Why Solar?

Even now the majority of the world’s current electricity supply is generated using fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas. There are a series of challenges facing these traditional energy production methods such as increasing prices, security concerns and too much dependence on imports from other countries that have a significant fossil fuel supply. Furthermore, there are continuing environmental concerns regarding climate change risks that are associated with using fossil fuels for power generation.

These challenges in relation to traditional energy sources have prompted governments, businesses and consumers to support the development of alternative energy sources and new technologies for the purpose of electricity generation.

Renewable Technologies

This typically includes a variety of renewable energy sources such as solar, biomass, geothermal, hydroelectric and wind power generation. As opposed to fossil fuels, which utilise finite resources that are increasingly becoming too expensive to retrieve, renewable energy sources offer the advantage of unlimited availability.

The Emergence of Solar PV

Solar power generation has subsequently emerged as a rapidly growing renewable technology for producing electricity. Solar power generation and in particular solar photovoltaics (PV) has several advantages over other forms of electricity generation:

Reduced Dependence on Fossil Fuels  

Solar PV does not require fossil fuels and consequently this means it is less dependent on limited and expensive natural resources. You will find there is variability in the quantity and timing of sunlight during various periods, such as the changing of seasons but a properly sized and configured system can be designed in such a way so that it is highly reliable, providing long-term, fixed price electricity supply.

Energy Diversification

Governments are always striving for diversification in the energy mix of their policies and solar energy has the advantage of lowering dependency on oil, gas and uranium. Countries without large fossil fuel resources need alternatives to manage the security of energy supply.

By utilising Solar energy within the energy mix it enhances the energy production systems reliability as a result of its distribution capabilities. Furthermore, you will find that solar energy helps to offset the volatility of fossil fuels.

Environmental Advantages  

Solar PV generates electricity with a limited impact on the environment, when compared with fossil fuel energy production. Even a typical domestic solar PV installation could save approximately one tonne of carbon emissions during the year. Obviously, there are significant opportunities to reduce carbon emissions for large-scale solar PV installations and as such they are suitable for companies and organisations who are required to meet carbon reduction targets.

Emerging Economies

There has been a significant increase in energy demand and CO2 emissions in emerging countries, which has led to an increase in energy prices for the developed world. Solar PV gives families and businesses more security over the energy required for their properties, thus delivering more control over costs.

It Works In Colder Climates

There is a misconception that solar energy is only useful in warmer climates, however this is not necessarily correct. In fact, solar PV functions much more efficiently on a long, clear day with moderate temperatures. As such solar PV is fantastic for long British summer days.

It’s Extremely Reliable

The sun has been in existence for billions of years and is fair to say that it will burn on for billions more years to provide a plentiful and reliable energy source. Furthermore, the technologies used are also exceptionally durable and reliable. Think of all those satellites in space, they are powered by solar PV systems and have been in operation for many years.

Matching Output With Demand

Solar PV does not need to be used on its own, it can effectively supplement electricity supply from the electrical grid. The solar power system can generate electricity during the day and also satisfy electricity demand peaks in the summer. Any excess electricity produced during the long summer days can be sent back to the electrical grid.

Government Incentives

A number of countries around the world have introduced incentive schemes for renewable technologies and the most important incentive in the UK for solar PV is the feed in tariff. For those families or businesses who have solar PV installed, the feed in tariff is in place to pay you an income for the electricity you produce.