The future of solar
Our solar experts explore the exciting solar projects happening across the globe, and an insight into what the future of solar power may hold.
29 March 2023 | 6 min read
Sustainability
Urbanisation
Infrastructure
Multiple Authors
Why solar?
Why you should consider a solar project
It’s clear that developing solar farms contributes to the shift towards cleaner energy alternatives, reduces dependence on fossil fuels, and helps tackle climate change. But now solar power is more accessible than ever before. Thanks to technological advancements and overall improvements in efficiency, solar power and storage costs have reduced significantly. And with ever-increasing pressures to meet sustainability targets, renewable energy can play a major role in our transition to net zero.
Our experts take a look at how solar developments have become more accessible and why they’re worth developing and investing in.
Jon Alsop Rob Whittle
Higher efficiency, lower costs
Solar energy has become more efficient in many ways, which in turn has triggered a fall in overall costs.
Ongoing research and development is unlocking new ways to improve technology and processes, leading to advances in solar panel technology, installation practices and manufacturing processes.
Global supply chain improvements mean that manufacturers can source materials more easily, so costs for renewable technologies and raw materials have dramatically decreased.
Another key factor is the fall in battery prices. This is a big boost for renewable energy technologies like solar and wind installations, as they use batteries to store excess energy during periods of overproduction.
Pressure to meet net zero carbon targets
As technology improves and demand increases, prices decrease. Pursuing solar is a logical step on the path to net zero – sustainability goes hand in hand with energy efficiency. So how can solar help us meet net zero targets?
· Producing clean energy – Limiting our reliance on fossil fuels, solar developments directly contribute to lowering carbon emissions. In combination with sources like wind and hydrogen, diversifying the energy mix enables a sustainable and low-carbon energy system.
· Decentralising energy generation drives efficiency - Solar developments, particularly rooftop solar installations, allow for decentralised energy generation. This means that energy is produced closer to the point of consumption, reducing transmission and distribution losses associated with centralised power plants. This decentralised approach can increase overall energy efficiency.
· Utilising storage solutions - Combining solar developments with energy storage technologies, such as batteries, enables the storage of excess energy generated during sunny periods for use during cloudy days or at night. This improves the reliability and consistency of solar power, addressing one of the challenges associated with intermittent renewable energy sources.
The potential of a renewable energy mix
A reliable and resilient energy system often involves a mix of energy sources. While solar can be a major contributor, having diversity in the energy mix, including wind, hydrogen, and potentially nuclear energy, can help balance fluctuations in energy generation and demand.
An intriguing study by Oxford’s Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment has revealed that Britain’s capacity to rely on renewable energy sources is on the rise. The study suggests that in the future, Britain could be solely powered by wind and solar.
Under the solar aspect of this study, utility-scale solar would contribute around 19% (544 TWh/year), with the remaining power (25 TWh/year) by rooftop solar, covering 8% of Britain’s roof area.
While this is clearly dependent on policies and support to produce significant grid upgrades and streamline battery storage, the concept is encouraging on our path to net zero.
Barriers to the deployment of solar power
While solar is becoming more accessible in many ways, it’s not without its challenges.
The UK Government intends to achieve an almost fivefold increase in solar power by 2035, but several barriers still obstruct this goal. The Environmental Audit Committee identified these as grid capacity and delays in securing grid connections.
Grid connection delays can stall project progress and cause financial strain. This can make it challenging for developers to access capital for future solar projects as investors may be reluctant to commit funds due to the uncertainty associated with grid connection issues.
Our experts delve into preventative measures to ensure a smooth path to project completion in our overcoming grid connection delays article.
With a rising demand for solar technology and reduced costs, integrating solar power into the renewable energy mix is a logical and crucial element on the path to achieving net-zero carbon emissions. Thanks to notable advancements in technology for solar power and storage, delivering solar projects is only becoming more affordable, accessible and efficient, making way for a future that could be solely reliant on renewable energy sources.
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