Solar Panel/Power Facts

Are you curious about solar energy and want to learn more about solar panel/power facts?

Solar panels have become crucial in the shift towards sustainable living and a cleaner, energy-independent future. Adoption continues to climb in the UK, with official statistics showing 17.1 GW of solar capacity in the UK across over 1.6 million installations as of the end of August 2024.

With the increased need to accelerate the transition to low-carbon alternatives in the UK, there’s never been a better time to stay updated on solar panel/power facts.

Let’s dive in!

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1. Solar panels produce power all year round

Solar panels produce power throughout the year, whether there’s rain, shine, hail, or snow. The panels’ solar cells generate power by responding to daylight, not heat or sunlight.

Your panels will still produce electricity even in winter or on cloudy days because some rays penetrate the clouds and reach the cells.

2. 196,787 solar panel installations came online in 2023 in the UK

According to government data, 196,787 solar panel installations came online throughout 2023. This is the second-highest number in any year and is only exceeded by 2011.

2023 was a positive year for policies that encourage further uptake of renewable technology. The public’s interest in solar technology has grown over the past decade, translating to significant adoption rates.

3. The first solar cell was born in 1883

Charles Fritts invented the first PV cells in 1883. Fritts coated selenium with gold, and the first panels were installed on a roof the following year.

However, in 1954, researchers from Bell Labs in the US created the first practical and commercially viable solar cell from silicon. The cells produced meagre amounts of power, but the technology has significantly advanced since then.

4. Planning permission isn’t necessary for solar panel installation

Residential solar PV systems are usually permitted development, so you’ll not need planning permission unless you live in a listed building, a national park, or a conservative area.

The panels must not exceed 200mm from your roof. If you can’t meet such requirements, install the panels on the ground using a suitable frame, the shed or garage, or an outbuilding.

5. The price of solar panels has plummeted in recent years

In recent years, the price of solar panels has significantly reduced globally as demand for solar panels increases. According to the UK government, utility-scale solar has fallen in cost by 88% since 2010, while rooftop solar prices have declined by as much as 60% since 2010.

Increased production by manufacturers and investment in better technologies have helped reduce costs, making solar panels more accessible.

6. Solar is the fastest renewable technology to deploy

Of all renewable energy technologies, solar has the fastest deployment times. Installers can design and install a domestic rooftop solar project in days.

Commercial rooftop solar systems with huge generating potential can be designed and installed in less than 12 months, while a solar farm can be designed and installed in less than 24 months.

7. Solar power can create over 100,000 new jobs by 2050

The UK solar industry currently employs around 6,500 people across a wide range of jobs. Analysis shows this can increase to over 42,000 if the government commits to the 40GW solar capacity by 2030.

Deploying 100GW capacity can also create 100,000 new jobs by 2050. The solar industry recruits in various roles, including distribution and logistics specialists, electrical engineers, energy finance professionals, environmental planners, business development experts, data analysts, installers, and solar cleaning specialists.

8. Solar panels increase house value

Findings from a study on the value of solar property show that installing a solar energy system can increase the sales price of a typical home by at least £1,800 while reducing annual energy bills by more than £300. The value increase is equivalent to over half of the cost of installing solar panels, even without factoring in the savings.

The findings highlight that upgrading a home with a solar power system is an easy way to lower a property’s running costs, increase its value, and reduce its environmental impact. Further, landlords can benefit from selling surplus energy to the grid while tenants enjoy reduced energy bills.

9. Solar panels are low-maintenance

You don’t have to do much to keep your solar panel system operating effectively. Solar panels don’t have any moving parts, making them very low maintenance. You only need to ensure they’re clean from dirt and debris and trim nearby trees to minimise shading.

Rain will easily clean your panels if they are tilted at 15 degrees or more. If you live in a dusty area, you can clean the panels yourself or hire someone to clean them occasionally. The installer will give you details of any necessary maintenance checks to ensure everything works properly.

10. Solar panels can last for over 25 years

Solar panels can power your home for 25 years or more before they start degrading, and most manufacturers offer 25-year warranties. Thus, you can benefit from your solar system for many decades without worrying about replacement costs. 

Most solar panels will also continue working even after reaching 25 years. After their life expectancy, they can continue producing power at high capacities, but they’ll be less efficient. The performance gradually declines over time due to exposure to sunlight and other weather conditions.

11. Solar panels can power aeroplanes

A solar-powered plane flew 40,000 km around the world in 2016, completing the first circumnavigation of the globe without fuel! The bizarre-looking plane used over 17,000 solar panels and had the wingspan of a Boeing 747. It set the record as the longest flight without fuel, showing the immense possibility of flying for longer with the sun’s power.

12. Solar power can save you money

Switching to solar is an excellent green choice and a smart financial move that can save up to £690 annually on energy bills. Your savings will depend on where you live in the UK, the amount of solar electricity you use, and whether you sign up for export payments.

Adding a solar battery can make you self-reliant, allowing you to power your home without grid electricity. A battery allows you to store clean energy during the day and use it at night when the panels are not producing electricity.

13. Space missions use solar power

One of the most fascinating solar panel/power facts is that the space industry has used solar technology since the early 1950s. The first solar-powered spacecraft, the Vanguard 1, launched in 1958 and is the oldest artificial satellite still orbiting the earth.

Lessons from Vanguard’s solar technology paved the way for more innovations and made solar cells the de facto way to power spacecraft. Today, silicon-based solar cells power many of NASA’s spacecraft, including the James Webb Space Telescope.

14. Solar panels can now blend with your tiles seamlessly

Technological advancements have made it possible to get roof-integrated solar panels that seamlessly blend with your roof tiles. In-roof solar panels sit flush with the rest of your roof, making them less obvious and more aesthetically pleasing.

They’re very lightweight and an excellent choice if you dislike the traditional solar panel look. However, they’re less efficient and won’t generate as much electricity.

15. Solar supports agriculture

Solar and agriculture can work together in harmony without choosing one over the other. Solar farms installed on intensely farmed land can allow the ground underneath to recover, allowing the soil to regenerate while benefiting from free electricity.

Farmers can benefit from dual functionalities. Solar panels absorb sunlight while providing shelter to plants and animals. The panels also provide a revenue stream that can support agriculture when they sell surplus energy back to the grid.

16. Solar is the most popular renewable technology in the UK

A report by Solar Energy UK about public attitudes towards renewable energy technology shows that more people choose solar over other forms of renewable energy technology in the UK. Support is consistently high, with polling results showing that 90% of the public supports solar.

Solar farms also have good support, strengthening over time as more people recognize their benefits. Solar panels are considered the third most significant home improvement priority after fitting a new bathroom, kitchen, or window.

17. Solar promotes a healthy environment

Solar power is clean, renewable, and doesn’t emit harmful gases or pollute the air. The energy harnessed by solar panels comes directly from the sun, which is inherently abundant, inexhaustible, and free, unlike fossil fuels, which are finite and costly.

According to the Energy Savings Trust, having a solar panel system in your home can help reduce around a tonne of carbon annually, depending on where you live in the UK.

18. Solar panels can charge your electric vehicle

Your electric vehicle can charge during the day when solar panels generate electricity and save money on fuel costs. You can get around 220 miles with a fully charged electric car. Driving the same distance on diesel or petrol would cost around £45.

Sources and References

• https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/solar-panels/
• https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/solar-photovoltaics-deployment
• https://solarenergyuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Briefing-Energy-Security-Strategy-2022.pdf
• https://solarenergyuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/The-Value-of-Solar-Property-report_SEUK.pdf