How does solar help and hinder the environment? Here we explore both sides of the story, including what is being done to mitigate the potential harms.
When considering the installation of solar panels for your home, the primary goal is often to reduce utility expenses and mitigate reliance on fluctuating energy markets.
However, beyond the substantial energy savings, solar panels offer numerous environmental advantages.
Despite these benefits, there are notable environmental considerations, particularly regarding the disposal and recycling of solar panels.
In this discussion, we look at the current statistics, the transformative impact of solar energy on the UK's energy framework, and the ongoing efforts to address solar waste management.
PS We offer MCS-certified solar panel installation nationwide. Simply answer these questions, get your fixed price and arrange your free design.
The Environmental Impacts of Solar Energy
Solar & the UK's Energy Production Mix
Purchasing energy from the grid means you're tapping into a diverse mix of electricity production methods. While the energy coursing through power lines is emission-free, its generation often involves processes that are not completely environmentally friendly.
In the UK, the management of all electricity production falls under the purview of the National Grid. They provide transparency about the energy mix by offering live data on the various sources contributing to the generation of electricity that powers our homes and businesses.
For real-time insights into the UK's energy generation sources, you can visit the live data feed at https://grid.iamkate.com/.
This platform gives a snapshot of the current energy landscape, reflecting the proportion of renewable versus non-renewable sources in use at any given moment.
On average, our electricity generation over the last 12 months looks like this:
Energy source | Generation (Gigawatts) | Percentage of total |
Coal | 0.32 | 1.1% |
Gas | 9.75 | 32.9% |
Solar | 1.40 | 4.7% |
Wind | 9.14 | 30.8% |
Hydroelectric | 0.39 | 1.3% |
Nuclear | 4.20 | 14.2% |
Biomass | 1.63 | 5.5% |
Approximately 39% of our energy is derived from carbon-based fuels such as coal, gas, and biomass. Among these, biomass is deemed relatively more sustainable since it utilises materials that would otherwise be discarded, reducing waste.
By installing solar panels, your home morphs into a miniature power station. This allows you to generate renewable energy.
Not only can you use this energy directly, but you can also supply any excess back to the grid. Participating in schemes like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) might also entitle you to payment for the energy you contribute.
To understand the financial aspect of installing solar panels, consider utilising our cutting-edge online drawing tool. It offers a fixed price estimate for solar panel installation on your home, based on MCS-approved calculations.
While industry statistics vary, it's reported that the grid emits approximately 0.210 kilograms of carbon for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity produced, a figure which has increased by over 7% from 2022 to 2023.
Each kWh generated by your solar panels means an equivalent reduction in carbon emissions, as it replaces the need for grid electricity.
Here's a basic visual to illustrate the potential environmental impact of using solar energy:
Number of panels | EST annual production | EST annual carbon savings | Lifetime savings (25 yr) |
8 | 3000 KWh | 600Kg | 15,000 Kg |
10 | 4000 KWh | 800Kg | 20,000 Kg |
14 | 6000 KWh | 1200Kg | 30,000 Kg |
The UK has an ambitious target of getting to net zero by 2050.
To help achieve this ambitious goal, the UK government has introduced zero-rated VAT on solar systems and battery storage. This is for a limited time only, don’t miss out.
Impacts On Soil, Water & Air
Land Use:
The establishment of large-scale solar farm facilities can indeed consume a substantial amount of land, often necessitating land clearance, soil compaction, and modifications to natural drainage systems. However, proactive measures can be taken to mitigate these impacts.
One approach involves the utilisation of brownfield sites—previously developed areas that are vacant or underutilized. By repurposing such sites for solar installations, the environmental footprint of solar energy generation can be significantly reduced.
Moreover, retrofitting commercial buildings with solar panels presents another avenue for minimizing land use associated with solar energy infrastructure.
This dual strategy not only optimizes land utilisation but also contributes to the revitalization of urban spaces and reduces pressure on undeveloped land.
Water Use:
While solar panel manufacturing does entail some water usage, advancements in technology have led to significant reductions in water consumption per unit of production.
Moreover, the industry is increasingly adopting water recycling and conservation practices to further mitigate its water footprint.
Concerns regarding water usage are more pronounced in the context of concentrating solar thermal plants (CSP), which rely on water for cooling purposes. However, it's important to note that such concerns primarily apply to large-scale CSP facilities.
In response, developers are exploring alternative cooling technologies, such as dry cooling systems, which drastically reduce water consumption or eliminate the need for water.
Additionally, site selection and operational practices are being optimised to minimise impacts on local water resources.
Through innovation and strategic planning, the solar industry is striving to address water-related challenges while advancing renewable energy deployment.
Hazardous Materials
Some solar panels harbour hazardous materials, including hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, hydrogen fluoride, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, and acetone.
Notably, thin-film PV cells contain even more toxic elements compared to traditional silicon photovoltaic cells, such as gallium arsenide, copper-indium-gallium-diselenide, and cadmium-telluride.
However, there's a silver lining to this concern. In the UK, all solar panel companies, whether producers or importers are mandated to participate in a Producer Compliance Scheme (PCS).
This scheme is designed to ensure that solar panels are collected and recycled in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.
Moreover, the Environmental Protection Act addresses waste management, including responsibilities concerning waste on land and waste collection by local authorities.
In the realm of solar recycling, this legislation emphasizes the importance of all relevant parties ensuring that solar waste is managed in a manner that safeguards the environment from harm.
Solar Panel Waste & Recycling
According to the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), the UK boasted over 1.2 million solar installations nationwide by the close of 2022.
This surge in installations reflects a growing acceptance among households towards embracing solar arrays on their properties.
However, as solar energy garners greater popularity, concerns regarding solar panel waste are mounting.
Despite their typical lifespan of 25-30 years, some panels reach their end sooner, leading to the disposal of installations from the 2000s and 2010s.
This raises an urgent need for solar panel recycling. Improper disposal could result in various detrimental environmental impacts, including potential harm from hazardous materials.
Fortunately, the recycling process is straightforward. Every solar panel company operating in the UK, whether as an importer or manufacturer, is required to be a member of a Producer Compliance Scheme (PCS) like the Government-approved PV CYCLE.
This obligation, coupled with relevant EU regulations, mandates solar panel manufacturers to accept old panels from consumers.
To facilitate recycling, simply reach out to your solar panel manufacturer. They will arrange for the collection of your panels and transport them to a Dedicated Collection Facility (DCF), from where they will be sent to an appropriate recycling facility. This ensures responsible disposal and minimises environmental impact.
Still learning about solar panels? Explore our helpful guides on various topics, including solar panel grants, payback periods, the mechanics of solar energy, determining the number of panels you need, and solar car charging solutions.
Next Steps For Your Solar Journey:
When planning to install solar panels for your home, there are several important factors to consider. Make sure to refer to the following guides to help you make informed decisions:
To dive deeper into these topics, head over to our advice section, check out our YouTube channel for informative videos, or read a customer case study to see how others have benefited from their solar installation.
Get a Quote for Solar Today
Without boasting you should get your solar installed with us, here's why:
Thousands of Happy Customers: We boast an average score of 4.9 on Trustpilot, outperforming the market leader.
Which? Trusted Trader: Heatable is proudly recognised as a Which? Trusted Trader.
MCS Accredited: Our accreditation by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) ensures high-quality standards.
Exclusive Panels: We offer REA Fusion solar panels, available only through Heatable.
Consumer Protection: As members of the HIES consumer code, we provide 2-year deposit protection.
Flexible Payment Options: Choose from multiple payment methods, including finance options.
Fixed Price Guarantee: Enjoy transparency with no hidden costs.
Save Your Quote: You can save your quote and decide later.
Bespoke Design Tool: Draw your own conclusion (literally) on whether solar is worth it for you, here.
