The past twenty years have brought about an unprecedented transformation in the rhythm of our planet. Our world is constantly evolving, driven by automation, cutting-edge technology, and artificial intelligence. This relentless drive to adapt shows no signs of abating.
Of course, embracing these advancements demands greater energy consumption. As a global community, we require more energy resources than ever before. The sustainability of the energy we rely on is a pressing concern. We are well aware of the harm caused by the continued use of fossil fuels and finite resources. Although the transition to renewable energy is progressing rapidly, we must sustain this momentum to safeguard the Earth for future generations.
Solar power is swiftly becoming an integral part of everyday life. The UK now ranks as the seventh largest user of solar energy worldwide. Over the last decade, the cost of solar power has plummeted dramatically, making it both environmentally friendly and financially advantageous.
But where is solar energy headed in the future? While solar power has become more affordable and accessible than ever before, implementing it globally hasn't been without its hurdles. However, ongoing research and development in the renewable energy sector indicate a promising outlook for solar energy.
The Future of Solar Panel Technology
Although we recognize that solar panels are now significantly more affordable compared to a decade ago, understanding the reasons behind this shift is crucial to predicting the future of solar energy.
Solar panels are constructed from silicon photovoltaic cells, and the cost per watt of these cells has dropped substantially in recent years. This trend is anticipated to continue due to technological advancements such as satellite imaging.
Product Development
Primarily, there are three types of solar panels considered the best on the market. Each type varies slightly in design, but their key distinction lies in how they generate energy:
Monocrystalline - The original and widely regarded as the best, these panels are made from pure silicon and feature square-shaped cells once manufactured.
Polycrystalline - A newer development, these cells are also made from silicon but consist of fragmented pieces instead of pure silicon. The sunlight reflects differently off the fragments, enhancing their efficiency slightly.
Thin-film solar panels - The latest addition to the solar market, these panels can be made from various materials and are approximately 350 times thinner than those made from silicon.
Why Are Thin-Film Panels Significant?
The primary idea behind thin-film panels is to use far less silicon than conventional crystalline panels. Looking ahead, film technology appears to be the way forward. Designing thin-film panels to integrate with windows in homes could enhance their efficiency. Another potential advancement in solar energy might involve paint that functions as a solar generator, enabling building exteriors to produce solar energy.
Discovering New Materials
While solar energy is generally considered one of the most sustainable options for the future, some of the raw materials used in production are not environmentally friendly. Solar panels are made using minerals like copper and nickel. Although these minerals aren't in immediate danger of depletion, the methods used to extract them can harm the environment. These materials contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and are costly, meaning solar panels may not decrease in price until an alternative material is found.
Fortunately, a recently discovered material called perovskite shows promise in rivaling the photovoltaic solar cells we currently use, which offer up to 20% efficiency. Named after Russian mineralogist Lev Perovski, this material already exhibits promising signs of higher efficiency at a significantly lower cost than traditional crystalline silicon.
Challenges Facing Solar Energy
Despite being strong proponents of solar power as a solution for households and businesses across the UK, we acknowledge that there is still progress to be made in the field. One of the significant challenges facing solar energy is solar storage. While solar storage options are available on the market, many solar owners remain unaware of their necessity, missing out on the benefits.
Solar Panel Batteries
Solar panels generate electricity from sunlight and produce the most energy during the day. Most homes (pandemic aside) consume the most electricity in the evenings, resulting in surplus energy when it's not needed. A solar battery stores excess electricity generated during the day for later use, preventing waste. This ensures homes can be powered by renewable energy from solar panels even when they're not producing electricity.
What Does the Future Hold for Solar Energy?
Over the last decade, the cost of solar panel systems has decreased by nearly 80%, making fossil fuels less competitive. This is not only beneficial for the planet but also for the future of solar energy in households.
The cost of energy storage is also likely to continue decreasing, leading to reduced reliance on the national grid. Technology is advancing yearly to improve the efficiency of solar panel systems, such as introducing solar cells that capture light more effectively than their non-renewable counterparts.
Continuous innovation, like the development of perovskite cells, marks the beginning of what seems destined to be a golden era for solar and renewable energy as a whole. Solar energy is becoming increasingly quick, easy, and affordable to install in more households than ever before, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. A significant advantage of solar energy is its versatility. It can power anything from a small device like a watch to an entire city, ensuring its promising future.
So, what does the future hold for solar energy? With advancing technology, a focus on design and new materials, and the urgent need to move away from finite resources, the future looks bright for solar energy.
If you're interested in starting your solar journey, get in touch with our friendly team of experts today.
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