
Solar PV in the UK: What 2026 Means for Installers and the Industry
February 17, 2026The UK renewable heating market is accelerating and now is the perfect time to upskill in heat pump training to future-proof your career. With low-carbon heating systems in high demand, skilled installers are essential to meet the country’s energy transition goals. A new report from the Heat Pump Association UK (HPA UK) shows that electrifying home heating (primarily through heat pumps), could grow the value of the residential heating sector from £12.2 billion today to £22.5 billion by 2035.
This is not just about reducing carbon, it’s about economic growth, jobs and energy security. The report, From Carbon to Competitiveness: The UK Opportunity Associated with Decarbonising Residential Heating, highlights the enormous potential of heat pumps in the UK.
Key Findings from the HPA UK Report
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Economic growth: Heat pump manufacturing, installation and use, could increase from £1.0 billion in 2025 to £15.0 billion by 2035.
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Job creation: The sector could support over 110,000 full-time equivalent jobs, accounting for 82% of employment in residential heating.
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Manufacturing potential: UK heat pump production could expand 15–27 fold, with further growth opportunities through exports.
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Energy savings: Gas demand could fall by 63 TWh between 2025 and 2035 — enough energy to run the London Underground for 75 years.
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Environmental benefits: Carbon abatement from heat pumps could reach 17 MtCO₂e annually — equivalent to 20 million flights from London to New York.
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Public health impact: A projected 6% reduction in UK air pollution by 2035 as fossil fuel boilers decline.
Charlotte Lee, HPA UK Chief Executive, summarised the report’s impact:
“Decarbonising residential heating should not be viewed as a cost burden, but a major economic opportunity. Heat pumps can drive billions in growth, support tens of thousands of skilled jobs and deliver cleaner, healthier homes for millions.”
What This Means for Heating Professionals
With government incentives, grants and a record number of certified heat pump installations across the UK, the demand for skilled heating engineers is set to grow. For those already working in plumbing and heating, or those looking to diversify, now is the perfect time to upskill in renewables.
It’s also important to keep your qualifications up to date. Heat pump certifications expire after five years, so renewing your qualification ensures you remain compliant, maintain industry credibility and stay ahead of the competition.
How We Can Help
At GRE Energy Training, we offer practical, industry-focused courses designed to give professionals the knowledge and confidence to succeed in the growing renewable heating sector:
- BPEC Air Source Heat Pump Systems
- BPEC Air & Ground Source Heat Pump Systems
- BPEC Low Temperature Hot Water Heating Systems
- BPEC Solar Thermal Hot Water
- City & Guilds 2079-11 F-Gas (Cat 1) Regulations Training
- BPEC G3 Unvented
- BPEC WRAS Water Regulations
Investing in your skills now means you’ll be ready to take advantage of the UK’s expanding heat pump market and contribute to a low-carbon, energy-efficient future.
Take the Next Step
Be part of the UK’s renewable heating revolution. Click here to browse our upcoming courses and secure your place today.
Read the full HPA UK report here and the executive summary here.




