Over the past few years, one of the most prevailing trends in energy is a huge increase in interest in solar panel installations from homeowners and business property managers alike.
According to a study cited by Insight DIY, 49 per cent of homeowners in the UK have considered buying solar panels, and it is not difficult to see why.
The overwhelming majority cited that a primary motivation for them was to lower their energy bills, and whilst that is a fairly clear motivator, it also reflects a fundamental shift in the perception of solar power in the UK.
Whilst in the past the main motivator was environmental and ethical concerns, with people expecting to pay a premium for a more renewable source of energy before being pleasantly surprised, solar panels have now become seen as a key component of energy security, at least on an individual basis.
The Security Of The Sun
The concept of energy security is nothing new, but over the past few years, it has gone from being a relatively minor concern in the background of people’s lives right up to the forefront.
Whilst issues with natural gas and other fossil-fuel supplies that were part of power generation and supply in the UK were already a cause for concern, the major disruptions in 2022 turned price increases into an outright energy crisis.
The issues, particularly their geopolitical origins, echoed the 1973 oil crisis. Not only was it also the result of geopolitical issues affecting the trade of fossil fuels, but it also made people realise that they could not take for granted that fossil fuels would always be available.
As well as this, there was an understanding, albeit not enough of a commitment on an institutional level, that renewable energy was the way forward to a more stable energy supply.
The missing piece on both an individual and institutional level was the ability to ensure that energy supplies only available at certain times of the day could be stored efficiently and used to power the grid later.
Power systems such as tidal, hydroelectric, wind and solar were seen as only part of the problem, and once the short-term fuel shocks had abated, manufacturers who had explored the potential of renewables seemingly lost interest.
Specifically regarding solar power, this created a chicken-and-egg problem where a lack of interest in producing highly efficient solar panels made them expensive to install, which meant that many homeowners simply could not afford them or were not interested.
This vicious cycle has only reversed in recent years, arguably because of a sudden shock in energy prices. With a realisation that electricity is nowhere near as stable and secure as people expect, the initial expenses of solar arrays suddenly became far smaller in relative terms than they used to be.
Solar has now become a critical part of energy security, with a growing number of homes fitting them as a way to lower their costs and dependence on the potentially volatile energy market for electricity, with the potential to even make money through selling surplus.
What is Energy Security?
Energy security means having a steady, safe, and affordable supply of energy without depending too much on other countries.
How Solar Panels Improve Energy Security
Solar panels make electricity from sunlight at home or locally. This means we don’t have to rely as much on imported energy like gas or oil.
Solar Power Reduces Energy Risks
Using solar energy helps protect against energy price rises, supply shortages, or problems in other countries that can affect our energy.
Solar Panels Work All Year Round
Even in cloudy weather, solar panels still produce energy. This gives homes and businesses a more stable and reliable power source.
A Greener and Safer Energy Future
By using more solar panels, the UK can move toward clean, local energy that helps both the planet and long-term energy safety.
