Solar
Introducing solar solutions at Innova
What is solar energy?
Solar energy is defined as the energy that is given off by a star – in this instance, energy from the sun. This energy is produced via a process called nuclear fusion, and the energy is released in the form of photons. These photons then travel to earth in the form of sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) rays.
What is a solar farm?
A solar farm is a stretch of farmland where ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are installed, usually in rows.
How do solar panels work?
Solar panels create electricity via the photovoltaic (PV) effect. In short, this is the generation of current and voltage in a material (which, in the case of most solar panels today, is silicone) when it is hit by sunlight. Researchers are continually looking at ways to improve the efficiency of solar panels as more and more solar farms are required.
Why do we need solar developments in the UK?
There are several reasons why we need to build solar developments in the UK:
1. Greenhouse gas emitting products are having a substantial and negative impact on the planet and the population.
Currently, the majority of the national grid is powered by greenhouse gas emitting energy producers. By contrast, solar developments do not emit any greenhouse gases, and are therefore classed as a clean energy producer.
The more we can make use of solar power, the less greenhouse gasses that will be emitted, and the greater the chances will be for the planet and population to recover from the negative impacts.
2. Due to the impact of greenhouse gases, the UK government is taking action.
Specifically, the UK government has a legally binding target to achieve Net Zero (the balance between greenhouse gases produced and removed from the earth’s atmosphere) by 2050, and has committed to fully decarbonising the national grid by 2035.
As part of this plan, UK businesses are also required by law to achieve these targets. By switching to solar energy, as opposed to fossil fuels, UK businesses will have a much greater chance of achieving this.
3. Solar energy is the cheapest form of energy currently available
According to Electricity Generation Costs 2023 by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the lifetime cost of solar energy is £41 per megawatt-hours (MWh) produced, compared to gas turbine plants, which are £114 per megawatt-hours produced. As the solar industry develops more, this gap will widen, with solar expected to cost £37/MWh compared to a gas turbine at £139/MWh.
Solar also benefits from a more secure cost in production, as its fuel is free, whereas the cost of gas fluctuates. In summary, by installing more PV solar projects, the cost of energy will reduce.
4. Solar farms promote biodiversity whilst supporting farmers and food production
By using part of a landowner’s land for a solar development, this provides the landowner with a steady and secure income during the operation of the project. Consequently, this gives them the opportunity to reinvest into their farm and help produce food within the UK.
What’s more, solar developments allow for biodiversity enhancements, helping local wildlife to flourish and leaving land in a better state than before the development was built.
What sets Innova’s solar solutions apart?
Want to find out more about Innova's solar solutions?
