At Premier Modular, we’ve been proud proponents of solar panels for several years and have worked with many clients to include solar technology in their building designs. With a new government embedded, solar power is now on track to skyrocket with plans to triple the amount of it generated in the UK by 2030.
For many businesses and organisations, the solar revolution is increasingly an opportunity to cut energy costs and save money whilst contributing to a greener built environment. But what’s the truth about solar’s benefits and what does the future of this energy resource look like?
Solar technology is cooking on… perovskite
Solar or ‘photovoltaic’ panels have been around for a while, with early cell designs dating back to the early 20th century. Today, the technology has advanced to the point where solar modules can achieve a conversion rate of 26.9% – the rate at which sunlight converts into energy. Researchers are even finding ways to extend the lifespan of new solar panels by developing solar cells made from perovskite – a calcium titanium oxide mineral that is flexible, easy to manufacture and cost-efficient to produce.
This branch of clean technology is now poised to become a commercial staple and one we have been increasingly incorporating into our projects. Take the outpatient facility we delivered for King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, for example. This featured an array of solar panels on the building’s roof that can generate up to 45kWp (kilowatt peak) of electricity.
We’ve even taken things a step further and installed solar panels on the roofs of two of our own factory buildings. Covering the size of six and a half tennis courts, this installation will contribute to offsetting some of our carbon emissions this year and will generate up to 1,779 kWh of energy beyond.
Going solar – what’s in it for you?
Solar panels are an increasingly cost-efficient and effective method of generating clean energy. From schools to hospitals, we’ve seen the benefits that solar technology has brought to many organisations, reducing energy bills and providing the opportunity to sell excess energy back to the grid. This could prove vital for organisations throughout future periods of economic instability, ensuring access to an affordable, self-generated energy source.
Solar technology also affords energy security. Solar modules still convert sunlight into energy even on overcast days and installing your own renewable energy source naturally decreases your total dependency on the national grid.
Alongside rainwater harvesting systems, solar panels are the most common clean technology we incorporate into our projects. To minimise the operational carbon of our buildings, we can also deliver a 360° solution to combine clean technologies, such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems, with energy-saving measures, such as cloud-connected plug sockets. Why have one energy-efficient solution when multiple are on offer?
Looking ahead to a brighter tomorrow
As solar technology becomes more efficient and new materials increase the generating capacity of panels, there is an exciting opportunity for businesses and organisations to play a bigger role in nationwide decarbonisation.
Operational carbon – the emissions generated through the use and management of a building – is a huge problem in this country, as the UK is home to some of the oldest building stock in Europe. A greater uptake in solar panels across new and existing buildings would therefore help to reduce our dependance on coal and gas – which currently provides nearly 50% of the national grid’s power – and lead the way to a decarbonised future.
Promisingly, we are seeing this shift toward the solar future accelerate. The UK’s first all-electric green prison is currently in development and will feature solar panels, heat pump technology and efficient lighting, keeping its operational energy consumption to 25% of its traditional Victorian counterparts.
The next few years will be critical to achieving a cleaner and more energy secure future. Now is the time to consider how you can make a difference with your buildings with solar power.
Committed to including solar power in your next project? Speak to our team today.
