How Bright

Good questions but we think the solar industry will prevail and grow at a very rapid rate.

How Bright Is The Future For Solar Energy?

by Ned Haluzan 

 

Solar energy has been around for decades. Ever since a team of bright sparks (no pun intended) realized the potential to harness the heat and light from the sun into a lasting energy resource, much has been said about the revolutionary renewable energy source.

The UK has long been a supporter of solar energy and the turn of 2014 saw its solar power industry install its 500,000th set of domestic panels. Latest figures from the Department of Energy and Climate Change have highlighted this major milestone with around 1,900 solar schemes being introduced every week on average.

Half a Million Installations
But with over 20 million occupied households in the UK, there a number of questions that remain; how close are we to entering a new age of energy power? Can we really move to a full dependence on solar energy? Are the costs of such schemes fully justifiable investment?

We’ve teamed up with SolarTech Ltd, one of the UK’s leading solar panel installers and industry experts, to outline just what 2014 has in store for the solar industry.

The Targets
The Government set themselves a target of one million domestic solar energy installations by 2015 and these recent numbers show a good indication of that being achieved. Let’s not forget that offices and commercial properties are already investing in a large number of full-scale installations to save energy and cut overheads. Brinkmann Quality Roofing states that "a solar roof not only pays for itself but continues to pay the homeowner by lowering or eliminating electrical costs month to month".

These incentives have helped the industry grow at a steady rate, even amid the economic turbulence of the last few years. The benefits are well highlighted with domestic savings, energy-efficient industries and advanced technology. Whilst politicians debate and discuss its significance, it appears that the UK’s public and businesses are quite simply getting on with it.

The Costs
It’s the simple matter of cost that has often left many with raised eyebrows. Whilst the maintenance and running of solar panels is lower than the energy costs of energy providers, the initial investment can sometimes leave a sour taste in the mouth.

The property industry is showing signs of recovery, but the demands of modern life mean that families and homeowners may not feel they will reap the financial benefits. Some properties can take five or ten years to begin showing a return in investment and for some this just isn’t quick enough.

Introduction Of Schemes & Incentives
The above is a completely understandable viewpoint, which is why incentives and schemes have been introduced to bare some of the initial costs that home and commercial property owners may face. There is also the cooperation of energy providers who can’t ignore the direction that the energy industry is heading.

So what can we expect to see this time next year? What can’t be ignored is the increased popularity shown in sustainable energy on both domestic and commercial fronts. In the next decade, the spotlight really will fall on the industry and what next for renewable energy.

Solar energy has a complete range of applications that will only grow in stature and importance in the next few years. Investing now will only put the UK in good stead and strengthen an already growing market that has the potential to revolutionise the way we power our homes and commercial properties.

Phil Warrington writes in association with SolarTech Ltd discussing the latest solar installation figures, what 2014 has in store and how the future is shaping up for solar energy.