Solar power news: 2020 in review

Looking Back at Solar Power in 2020

Despite the challenges of 2020, there was still plenty of light shining through—especially in the form of solar energy. As a reliable source of renewable power, solar made incredible strides last year, and those who embraced it reaped the rewards.

Let's take a moment to reflect on some of the highlights from the past year.

Moving Toward a Greener Future

The year kicked off with the UK government making bold commitments to environmental action. In the run-up to Earth Day, Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised to eliminate Britain’s contribution to climate change, while Chancellor Rishi Sunak pledged substantial investments to modernize the UK’s energy infrastructure. Although plans like Green Great Britain Week didn't materialize, the government's continued focus on sustainability remains commendable. Senior advisor Chris Stark even revealed that achieving net-zero emissions might actually cost less than anticipated. This ongoing commitment from key players like the UK likely played a role in renewable energy infrastructure experiencing unprecedented growth in 2020, even amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic and low oil prices.

Solar Power: A Bright Spot During Lockdown

When lockdown began, solar power customers discovered an unexpected perk—free electricity. The unusually sunny weather in April (the UK experienced more hours of sunlight than ever recorded) caused a spike in renewable energy generation. Some households were even paid to use electricity during the day for the first time, thanks to "negative pricing." Solar power users and those on green energy tariffs benefited greatly, receiving credits on their bills just for consuming energy. On April 20th, solar energy accounted for over 11% of the UK’s energy mix, hitting a new daily peak of 9.68 GW and a weekly record of 485.41 GWh. With clear skies, cooler temperatures, and reduced grid demand, coal power remained offline longer than at any point since the Industrial Revolution.

Across Europe, renewables made their largest contribution yet, signaling that green energy could soon become the continent’s dominant power source. Cleaner production methods like solar and wind have significantly lowered the carbon emissions factor, making electricity not only the greenest but also the most affordable way to power homes.

Energy Storage: The Next Big Thing

Another major advancement in solar technology is the rise of home energy storage batteries, which gained significant traction in 2020. These innovative devices connect to your solar PV system, storing excess energy generated during the day for use when it’s cloudy or at night. This technology offers a path toward greater energy independence for early adopters. Additionally, these batteries enable solar users to sell unused electricity back to the grid, earning extra income. Platforms like Social Energy simplify this process by tapping into the dynamic grid services market and maximizing returns through real-time trading. For many solar pioneers, adding energy storage to their setup transformed their experience in 2020. If you're seeking both environmental benefits and financial gains, investing in a storage battery is worth considering.

Innovations on the Horizon

While home batteries offer immediate improvements, researchers are hard at work developing cutting-edge solutions for the future. The summer of 2020 saw several exciting breakthroughs. A University of Michigan team developed a method to harness glass windows as solar power sources, achieving impressive efficiency levels. They believe skyscrapers could serve as ideal locations for these organic solar panels. Meanwhile, experiments with perovskite crystals showed promise for creating more efficient solar panels down the line. Such advancements mean more energy produced efficiently, reducing costs for consumers—a trend reflected in the UK government’s declining LCOE estimates for solar power.

Happy Customers, Happy Reviews

Speaking of satisfied clients, 2020 marked the debut of our #solarselfies campaign on social media. We've shared countless photos of smiling Project Solar UK customers celebrating their installations. Providing excellent customer service is central to what we do. From initial consultations to post-installation visits, our goal is ensuring clients feel supported every step of the way. Our aftercare efforts—complete with celebratory gifts—are just one reason our customers rave about us. Special thanks also go to our dedicated reps, consultants, and installers, who delivered exceptional results this year despite the pandemic. Your dedication to safety has kept both clients and our company safe, allowing us to close out 2020 on a high note. Thank you all for your hard work!

Here's to another stellar year of solar power in 2021!