Solar energy is a renewable resource that can be harnessed from the sun’s rays and converted into electricity. In the United Kingdom, solar energy is becoming an increasingly popular source of renewable energy due to its environmental and economic benefits. This article will explore the benefits of solar energy, how it works and its current use in the UK.
What is Solar Energy?
Solar energy is a renewable energy source that is derived from the sun’s rays. It is a clean, sustainable and abundant source of energy that can be harnessed using solar panels. Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells that are able to convert sunlight into electricity. These cells are made up of silicon, which is a semiconductor material that absorbs sunlight and releases electrons. When these electrons are captured and directed through a circuit, they produce an electric current.
Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy has many benefits over traditional fossil fuels. Firstly, it is a renewable energy source, meaning that it is not finite and will never run out. This is in contrast to fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas which are finite resources that will eventually run out. Secondly, solar energy is a clean source of energy, meaning that it does not produce harmful emissions that contribute to climate change. This is in contrast to fossil fuels which produce greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide that contribute to global warming.
Another benefit of solar energy is that it is becoming increasingly affordable. The cost of solar panels has decreased significantly over the past decade, making it more accessible for homeowners and businesses to invest in solar energy. In addition, the UK government offers a range of financial incentives for those who invest in solar energy, such as the Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) scheme which pays homeowners for any excess energy they generate and feed back into the grid.
How does Solar Energy work?
Solar energy works by converting sunlight into electricity using solar panels. Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells which are able to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. When sunlight hits the PV cells, it causes the electrons in the silicon to become excited and move around. These electrons are then captured and directed through a circuit, producing an electric current. The electric current is then converted into usable electricity using an inverter.
Solar panels can be installed on the roof of a house or on the ground, depending on the amount of space available. The panels need to be positioned in a way that maximises their exposure to sunlight, usually facing south or west. The amount of electricity that can be generated by a solar panel depends on the amount of sunlight it receives, the efficiency of the panel and the size of the panel.
Solar Energy in the UK
Solar energy is becoming an increasingly popular source of renewable energy in the UK. According to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), solar energy accounted for 3.8% of the UK’s total electricity generation in 2019. This was up from 3.4% in 2018.
The UK has a relatively modest climate, with an average of 1,340 hours of sunlight per year. However, this is still enough to make solar energy a viable source of renewable energy. The UK government has set a target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, and solar energy will play a key role in achieving this target.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of solar panels installed on homes and businesses in the UK. This has been driven by falling costs and government incentives such as the FIT scheme. The FIT scheme pays homeowners for any excess energy they generate and feed back into the grid. This has encouraged many homeowners to invest in solar panels, as it allows them to not only reduce their energy bills but also generate an income.
Conclusion
Solar energy is a renewable and sustainable source of energy that is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. It is a clean and affordable source of energy that can help to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. The UK government has set a target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, and solar energy will play a key role in achieving this target. With falling costs and government incentives, solar energy is becoming more accessible for homeowners and businesses, offering both environmental and economic benefits.
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