The Importance of Solar Energy in Achieving Net Zero Emissions

We hear a lot about ‘net zero’ and ‘net zero targets’. But what does it all mean, and how can we as individuals make a contribution towards fighting climate change?

The UK ‘net zero target’ refers to the government’s commitment to ensure the UK reduces its greenhouse gas emissions by 100% by 2050 from 1990 levels. There are also interim targets to reduce emissions by 78% by 2035.

These targets are legally binding. If met, it would mean the amount of UK greenhouse gas emissions produced would be equal to or less than the emissions removed by the UK from the environment.

What is net zero, and why is it important in the fight against climate change?

Achieving net zero is crucial for mitigating climate change, because it directly addresses the root cause: greenhouse gas emissions.

By reducing these emissions to zero, we can prevent the most devastating impacts of global warming, such as extreme weather events, sea level rises, and biodiversity loss.

What is the role of solar energy in achieving sustainability and net zero?

As the world ups its net zero efforts, solar energy emerges as a valuable solution.

Solar energy works by converting sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) panels, commonly known as ‘solar panels’.

Solar panels capture sunlight, transforming it into usable power through an inverter. This creates a direct supply of clean energy that not only reduces our carbon footprint, but can significantly cut electricity bills.

It also reduces reliance on the fossil fuel-based energy sources that are responsible for over 75% of UK greenhouse gas emissions.

As well as directly powering your home or business premises, it’s also possible to store excess solar energy in solar batteries for later use. In many cases, you can use renewable energy, rather than relying on fossil fuels when the sun isn’t shining.

Solar energy plays a vital role in achieving sustainability by:

1. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

The production of solar energy generates no greenhouse gases, making it a key player in reducing overall emissions.

Using solar panels, households and businesses can significantly lower their carbon footprint, making their own valuable contribution against climate change.

2. Cutting reliance on fossil fuels and promoting energy independence

Solar energy promotes energy independence by reducing reliance on fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas.

Adopting solar power not only supports national energy security, but also mitigates the damage to the environment associated with fossil fuel extraction and use.

3. Providing long-term cost savings

Whilst there’s an initial investment, the long-term savings associated with solar panel installation can be substantial.

Solar panels carry low maintenance costs and can reduce electricity bills. Over time, this can translate to significant financial savings for homeowners and businesses.

4. Creating “green jobs”

The solar industry is a major driver of job creation. From manufacturing and installation to maintenance and support, the growth of solar energy is creating a robust green economy.

This not only boosts employment, but also helps transition the UK workforce towards sustainable industries.

Solar energy adoption around the world – who’s leading the way?

The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change, adopted in 2015.

195 parties have so far joined, all committing to reduce their emissions and work together against climate change.

Renewable energy capacity is increasing worldwide, with 2023 capacity additions almost 50% higher than 2022. Renewable power capacity additions are predicted to increase, with solar and wind set to more than double by 2028.

Solar energy accounted for 4.5% of total global electricity in 2022, and remains the third largest form of renewable electricity behind hydropower and wind.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), around 25 million households have solar panels globally. This is forecast to grow to 100 million by 2030.

As of 2022, China had the most solar panels in the world, producing 393,000 megawatts of energy. The United States was second, producing 113,000 megawatts.

Here’s the full top 20 solar energy producing countries at-a-glance:

Achieving sustainability – how’s the future looking?

At Greenscape Energy, we believe the future of sustainability relies on combining renewable energy sources, updating the electricity grid, improving energy storage, and government and community support.

Working together: solar energy, wind and hydropower

Wind energy, harnessed from the movement of air, and hydropower, derived from flowing water, both complement solar power by providing energy during different times and weather conditions.

This energy mix ensures a stable and reliable supply of clean energy, reducing dependence on any single source, and enhancing resilience against climate change.

The role of the grid in achieving sustainability

The electricity grid is the backbone of energy distribution. Modernising the grid to be smarter and more flexible will be crucial for efficiently managing the diverse inputs from solar, wind and hydropower, plus other renewables, and for achieving sustainability globally.

Smart grids use advanced technology to monitor and manage electricity flow, ensuring energy is distributed where and when it’s needed most.

These grids balance supply and demand in real time. They can also integrate distributed energy resources such as solar panels, as well as enhance energy storage capabilities. Not only does this optimise renewable energy use, it also improves the reliability and efficiency of the overall energy system.

The UK has made significant progress so far in deploying smart grids, and has invested considerably in smart grid research and demonstration.

Energy storage and innovation

Energy storage technologies, such as solar batteries, are vital for covering those times when renewable energy sources, like solar and wind, aren’t producing power.

Effective storage solutions allow excess energy produced during sunny or windy times to be saved and used later, ensuring a consistent energy supply. Advances in these technologies are regularly being introduced, helping boost the reliability and effectiveness of renewable energy systems over time.

Community support

Achieving sustainability and meeting net zero targets will call for community support, driven in part by government incentives to encourage renewable energy adoption.

Public education is essential. That’s why at Greenscape Energy, we do all we can to engage with our community. As well as attending local events, we’ve made our Ipswich shop a welcoming hub which home and business owners can visit for tailored energy-saving advice.

We’ve also set up a training academy to expand knowledge within the industry. By nurturing skills in solar panel installation and inspiring the next generation of renewable energy professionals, we can help contribute to the future of sustainability and net zero.

Greenscape Energy: supporting you on your net zero journey

To discover how you can contribute to the UK’s net zero targets, and benefit from reduced energy costs, we welcome you to book a free survey. We’ll introduce you to options such as solar panels, energy storage systems, and other sustainable solutions.

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