Solar energy is an increasingly popular way to harvest sunlight to power homes and businesses. A means to generate additional revenue streams, it is an attractive prospect for companies and independent investors.
Never-ending resource
The sun has been in action for billions of years and produces enough energy for every single human. The only limitation we have is how we store and harness this power.
Essentially carbon-free, solar power is plentiful, free and doesn’t pollute. Solar technology is advancing rapidly, with efficiencies increasing for years and decades to come.
Accessible, everywhere, every day
Through towns, cities, and rural landscapes, solar power is accessible everywhere. Even countries that are traditionally darker or colder benefit from solar farms, as solar radiation penetrates thick clouds and creates energy.
Dotted throughout the UK, we have under 500 solar farms producing 11.6GW annually. The biggest solar farm in the UK produces 46MW of power and is capable of powering 14,000 homes.
Created when it’s needed most
We can harness the sun’s energy during the day (11 am – 4 pm), where it is at its highest and most powerful. Coincidentally, this is when we use the most energy at home and in our business.
One of the benefits of solar panels is that they reduce the amount of energy drawn from the grid during these peak times. Using green storage technology and battery banks, solar energy is stored, so we can utilize its power throughout the night.
Smaller off-grid solar applications supply much-needed power to remote or energy-poor communities and continue to power farming, manufacturing, education, and healthcare.
Minimal environmental impact
Small-scale solar panels across rooftops of homes and commercial buildings use space efficiently with minimal land use impact.
Large solar farms may use huge segments of the land but with minimal impact by utilizing brownfields, abandoned mining land or existing transportation corridors. Often solar farms are constructed to allow sheep or poultry to graze, so sites are dual purpose.
Although the manufacturing process isn’t entirely clean, solar panels can last 50 years with little maintenance and produce no emissions. Using solar energy to power your home, you could reduce your carbon footprint by 80% in 12 months.
Jobs, jobs, jobs
As the renewables industry booms, so do the employment opportunities within the sector.
In 2020, there were 12 million jobs available in renewable energy. Globally, the solar photovoltaics sector accounted for 4 million jobs, according to an annual report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO)
By 2050, solar energy will provide 20 million job opportunities, followed by bioenergy, wind and hydropower. The energy transition requires skills in all regions globally, with digital innovations in teaching and vocational training creating a capable workforce.
What next?
Are you looking to set up a community solar farm? A carbon-neutral business funding a solar farm to reduce energy demands? Or do you require support with the growth of a large-scale solar energy project?
Our renewable energy advisors are on hand to help. Get in touch to arrange a consultation with Jitendra and the team today.
