By all means take a year off before University, but I'd highly recommend going. You'll find that lots of places won't even give you an interview if you don't have a degree, no matter how smart you are.
However, here's something to think about. The degree doesn't need to be Computer Science/Software Engineering. Take a technical degree that interests you. Speaking as a Computer Science graduate, the typical Computer Science degree course is fairly tedious. Take a mathematics degree, or a science degree, or even a mechanical engineering degree. Whatever your interests you most.
During your holidays get some decent software engineering internships in, and you'll be set up.
Get a degree in Electrical Engineering. You do many computer topics. I met a fellow who was studing Electrical Engineering who was using tensors in a machine vision project. Many others do chip design.
Also, it would let you follow your interest in solar power.
However, here's something to think about. The degree doesn't need to be Computer Science/Software Engineering. Take a technical degree that interests you. Speaking as a Computer Science graduate, the typical Computer Science degree course is fairly tedious. Take a mathematics degree, or a science degree, or even a mechanical engineering degree. Whatever your interests you most.
During your holidays get some decent software engineering internships in, and you'll be set up.