflect real value. The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) is one of the primary measures used to calculate inflation in the UK, and it indicates that consumer prices have been fluctuating, with a CPI increase of 3.5% reported in April 2025 (source-1).
Data from the solar industry indicates that the median cost of solar installations has varied over the years. A report from May 2025 states that after adjusting for inflation, the average costs per kW for all installation sizes, including the 4 kW to 10 kW range, have decreased significantly (source-3). However, the specific claim about it being the "lowest on record" requires further examination of historical data.
Analysis
The assertion that the median cost for 4 kW to 10 kW installations is the lowest on record lacks sufficient backing from the available data. While the report from May 2025 indicates a decrease in costs for these installations, it does not explicitly confirm that this is the lowest median cost ever recorded. The data from previous years, such as the report from May 2024, shows that costs had generally increased throughout 2022/23 before declining in 2023/24 (source-4).
Moreover, the context of "lowest on record" is ambiguous without a clear historical benchmark. The term could refer to a specific timeframe or a broader historical context, which is not clarified in the claim. The source of the claim is not provided, making it difficult to assess its reliability.
The Quarterly Solar Industry Update provides insights into module prices and trends but does not directly address the specific claim about median installation costs. Additionally, while the data suggests a trend of decreasing costs, it is essential to consider that inflation rates can significantly affect the interpretation of these figures. The CPI and other inflation measures indicate ongoing fluctuations in consumer prices, which could influence the perceived affordability of solar installations (source-2).
Conclusion
Verdict: Needs Research
The claim that the inflation-adjusted median for a 4 kW to 10 kW installation was the lowest on record is not conclusively supported by the available data. While there is evidence of decreasing costs in recent reports, the lack of historical context and specific benchmarks makes it difficult to validate the assertion fully. More comprehensive data and a clearer historical comparison are necessary to substantiate this claim.
Sources
- Inflation and price indices - Office for National Statistics
- What is inflation and how do we calculate it?
- Solar Costs 2024-25
- Solar Costs 2023-24
- Consumer price inflation, UK - Office for National Statistics
- Quarterly Solar Industry Update
- Consumer price inflation, UK - Office for National Statistics
- Spring 2024 Solar Industry Update
