United Kingdom: Market for Solar Cells and Light-Emitting Diodes 2025

Market Size for Solar Cells and Light-Emitting Diodes in the UK

The UK market for solar cells and light-emitting diodes declined to $X in 2022, dropping by -10.6% against the previous year. In general, consumption, however, showed a moderate increase. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Production of Solar Cells and Light-Emitting Diodes in the UK

In value terms, solar cells and light-emitting diodes production dropped to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production enjoyed a tangible expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 3,064% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production attained the peak level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

Exports of Solar Cells and Light-Emitting Diodes

Exports from the UK

In 2022, approx. X units of solar cells and light-emitting diodes were exported from the UK; increasing by 90% against 2021. Overall, exports, however, saw a abrupt shrinkage. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 142%. The exports peaked at X units in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, solar cells and light-emitting diodes exports totaled $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports, however, showed a abrupt curtailment. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when exports increased by 23% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Germany (X units), Ireland (X units) and the Netherlands (X units) were the main destinations of solar cells and light-emitting diodes exports from the UK, together accounting for 69% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Ireland (with a CAGR of +23.4%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Germany ($X) remains the key foreign market for solar cells and light-emitting diodes exports from the UK, comprising 14% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by the Netherlands ($X), with a 5.1% share of total exports. It was followed by France, with a 4.5% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to Germany totaled -15.0%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the Netherlands (-2.5% per year) and France (-5.1% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average export price for solar cells and light-emitting diodes stood at $X per unit in 2022, which is down by -46.8% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, saw buoyant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the average export price increased by 174% against the previous year. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per unit, and then contracted markedly in the following year.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was France ($X per unit), while the average price for exports to Ireland ($X per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Italy (+16.0%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Solar Cells and Light-Emitting Diodes

Imports into the UK

After three years of growth, purchases abroad of solar cells and light-emitting diodes decreased by -21.3% to X units in 2022. Overall, imports recorded a mild decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 162% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at X units in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, solar cells and light-emitting diodes imports contracted markedly to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate a drastic downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when imports increased by 96% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2015 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, China (X units) constituted the largest solar cells and light-emitting diodes supplier to the UK, with a 56% share of total imports. Moreover, solar cells and light-emitting diodes imports from China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, the Netherlands (X units), twofold. Germany (X units) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 10% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from China was relatively modest. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the Netherlands (+4.5% per year) and Germany (-8.7% per year).

In value terms, China ($X) constituted the largest supplier of solar cells and light-emitting diodes to the UK, comprising 33% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the Netherlands ($X), with a 15% share of total imports. It was followed by Germany, with a 12% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from China totaled -7.1%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the Netherlands (-4.6% per year) and Germany (-12.1% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average import price for solar cells and light-emitting diodes stood at $X per unit in 2022, picking up by 3.3% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, saw a deep slump. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 an increase of 49% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per unit in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the Czech Republic ($X per unit), while the price for the Netherlands ($X per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Czech Republic (+2.8%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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