BATTERY STORAGE AND RENEWABLE ENERGY


Solar energy – you’re more in control than you thought


Chris Cowling, Aztec Solar Energy Solar Energy’s commercial director, reflects on a mixed, yet fast- moving year for the solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage market and looks ahead to even brighter times in 2024


W


hen reflecting on the past 12 months there would be few that would not struggle to use the word ‘challenging’ to describe 2023. It feels somewhat


overused, however, coming through a disruptive global pandemic, with an economy impacted by significant conflict in Europe and latterly the Middle East, it has, without question, been just that. Yet 2023 has also seen pockets of real buoyancy, not least in the UK solar energy market. Underpinned by a strong desire for business owners to protect livelihoods by adopting cost-effective and self- managed approaches to energy and sustainability, while protecting a planet for future generations.


So, it’s fair to say, 2023 has been a real mixed bag – often presenting a dichotomy of business decisions.


PV – an investment opportunity


For Aztec Solar Energy, we have been fortunate, the UK solar energy market has seen substantial growth. 2023’s estimate is that it will have reached over 15GW of installed capacity and the upward curve continues expecting to hit 43GW within the next five years. Globally, despite lingering supply chain and trade issues, a similar picture is replicated with continued significant growth predicted. It has become the most rapidly growing regeneration technology and one of the best energy investment opportunities. The Government’s 2023 autumn statement announcements will support growth


6 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER JANUARY 2024


further with promises to speed up investment in the power grid, accelerate planning decisions and extend a tax rebate.


Volatility


Alongside the ups are inevitably some downs. The complex and ever shifting economic backdrop continues to create volatility and is taking its toll in the general construction market. Further impacted by predictions that commercial new builds are slowing down, we are seeing debt risk and borrowing rising; yet our access to a wide range of funding options means we can support customers through this. We too have faced increases in materials costs in early 2023, although we don’t anticipate these continuing. We are optimistic levels will remain constant.


Increased efficiencies


In a relatively new and evolving market, exciting new technological developments often present good news. We saw this in 2023 with the launch of new N-type panels from several different manufacturers which deliver greater efficiencies, more power, improved robustness and safety features, and reduced degradation. These improvements add even greater confidence in the solar marketplace.


Safety


Safety remains high on Aztec Solar Energy’s agenda and as such we’ve become avid supporters of the proposed new Solar Stewardship Scheme proposed by trade


association, Solar Energy UK. Encouraging the early adoption in 2024 of a Joint Code of Practice for solar PV specifiers, designers, suppliers, operators, and insurers; the RC62 is designed to further improve safety for commercial and industrial rooftop mounted PV installations. In addition to industry-wide standards, it will include a guide for insurers and clients on procurement, ownership, and operation and maintenance. We are keen to see this initiative move forward as soon as possible.


The year of the battery


Predictions for 2024 is that the commercial solar rooftop market is set to take off. With decarbonisation high on the agenda and increased recognition of the benefits of self- generated energy and more affordable storage options. After the 2023 Autumn Statement battery installation can also be ‘fully expensed’* 2024 will see a substantial growth in battery storage installations.


Batteries allow businesses to store power and draw on it when needed, as well as being force charged overnight at lower electricity rates and the energy used in the day when electricity rates are higher. Battery size and costs have decreased over the past five years by at least 40%.


So, the next 12 months will be bright. As the PV solar market expands year on year, it will be about how we are all seizing that opportunity. Inevitably, like many other sectors we will be facing resourcing issues and as a sector need to encourage the development of skilled electrical installers to meet the growing demands.


Read the latest at: www.bsee.co.uk


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38