2023 was a record year for renewable energy, thanks in no small part to our sun-loving friend, solar. The International Energy Agency (IEA) says solar power added enough juice to the grid to power up half of all new renewable energy in 2023 – that’s a 50% jump! And this isn’t just a one-year blip, it’s the 22nd year in a row that renewables have broken their own records.
China’s on a solar spree!
They’re basically the king of sunshine power, adding more solar panels in 2023 than the entire world did in 2022. No wonder – they’ve got five of the top 15 biggest solar farms and six of the seven biggest panel makers! Think about it: in just five years, Carbon Brief says renewables could generate enough electricity to light up both the US and Canada!
Why the renewable fever?
Well, for starters, it’s cheaper than fossil fuels. In 2023, three out of four new solar and wind farms were cheaper to run than their fossil fuel counterparts, the IEA says. Plus, solar panels got 50% cheaper compared to 2022! Thanks to that, manufacturing is expected to outpace demand in 2024 – even more sun power on the way!
Governments are getting on board too
Over 130 countries have policies to boost renewables, which the IEA says is a big reason for the boom. But they also warn that more needs to be done. Think paperwork delays, money woes, and policy uncertainties – they can slow down new projects and make them more expensive. For example, in the UK, a wind farm auction flopped because the government’s offer wasn’t good enough. The IEA says this financial struggle has even hurt the wind industry’s value.
So, what’s the future of sunshine power?
The IEA predicts global renewable energy capacity will triple by 2030, which is pretty close to the COP28 goal of making renewables three times bigger. And guess who’s leading the charge? China! They’re expected to generate half their electricity from renewables by 2028, and they’re even making waves in the industry – their company BYD just beat Tesla in sales!
So, there you have it! Renewables are on the rise, thanks to falling costs, helpful policies, and a world waking up to the power of the sun. And with China pushing the envelope, the future looks bright and sunny for clean energy!
Solar panels offer a multitude of advantages for the UK, aligning with environmental goals, economic benefits, and energy independence. As technology advances and government policies continue to support renewable energy, solar power is set to play an integral role in the UK’s journey towards a sustainable future.
Are you ready to invest in Solar Panels and convert to renewable energy?
If you are a UK homeowner and interested in learning more about the different types of Solar PV systems, contact our expert team today. By filling out our contact form, our team will provide you with a free no-obligation quote to install a bespoke solar PV system, catered to your energy needs. Call us on 01268 928 690 or click the ‘Enquire Now’ button below to claim your free no-obligation quote and solar panel system design.
Frequently Asked Questions about Solar Power
2023 was a record year! Solar power provided half the new renewable energy, and it’s been growing for 22 years straight.
China! They’re building huge solar farms and became the world’s top panel maker.
It’s getting cheaper – in 2023, most new solar farms were cheaper to run than fossil fuels! And panels themselves are 50% cheaper than last year.
Over 130 countries are boosting renewables, but paperwork delays and funding issues can still slow things down.
The IEA predicts it’ll triple by 2030, reaching the COP28 goal. China could generate half its electricity from solar by 2028!
Did You Know? China’s BYD even beat Tesla in electric car sales! So buckle up, the future is bright and sunny for solar.
Latest Saving Energy Posts
- Why You Should Consider Solar Panels When Buying Your Home
How Solar Panels and Mortgages Can Work Together to Save You Money and the Planet Renewable energy sources like solar are becoming more and more popular each year and they are now more affordable and accessible than ever before, and solar power is one of the best choices for homeowners who want to reduce their… Read more: Why You Should Consider Solar Panels When Buying Your Home - Energy News: Energy Prices Forecast to rise by 9% in October 2024
23 AUG UPDATE: Average annual energy bill to rise by 10% to ÂŁ1,717 in the UK from October 2024 Get ready for a shock to your wallet. Energy prices are on the up again, and it looks like they’re going to keep climbing. Energy prices are expected to rise again in the UK ahead of… Read more: Energy News: Energy Prices Forecast to rise by 9% in October 2024 - British Gas SEG Rates: A Closer Look
Imagine this: You’re basking in the warmth of the sun, your electricity meter ticking over slowly. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s becoming a reality for more and more UK homeowners thanks to the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme. But what does it really mean for you and your energy bills? Let’s dive into… Read more: British Gas SEG Rates: A Closer Look - The UK Solar Energy Landscape
The United Kingdom’s solar energy landscape is undergoing a remarkable transformation, characterized by significant advancements and ambitious plans for capacity expansion and efficiency improvements. Recent UK government initiatives and policy changes point towards a promising future for the domestic solar industry. Ambitious Targets and Supportive Policies A key development in this transformation is the Labour… Read more: The UK Solar Energy Landscape - Factors to Consider Before Switching to Solar Energy
As environmental consciousness grows, solar energy is becoming an increasingly attractive option for UK homeowners. This clean, renewable energy resource offers the potential to lower energy bills and reduce carbon footprints. However, before you consider making the switch to solar energy, careful consideration of several key factors is essential. Your Home’s Energy Needs A fundamental… Read more: Factors to Consider Before Switching to Solar Energy - EON Next SEG Rates: Is Your Solar Power Paying Its Way?
So, you’ve taken the plunge and invested in solar panels. That’s fantastic! You’re not only helping the planet but also potentially saving money on your energy bills. But how much can you actually earn from the excess electricity your panels generate and feed back into the National Grid? That’s where the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)… Read more: EON Next SEG Rates: Is Your Solar Power Paying Its Way? - Octopus Energy SEG Rates: A Deep Dive
Imagine this: You’re basking in the sun, sipping a cold drink, and your electricity meter is ticking over backwards. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s becoming a reality for thousands of UK homeowners thanks to the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme and innovative energy providers like Octopus Energy. But how much can you really… Read more: Octopus Energy SEG Rates: A Deep Dive - Top 10 Reasons to Go Solar
Solar energy has emerged as a leading renewable energy source due to its environmental and economic advantages. Here’s a closer look at the ten key benefits of adopting solar power in 2024: 1. Cost Savings Solar energy offers significant cost benefits. Surplus energy produced by your solar panels can be fed back into the National… Read more: Top 10 Reasons to Go Solar - Solar Panels in Dorset. Are they worth it?
Think about this: you wake up to a crisp Dorset morning, the gentle sea breeze whispers through your windows, and best of all, you check your smartphone to see the numbers on your electricity bill plummet – all thanks to the sunshine on your roof! Intriguing, right? Well, this dream can be a reality with… Read more: Solar Panels in Dorset. Are they worth it? - Solar Panels in Hampshire. Are they worth it?
Remember that blissful feeling when you used to barely glance at your electricity bill? Those days might seem like a distant memory, but here’s some good news for homeowners in Hampshire: solar panels in Hampshire can be your sunshine on a cloudy day (financially speaking, that is). We’re talking about significant savings on your energy… Read more: Solar Panels in Hampshire. Are they worth it? - Solar Panels in Cambridgeshire. Are they worth it?
Think about this for a second: you wake up to a crisp Cambridgeshire morning, sunlight streaming through your windows. But beyond that warm glow, there’s another benefit – your roof is silently generating electricity, slashing your bills and putting money back in your pocket. Sounds pretty good, right? Well, that’s the reality solar panels can… Read more: Solar Panels in Cambridgeshire. Are they worth it? - Solar Panels in Hertfordshire. Are they worth it?
Imagine this: you wake up in the morning, brew a cup of tea using electricity your house generated, and check the weather app. It’s another bright Hertfordshire day, perfect for those solar panels gleaming on your roof. Not only are you sipping your tea guilt-free (because renewable energy!), but you’re also quietly smug because you’re… Read more: Solar Panels in Hertfordshire. Are they worth it?