Latest UK renewables statistics showcase vital progress but additionally spotlight the essential function that business rooftop photo voltaic installations should play within the nation’s renewable vitality transition, says photo voltaic options agency Solivus.
In accordance with the most recent Power Developments report from the Division of Power Safety and Web Zero (DESNZ),1 renewable vitality accounted for greater than half (50.8%) of the UK’s electrical energy technology for the primary time in 2024. Solar energy alone reached a report excessive, growing by 6.5% to 14.8TWh. Nonetheless, regardless of home photo voltaic installations comprising the vast majority of photo voltaic quantity, they contribute solely 30% of the UK’s whole photo voltaic capability
Whereas these figures mark vital progress within the UK’s low-carbon financial system, light-weight photo voltaic specialist Solivus argues that business rooftop photo voltaic stays an underutilised alternative.
Jo Parker-Swift, CEO and founding father of Solivus, acknowledged: “Solar power is central to the UK’s net zero ambitions, and it’s incredible to see the country’s solar capacity growing at such an impressive rate. However, much of the focus remains on residential installations, while the real game changer lies in the expansion of commercial solar. This is where we have the potential for a seismic shift in how we generate and consume power.”
“A single home installing solar panels is a win, but a largescale commercial or industrial outlet outfitting its entire facility with rooftop solar is transformative. Businesses, particularly energy-intensive ones, consume significantly more electricity than residential properties. Their adoption of solar not only reduces demand on the grid but also decreases reliance on fossil fuels and strengthens the UK’s renewable energy infrastructure.”
Regardless of the advantages, a current evaluation reveals that lower than 10% of the UK’s non-domestic buildings at the moment utilise their accessible rooftop house for photo voltaic vitality.2 By harnessing this untapped potential, business buildings may generate an estimated 117TWh of electrical energy yearly—sufficient to energy roughly 30 million properties, exceeding the full variety of households within the UK. Financially, this might equate to financial savings of £35 billion, with lifetime financial savings reaching £703 billion.”
Jo provides: “The government has set an ambitious target to increase solar capacity nearly fivefold to 70GW by 2035 as part of its broader strategy to secure cleaner and more affordable energy. While residential solar remains important, unlocking the full potential of commercial solar is essential. This is where the most profound and lasting impact will be made, and it must be prioritised accordingly.”
Notes
(1) https://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/renewables-generated-50-8-of-the-uks-electricity-in-2024/
(2) https://powermarket.ai/buildings-could-save-35bn/#:~:text=A%20groundbreaking%20analysis%20by%20PowerMarket,leaving%20a%20vast%20untapped%20potential.
