EDITOR’S OPINION


Sunnier outlook for solar Chris Jones


Managing editor of Energy in Buildings & Industry


A


is not a limiting factor. Solar power is also inherently decentralised. It can be generated on rooftops, in communities, and across rural areas, thereby reducing the vulnerability of the energy system to large-scale disruptions and creating a more resilient grid. When compared to many other


fter a heavily-subsidised boom in the early 2010s, the UK solar market spent a prolonged period in the


doldrums before reduced production costs and spiralling energy prices combined to spark something of a revival. Records suggest that March this year saw the biggest monthly deployment of solar installations since 2012 (see page 6 of this month’s issue), while total solar capacity across the UK surpassed 2 million for the first time. With the country facing the dual


pressures of rising electricity prices and energy security perils, investment in solar offers a compelling solution, providing environmental, economic and strategic benefits. Although the UK is not known for constant sunshine, modern photovoltaic technology is highly efficient even in cloudy conditions. Countries with similar climates, such as Germany, have successfully integrated large amounts of solar energy into their grids, demonstrating that weather


European countries, the UK has some catching up to do when it comes to investment in solar energy. As it stands, solar typically contributes a single-digit percentage of annual electricity generation – often around 4 to 6% depending on the year and weather – while providing more than 10% of electricity for Germany in recent years. However, as part of a broader push to decarbonise electricity, the current government


... advances in battery technology and energy storage should mean that more commercial enterprises will start to respond to the investment opportunity


has committed to expanding solar deployment at scale. Several nationally significant solar


projects have been approved, including some of the largest in UK history, as part of a wider effort to rapidly expand renewable capacity. The figures suggest, though, that it’s the domestic market that is leading the way, with two thirds of installations being new solar panels on homes. It may be early days in terms of assessing demand, but the introduction of ‘plug-in’ solar systems is likely to further add to capacity, as more homeowners take up the option of low cost panels which can be installed without professional assistance. Such easy-to-fit options are helping


to democratise energy generation, while advances in battery technology and energy storage should mean that more businesses and commercial enterprises will start to respond to the investment opportunity. The rooftops of factories and warehouses are potentially valuable energy assets, which can be utilised to help reduce a company’s energy costs and ensure an element of resilience in the event of interruptions in supply. At a time when the country’s


economic outlook is distinctly cloudy, it surely makes sense to look favourably at a potential energy- generating solution that could provide a level of protection for years to come.


Contributors to this issue


Andrew Warren


Chair of the British Energy Efficiency Federation


11


Phil Wiltshire at Pensdown


12 Contracts manager


Tom Bailey


Key account manager for Lochinvar


23


Ian Thomas Trox UK


29 Product manager at


Dr Phil Wu


Founder and director of Absolar Solutions


34


Energy in Buildings


& Industry PROMOTING ENERGY EFFICIENCY


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