The large-scale, ground-mounted solar systems are an excellent way to ensure UK energy independence and support nature recovery. This renewable energy source is combined with conservation measures such setting aside areas to support wildflower meadows, shade zones for grassland, and other conservation measures. These areas make ideal habitats to wildlife like insects, birds, and pollinators.
Costs
Solar energy costs are dependent on many factors. These include the location, angle and type of the roof. The number of panels and electrical connections will also affect these costs. The costs of land preparation may also add up to several thousands of dollars. The table below shows typical costs associated with solar energy projects.
A recent report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) shows that the costs of solar energy, wind energy, and lithium-ion batteries have dropped dramatically over the last decade. In 2010, a megawatt-hour of solar photovoltaic electricity cost $378. It was $68 in 2019. The cost drop can be attributed consumer preferences for switching from dirty fossil fuels towards renewable energy.
Carbon footprint
The carbon footprint of solar power is the amount of CO2 emitted by solar panels' production, construction, and use. There are many components to solar panels, such as mirrors, heat exchange fluid, engines, and generators. Also, solar power plants' carbon footprint includes transmission lines as well as substations.
Even though solar energy produces less carbon than other forms of energy, it still has significant environmental consequences in terms of land use and waste generation. For example, solar power plants take up a large area of land. To produce enough power for one thousand homes, about 32 acres of land is needed. A total of 19 million acres are needed for the US.
Climate change
While renewable energy is an important part of global climate change response, rising temperatures pose a serious threat to the planet. These temperatures are increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, which harm the environment and humans alike. Six of these 10 most costly events were between 2004 to 2008, and their cost is expected to rise in the years ahead.
The climate system is always changing. Human activity as well as solar energy are contributing to this flux. The Earth's energy budget is the sum of all the energy that the Earth receives from its sun. A positive energy balance results in warming. While a negative energy balance causes cooling.
Future solar power needs land
According to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, to generate 1MW electricity, future solar power will require land of between two and four acres. If this assumption holds, the UK would require 700km2 land to produce this level of solar energy in 2035. This represents 0.3% total UK land. The map below shows the estimated amount of land that would be needed to meet the government's targets. The land required would be approximately the same size as golf courses.
At the time of writing, the combined UK solar farm capacity was 14GW. If the UK government wanted to increase its technology significantly, it would require a quarter of that land. This is still less than a tenth of the land needed for all the UK's solar power, but the figure could rise even higher. A little over 40% of UK's land was being used for agriculture in 2019, with 70 percent of it used for that purpose.
Timescale for installation
It is not easy to find the right timescale for installing solar energy in the UK. It takes six months for large projects to be approved by the government. There are many benefits to installing solar panels on your home. The average UK home consumes approximately 3,000 kWh of electricity per year. This results in very low CO2 emissions. The steady flow of electricity from solar panels can be a great help for those living in remote areas with little or no infrastructure.
Residential solar panels are typically installed in one to two working days. This includes wiring, installation of the inverter and racking system, as well. If the installer orders panels or mounting equipment, it could take 6-8 weeks. The timetable for the installation process depends on the size and complexity of the solar installation.