The year 2020 marked a significant milestone for solar power, with renewable energy infrastructure experiencing an unprecedented surge in growth and solar energy generating more than 11% of the UK’s energy mix in April alone.
This achievement reflects the increasing commitment of governments and individuals worldwide to combat climate change and transition towards more sustainable sources of energy.
As solar technology continues to evolve, scientists are exploring game-changing innovations such as integrating solar cells into everyday objects like glass windows and utilizing perovskite crystals to enhance the efficiency of solar panels.
Moreover, solar power companies and services are making notable strides, with energy providers required by law to buy back unused electricity from solar power customers.
Smart technology platforms like Social Energy are revolutionizing the energy sector with real-time trading, which allows consumers to get the best return on their solar energy investment.
In this article, we will delve deeper into the impressive growth of solar power in 2020, highlighting the government’s commitment to renewable energy, exploring the latest advancements in solar technology, and examining the transformative impact of solar power companies and services.
Renewable Energy Growth
The growth of renewable energy infrastructure hit a new high in 2020, with solar power playing a significant role in achieving this milestone. The surge in renewable energy generation, particularly solar energy, had a substantial impact on traditional energy sources.
In April, unseasonably bright and breezy weather led to a surge in renewable energy generation, and solar energy generated more than 11% of the UK’s energy mix. This was the biggest contribution to date across Europe. In addition, solar energy maximised during lockdown led to coal power being offline in the UK for the longest time since the start of the industrial era.
Renewable energy investment has been a crucial driver of the growth of renewable energy infrastructure. The UK government has pledged significant investment in renewable sources, and its ongoing commitment to renewable energy is a reason for the growth of renewable energy infrastructure.
This investment has resulted in innovations that have driven down the overall cost of renewable energy production. As a result, solar power has become the greenest and cheapest way to power homes. The growth of renewable energy infrastructure in 2020 has been a significant step towards achieving the UK’s goal of reaching net zero emissions.
Government Commitment
The UK government’s continued investment in renewable sources and commitment to reaching net zero emissions has been instrumental in the growth of renewable energy infrastructure. By prioritizing renewable energy sources, the government has paved the way for progress in the industry and driven down the overall cost of production, making solar power a more accessible and affordable option for consumers. The government’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions have also had a positive impact on climate change, as renewable energy sources are a key component in achieving net zero emissions.
To illustrate the impact of UK government investment in renewable energy sources, the following table provides data on the country’s energy mix in 2020. It is clear that renewable energy sources, including solar power, played a significant role in the UK’s energy generation, demonstrating the effectiveness of government policies and initiatives aimed at promoting renewable energy sources. By continuing to prioritize renewable energy sources and invest in their growth, the UK government is making a meaningful contribution to the fight against climate change.
| Energy Source | Percentage of UK Energy Mix |
|---|---|
| Fossil fuels | 36.4% |
| Nuclear | 15.8% |
| Renewable | 47.8% |
| – Solar | 11.0% |
Solar Technology Developments
Scientists are exploring new avenues to develop more efficient solar technology, such as harnessing the power of perovskite crystals.
Perovskite crystals are materials that have the potential to revolutionize the solar industry by increasing the efficiency of solar panels. These crystals can be used to create solar cells that are cheaper, lighter, and more flexible than traditional silicon-based solar cells.
In addition, they can be used to create transparent solar cells that can be integrated into windows and other surfaces, enabling them to generate electricity from sunlight while still allowing light to pass through.
Another exciting development in solar technology is the use of glass windows as sources of solar power.
Scientists at the University of Michigan have discovered a more efficient way to harness the energy of glass windows by using a thin layer of organic molecules to absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity.
This technology could potentially be used to turn entire buildings into sources of renewable energy, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating the effects of climate change.
With continued research and development, these innovations have the potential to make solar energy an even more viable and cost-effective alternative to traditional energy sources.
Solar Power Companies and Services
Energy providers are legally required to purchase any excess electricity generated by solar power customers, providing a financial incentive for homeowners to invest in solar energy. This arrangement, known as net metering, allows solar power customers to offset their electricity bills and even earn money by selling unused electricity back to the grid.
Furthermore, innovative platforms such as Social Energy are utilizing smart trading technology to maximize the return on investment for solar power customers. Real-time trading algorithms allow customers to sell their excess electricity at the highest possible price, ensuring the most financial benefit.
Solar power companies and services have also received positive feedback from customers. Project Solar UK, for instance, offers a consultative service and post-installation visit to ensure the customer’s satisfaction. The company has received rave reviews from its customers, who praise the professionalism and safety of the reps, consultants, and installation teams during the pandemic.
Additionally, the company launched a social media campaign using the hashtag #solarselfies to promote the benefits of solar power, further engaging and educating the public about the advantages of renewable energy.
As solar power continues to grow in popularity, such services and innovations will continue to provide homeowners with a financially viable and environmentally responsible source of energy.