As the world urgently needs to tackle climate change and the transition to sustainable energy sources, solar panels have become a leading solution in the global effort to reduce carbon emissions. In the past, one of the main obstacles to their expansion was the high level solar panel prices in the United Kingdom. However, the situation has changed dramatically in recent years, thanks to technological advances and the resulting fall in the price of these technologies.

Countries around the world are increasingly investing in solar energy, making it one of the fastest growing sources of renewable energy. But how does the United Kingdom fit into this global movement? In this article, we will explore the global adoption of solar panels and assess the UK’s progress in adopting solar energy.

The global solar energy boom

Over the past decade, solar energy has seen remarkable growth globally. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), solar energy is the fastest growing renewable energy source in 2022, with new installations reaching record levels. This increase is due to several factors, including the falling costs of solar technology, government incentives and growing public awareness of the environmental impact of fossil fuels.

Countries like China, the United States, and India have been at the forefront of adopting solar energy. China, in particular, is the world’s largest producer and consumer of solar energy, accounting for nearly a third of the world’s total installed solar capacity. The country’s rapid expansion in solar energy is part of its broader strategy to reduce its dependence on coal and become a global leader in renewable energy.

Likewise, the United States has seen significant growth in solar installations, particularly in states like California and Texas, where sunny climates make solar power an attractive option. Federal tax credits and state-level incentives have further accelerated its adoption, making solar energy more accessible to a wider range of consumers.

India has also made ambitious progress in solar energy, aiming to achieve 100 GW of solar capacity by 2022 as part of its National Solar Mission. The country’s vast land area and high sunshine make it ideal for solar energy, and the government has implemented various policies to support the development of solar infrastructure.

Solar panel adoption in the UK: progress and challenges

Although the UK doesn’t enjoy the same levels of sunshine as some solar giants, it has still made significant progress in adopting solar energy. The UK’s journey into solar energy began in earnest with the introduction of the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme in 2010, which incentivized homeowners and businesses to install solar panels by offering payments for the electricity they produced.

By 2023, the UK had installed more than 14 GW of solar capacity, making it one of the largest solar markets in Europe. This growth has been driven by a combination of government policies, falling costs of solar technology and growing consumer interest in renewable energy. Despite the FiT scheme closing to new applicants in 2019, the UK continues to see steady growth in solar installations, supported by the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) and other initiatives.

How does the UK compare globally

In terms of solar capacity, the UK ranks in the top 10 countries in the world, a notable achievement given its relatively modest levels of sunshine compared to countries like Spain or Australia. However, the rate of adoption of solar energy in the UK has slowed in recent years, particularly following the end of the FiT scheme. This has raised concerns that the UK is falling behind other European countries, such as Germany and Spain, which have continued to rapidly expand their solar capacity.

Germany, for example, has long been a leader in solar energy. Its strong commitment to renewable energy has enabled it to install more than 50 GW of solar capacity. The country’s Energiewende (energy transition) policy has led to significant investments in solar energy, supported by a strong regulatory framework and broad public support.

Thanks to its abundant sunshine, Spain has also become a major player in solar energy, particularly after the removal of regulatory barriers that previously hampered the sector’s growth. The country now has one of the fastest growing solar markets in Europe, with ambitious targets to increase solar capacity as part of its wider renewable energy strategy.

Opportunities and challenges for solar energy in the UK

The relatively slow growth in solar adoption in the UK in recent years can be attributed to several challenges. Reductions in government subsidies and complex planning regulations have made it more difficult for some homeowners and businesses to invest in solar panels. Additionally, the UK’s climate, with its often overcast skies, poses natural limits to the effectiveness of solar energy.

However, there are also significant growth opportunities. Advances in solar technology, such as the development of more efficient solar panels and energy storage solutions, could help increase the viability of solar energy in the UK. Additionally, rising energy costs and growing awareness of climate change are likely to drive increased interest in solar energy as a way to reduce household energy bills and carbon emissions.

The UK government has set ambitious targets to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and solar energy will play a crucial role in achieving this target. Policies such as the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which pays households for the excess energy they produce, encourage more people to invest in solar energy. Additionally, the growing trend toward “solar plus storage” systems, where solar panels are combined with battery storage, offers the potential for greater energy independence and resilience.

The future of solar energy in the UK

As the global trend towards renewable energy continues, the UK can reaffirm its commitment to solar energy and reclaim its leading position in this area. By addressing cost, regulatory and efficiency challenges and capitalizing on technological advances, the UK can further increase its solar capacity and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Solar energy is no longer just the prerogative of sunny countries; it is a critical part of the global energy transition, providing a viable solution to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. With the right policies and incentives, the UK can continue to play an important role in this global movement, ensuring that solar energy becomes an integral part of the country’s energy mix.

Article written by Alejandro Staton Varela