Generated by Rank Math SEO, this is an llms.txt file designed to help LLMs better understand and index this website.

# energygain.co.uk: Commercial Photovoltaic (Solar) Installers operating across the entirety of the UK. Our aim is to help drive down energy bills and carbon emissions for any industry, from Care Homes to Car Ports.

## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://energygain.co.uk/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [Energy Gain UK appointed on the Fusion21 Heating, Renewables and Electrical Framework](https://energygain.co.uk/appointed-on-the-fusion21-framework/): Energy Gain UK are delighted to announce our recent appointment to the prestigious Fusion21 Framework, which delivers a full range of Heating, Renewables, and Electrical works for UK Public Sector organisations to access.
- [Do Solar Canopies Need Planning Permission?](https://energygain.co.uk/do-solar-canopies-need-planning-permission/): In many cases, yes. Commercial solar canopies often require planning permission because they are treated as standalone structures rather than simple alterations to an existing building.
- [How Much Can Businesses Save With Solar Panels in 2026?](https://energygain.co.uk/how-much-can-businesses-save-with-solar-panels-in-2026/): From 1 July 2026, the Ofgem energy price cap rises 13% to £1,850 for a typical household. Businesses are not protected by it. Commercial energy rates track wholesale prices directly and those markets have spent the past five years delivering exactly the kind of volatility that makes long-term energy planning a serious challenge.
- [Record Solar Generation in March Strengthens UK Energy Security — What It Means for Businesses](https://energygain.co.uk/record-solar-generation-in-march/): Solar generation reached new heights in March 2026, reinforcing the growing role renewable energy plays in strengthening UK energy security and supporting businesses in managing long-term energy costs. As energy markets remain volatile and organisations face increasing pressure to decarbonise, the case for commercial solar has never been clearer. ☀️
- [Benefits and misconceptions about Solar Panels for Business](https://energygain.co.uk/pros-and-cons-of-solar-panels-for-business/): Implementing solar technology in a commercial setting offers numerous substantial advantages, from cutting energy expenses to enhancing brand reputation. Solar installations can also serve as a source of additional income by exporting surplus power back to the grid. They support a company’s commitment to sustainability, require minimal upkeep, and provide a dependable energy supply. Advances in solar tech continue to drive down costs and boost efficiency, ensuring strong financial returns on investments.
- [Middle East Conflict and Its Deepening Impact on UK Energy Prices and Economy](https://energygain.co.uk/middle-east-conflict-uk-energy-prices-and-economy/): The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to dominate headlines and markets worldwide. With escalating tensions, especially involving Iran, the ripple effects are hitting the UK hard - driving energy prices up, fueling inflation, and threatening economic stability.
- [Iran, the Middle East and the UK Energy Outlook](https://energygain.co.uk/iran-the-middle-east-and-the-uk-energy-outlook/): The Middle East remains central to global energy security and the latest escalation involving Iran has again highlighted the vulnerability of international supply chains. With Iran at the heart of rising regional tensions, oil and gas markets are reacting immediately as the risk of disruption increases.
- [What the Climate Change Levy (CCL) Is and Preparing for the 2026 CCA Updates](https://energygain.co.uk/what-the-climate-change-levy-ccl-is-and-preparing-for-the-2026-cca-updates/): The Climate Change Levy (CCL) is a tax on non‑domestic energy use, designed to push businesses toward lower energy consumption and reduced carbon emissions. Electricity, gas and other taxable fuels all incur CCL charges, increasing operational costs for UK organisations.
- [Why Your Business Should Invest in Solar Panels: The Top Benefits for Companies](https://energygain.co.uk/why-your-business-should-invest-in-solar-panels/): In an era where sustainability, cost-efficiency, and corporate responsibility are more critical than ever, solar energy has emerged as a smart, strategic choice for businesses of all sizes. Transitioning to solar power isn’t just an environmentally friendly decision — it’s a financially sound and future-proof investment that can significantly enhance your company's operations, reputation, and bottom line. Here’s a detailed look at why your business should consider installing solar panels:
- [UK Solar Forecast to Grow 50% Year-on-Year Again in 2026: A Record-Breaking Year for Solar Power](https://energygain.co.uk/uk-solar-forecast-to-grow-50-percent-in-2026/): The UK’s solar energy sector is on the cusp of an unprecedented boom in 2026, with forecasts predicting a staggering 50% year-on-year (YoY) growth for the second consecutive year. This meteoric rise is expected to add approximately 5 to 5.5 gigawatts peak direct current (GWp-dc) of new capacity, solidifying 2026 as the most significant year in the history of UK solar deployment. As the industry accelerates, multiple factors—from technological advancements to policy support—are converging to propel solar into the forefront of the UK's renewable energy landscape.
- [All About Clean Power 2030](https://energygain.co.uk/clean-power-2030/): As global efforts to combat climate change accelerate, the UK is embarking on a bold journey to transform its energy landscape with the groundbreaking Clean Power 2030 initiative. This ambitious strategy is designed to position Britain as a worldwide leader in clean, cost-effective, and dependable energy production by the close of this decade, directly supporting the nation’s broader goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions.
- [Understanding TNUoS Charges: What They Mean for Your Business Energy Strategy](https://energygain.co.uk/understanding-tnuos-charges/): The main goal of TNUoS charges is to recover the total revenue approved by Ofgem, the UK’s energy regulator. This revenue is used to finance the building, operation, and maintenance of the high-voltage transmission network throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and offshore areas. In essence, these charges help keep the transmission system dependable, robust, and able to meet the country's evolving energy demands.
- [Energy Gain UK Named ESG Champion 2025 by North West Business Insider](https://energygain.co.uk/energy-gain-uk-named-esg-champion-2025-by-north-west-business-insider/): We’re proud to announce that Energy Gain UK has been recognised as one of the region’s ESG Champions 2025 in the September issue of North West Business Insider. 🏆
- [Renewable sources now generate more than half of the UK’s electricity](https://energygain.co.uk/renewable-sources-now-generate-more-than-half-of-the-uks-electricity/): 2024 marked a historic turning point for the UK’s energy landscape, with renewable energy sources generating more than half of the country’s electricity for the first time. According to newly released government statistics, renewables supplied 50.4% of total UK electricity, overtaking fossil fuels once again and setting multiple records along the way.
- [UK Solar Generation Up 42% Following Sunniest Spring on Record](https://energygain.co.uk/uk-solar-generation-up-42-following-sunniest-spring-on-record/): Spring 2025 was the UK’s sunniest on record, driving a 42% surge in solar energy generation, with average temperatures surpassing the previous high set in 2024. This marks the hottest spring since records began in 1884.
- [Solar Carports driving sustainable business](https://energygain.co.uk/solar-carports-driving-sustainable-business/): The UK Government’s latest plan for change highlights the potential of underused car park space—transforming it into clean, energy-generating infrastructure. By installing solar carports, businesses can cut energy bills by up to £28,000 a year, support EV charging, and reduce fuel costs for customers and staff.
- [Decarbonising Construction: The Role of ESG and Solar in a Sustainable Future](https://energygain.co.uk/decarbonising-construction-the-role-of-esg-and-solar-in-a-sustainable-future/): The construction industry is vital to the global economy, but is also one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. As such, the construction sector accounts for around 37% of global emissions, with 16% coming from embodied carbon in material manufacturing.
- [Should Every Business Invest in Commercial Solar Panels in 2025?](https://energygain.co.uk/should-every-business-invest-in-commercial-solar-panels-in-2025/): The energy landscape is changing rapidly, and businesses that fail to adapt risk falling behind. The UK has committed to an ambitious emissions reduction target of 81% by 2035, up from 68% by 2030, underscoring the government’s focus on decarbonisation and energy security.
- [Maximise Your ESG Credentials While Reducing Energy Costs](https://energygain.co.uk/maximise-your-esg-credentials-while-reducing-energy-costs/): As energy prices continue to rise and sustainability becomes a key focus, businesses are turning to renewable solutions like solar energy to meet their financial and environmental goals.
- [NEW LEVELS OF URGENCY AROUND ESG – WHY BUSINESSES ARE BEING FORCED TO TAKE ACTION NOW](https://energygain.co.uk/new-levels-of-urgency-around-esg-why-businesses-are-being-forced-to-take-action-now/): Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) is no longer a trend, marketing tool or nice to have.  Implementing an effective ESG plan is vital to business success. 
- [Energy Gain and the community: Life-Saving Defibrillator Installed at Chassen Park](https://energygain.co.uk/energy-gain-and-the-community-life-saving-defibrillator-installed-at-chassen-park/): We are proud to be supporting our local community by donating a defibrillator to Chassen Park. This essential addition enhances the network of life-saving equipment available in our community.
- [How much electricity does a solar panel produce?](https://energygain.co.uk/how-much-electricity-does-a-solar-panel-produce/): Solar panels are one of the most popular forms of generating energy for your business. However, many still wonder how much electricity a solar panel can produce. While a lot of this can be down to specific conditions and the type of solar panel used, there are some general criteria that can help give you a rough estimate
- [Japan aims to beam solar power from space by 2025](https://energygain.co.uk/new-solar-panels-have-been-developed-that-can-generate-electricity-at-night-2/): According to a recent article in The Independent, Japan is planning to be the first country in the world to harness solar energy from space back to earth. By placing solar panels in space, they can capture sunlight 24/7. This continuous energy generation holds great promise for meeting the rising global demand for sustainable power. This groundbreaking concept has the potential to revolutionize clean energy generation, providing a consistent and abundant power supply. This opens up new possibilities for a greener future, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and advancing towards a more sustainable future.We are inspired by Japan's visionary approach and the immense potential this technology holds. To find out how Solar Photovoltaics could support your business, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
- [New Solar panels have been developed that can generate electricity at night](https://energygain.co.uk/new-solar-panels-have-been-developed-that-can-generate-electricity-at-night/): Stanford University researchers have created a photovoltaic (PV) cell that uses a process called radiative cooling to allow for 24 hour renewable energy generation. It works by tapping into the heat being radiated from the surface of the solar cells as infrared light into outer-space on clear nights.
- [UK Energy status update](https://energygain.co.uk/uk-energy-status-update/): The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has unveiled a new energy strategy that aims to tackle rising energy costs and boost energy independence amid drastically increasing energy prices stoked by the Russian-Ukraine invasion. These ambitious new commitments are expected to supercharge the development of wind, solar, nuclear, hydrogen, oil and gas which could see up to 95% of Great Britain’s electricity sourced from low-carbon generation by 2030.
- [Russian Gas Monopoly Continues…](https://energygain.co.uk/russian-gas-monopoly-continues/): On Monday, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Alexander Novak, threatened to cut off the gas supply to Western Europe. This came in response to the continuing sanctions being placed on his country, in light of the invasion and ongoing war in Ukraine.
- [The War in Ukraine – What this means for UK energy](https://energygain.co.uk/the-war-in-ukraine-what-this-means-for-uk-energy/): Recent events in Ukraine have caused everyone to gasp at their television screens in disbelief.
- [Solar Power – Frequently Asked Questions](https://energygain.co.uk/solar-power-frequently-asked-questions/): How do solar photovoltaics work?
- [ESG and its importance after COP 26](https://energygain.co.uk/esg-and-its-importance-after-cop-26/): Following more ambitious targets set at COP 26, more than 130 nations have made a commitment to achieve net-zero by 2050 or sooner. For these targets to be somewhat attainable, this ambition must be reciprocated by the private sector. Many countries have already employed carbon taxes, fuel levies and mandatory carbon reporting in an attempt to coerce some of the industry's heaviest polluters into taking action. However, there is a growing appreciation that these measures are not there to impair large businesses, but it is recognised that it has created a shift towards a more sustainable and profitable way of doing business.
- [Does carbon capture have a future?](https://energygain.co.uk/does-carbon-capture-have-a-future/): The role that Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) will play in achieving a global net-zero will be pivotal. Whilst the world strives hard to decarbonise heavy industry, transport, electricity and heating, there will always be a proportion of unabated emissions. It is, therefore, carbon removals in the form of natural carbon sinks, carbon capture and methane splitting that will help us counterbalance all remaining emissions to achieve a true net-zero. When combined with bioenergy technologies for power generation (so-called BECCS – bioenergy with carbon capture and storage), CCS has the potential to generate ‘negative emissions’, removing CO2 from the atmosphere. Understandably, many policymakers believe that this will be an essential technology to help reach the goals of the Paris Agreement; hence, the Global CCS Institute estimates that 2,500 facilities will be required globally by 2040.
- [Run up to COP 26 – priminister expects tough negotiations](https://energygain.co.uk/run-up-to-cop-26-priminister-expects-tough-negotiations/): The race to net zero is on and although some countries strive for a positive outcome, many haven't strategized or put in place policies to get them there. It's an effort for nations, companies, and individuals to pull together and tackle the problem collaboratively. With current pledges, global temperature increase is on a trajectory of 2.7 degrees by 2050, wide off the mark from the 1.5 degree target.
- [Tesco sets a 2050 net zero target for its suppliers and products](https://energygain.co.uk/tesco-sets-a-2050-net-zero-target-for-its-suppliers-and-products/): When it comes to climate change, Tesco knows that 'every little helps'. The retailer has recently strengthened its ambition to tackle climate change by mandating a net zero supply chain by 2050. Making up over 90% of Tesco's footprint, the value chain comprises emissions arising from the sourcing of raw materials and manufacturing, where emissions emanate from agriculture and energy use; in the use of sold products, including emissions from waste generated and energy used to cook/use products; and from upstream and downstream transportation (see figure below).
- [UK Electricity Rates Now Highest In Europe](https://energygain.co.uk/uk-electricity-rates-now-highest-in-europe/): UK day-ahead power prices tripled to record levels on Sept. 13 as tight generation margins coupled with soaring gas and carbon prices and high-level import instability have led to the UK now paying the most for energy amongst its European counterparts. 
- [Shocking feature on the state of climate change – how businesses can be (more) clean](https://energygain.co.uk/shocking-feature-on-the-state-of-climate-change-how-businesses-can-be-more-clean/): Following a sobering report by Laura Tobin, GMB Presenter and Fellow of the Royal Meteorology Society, it is clear that we are not currently on track for avoiding the worst effects of climate change. Laura presented live from Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago famous for its Global Seed Vault - a vault that stores duplicates of seed samples from the world’s crop collections as an insurance against catastrophic crop diversity loss. The feature highlighted the devastating impacts that global warming is having on the area, depicting an ice fjord next to Longyearbyen that no longer freezes over in winter, something that would have been unthinkable just a few decades ago.
- [Wholesale gas prices up 134% from 5-year rolling average](https://energygain.co.uk/wholesale-gas-prices-up-134-from-5-year-rolling-average/): As of July 2021, all tracked gas contracts rose by significant margins, with the most pronounced increase in near-term contracts. During summer 2021, wholesale gas prices have remained comfortably above last year's levels, supported by high commodity markets and tight supply-demand fundamentals. Overall, summer gas prices saw bullish momentum that is usually only expected in winter months. 
- [The alarming future of UK electricity rates](https://energygain.co.uk/the-future-of-uk-electricity-rates/): The cost of energy has risen by 100% over the last 12 months and gas prices have hit a record high. By September 2020, wholesale electricity costs stabilised at £43.50 per MWh but since then have shown a substantial recovery. Forward pricing for September 2021 contracts now sits at £107.50 with further increases predicted throughout the Winter, hitting levels that are unprecedented even during pre-COVID times. 
- [How Newcastle International will be one of the world’s first net-zero airports](https://energygain.co.uk/how-newcastle-airport-will-be-one-of-the-worlds-first-net-zero-airports/): By Reiss Hilton
- [Firms must commit to net-zero to win government contracts over £5 million](https://energygain.co.uk/firms-must-commit-to-net-zero-to-win-government-contracts-over-5-million/): Interpreted from a UK Government Press Release:
- [The Future of Taxing Carbon at the Border](https://energygain.co.uk/the-future-of-taxing-carbon-at-the-border/): Read the full article here. 
- [COP26 – What Does This Mean for Manufacturers?](https://energygain.co.uk/cop26-what-does-this-mean-for-manufacturers/): Following on from the COP 26 summit, manufacturing sectors could be affected by:
- [Porsche calls on its suppliers to use 100% renewable energy](https://energygain.co.uk/porsche-calls-on-its-suppliers-to-use-100-renewable-energy-to-manufacture-its-components/): In a recent press release, Porsche has shared next steps in furthering its efforts against CO2 emissions by demanding its nearly 1,300 suppliers exclusive use renewable energy to manufacturer its vehicle components.
- [UK Electricity Prices Double in a Year](https://energygain.co.uk/uk-electricity-prices-double-in-a-year/): Wholesale electricity prices have doubled over the past year, peaking at £82.75 per MWh on 24th June. Current supply-demand tightness has cemented in high oil prices which, in turn, has driven a substantial price increase in electricity and gas markets. Furthermore, the sterling is down, causing UK imports to be subject to high levels of inflation. UK Allowances have bounced back after a short dip and are projected to rise further, driving increasing rates in the UK energy markets. Current forecasts suggest a further 9% increase in electricity rates for winter 2021.
- [UK ETS launches with UKA Futures opening at £50 per tonne](https://energygain.co.uk/uk-ets-launches-with-uka-futures-opening-at-50-per-tonne/): By Alice Grundy 
- [Prime Minister receives new letter to remove VAT on green technologies](https://energygain.co.uk/prime-minister-receives-new-letter-to-remove-vat-on-green-technologies-3/): Bulb and over 30 industry organisations have sent a letter which is calling on the government to reduce VAT rates for green technologies, including solar and energy storage.
- [The UK installed 545MW of Solar Panels in 2020](https://energygain.co.uk/the-uk-installed-545mw-of-solar-panels-in-2020-2/): The UK installed 545MW of new solar photovoltaic capacity, according to analysis by Solar Energy UK, a 27% year-on-year increase compared with 2019.
The new capacity additions took the UK’s cumulative installed capacity to 13.9GW at the end of last year, almost 500W higher than existing Government-released figures, said the association.
Around 60% of new capacity in 2020 came from ground-mounted PV systems, the rest from rooftop commercial and industrial and residential segments.
In April 2020, solar hit a new all-time peak generation record of 9.68GW, while in May 2020 solar supplied 11% of all electricity.
Solar Energy UK chief executive Chris Hewett said: “These figures show that the government is playing catch-up in its understanding of the strength of the UK’s solar energy industry.
“Solar energy will enable people across the country to benefit from clean, cheap power for their homes and technology, such as electric vehicles.”
- [Light at the end of the tunnel](https://energygain.co.uk/light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel-3/): Everything is mostly terrible, so let's try and focus on something more upbeat instead.
- [UK 2021 Budget: £68m storage competition announced but solar notably missing](https://energygain.co.uk/uk-2021-budget-68m-storage-competition-announced-but-solar-notably-missing/): Despite the welcome news of a UK-Infrastructure Bank and green bonds, there were no commitments to fund solar and storage in chancellor Rishi Sunak's 2021 Budget.
Announced today, the Budget focused predominantly on continued support for those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, and the pathway out of it.
While there was wider relief announced for businesses in retail and hospitality, the energy sector’s calls for a reduction in VAT on a range of renewable energy products including solar and storage were ignored.
Similarly, the Green Homes Grant was notably absent from the Budget, despite concern the scheme will be shut early, hurting solar and energy efficiency installers as well as denting domestic sustainability schemes in the future.
On the February 19th organisations representing or working within the energy efficiency and low carbon heat sector, including Solar Energy UK and the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) called on Sunak to support the Green Homes’ Grant in the Budget.
“This Budget was a missed opportunity for our country,” said Dr Nina Skorupska CBE, chief executive of the REA. “It lacked the detail to provide a watershed moment for businesses in our sector and new ‘green’ projects are limited to only a few regions and countries of the UK.
“There are straightforward measures that could and should have been taken. The reduction of VAT on a range of renewable energy and clean technologies; clarity over the future of the Green Homes Grant; and a targeted extension of the Renewable Heat Incentive to boost bioenergy, geothermal and other renewable heat schemes.”
One point welcomed by the energy sector is the launch of a £68 million UK-wide competition to implement several first-of-a-kind energy storage prototypes including longer duration systems or technology demonstrators.
While this is welcome, it “clearly does not deliver a silver bullet to address Net Zero” said Ed Porter, business development director at Invinity Energy Systems. “To provide a sustainable boost to the sector, government and regulators must create a market that rewards participants for better utilising low carbon generation to displace carbon intensive, fossil fuel generation.
“Such a rethink includes aggressive carbon price escalation to create a sustainable market for storage and renewables and a review of the need for long duration storage services to prevent non-frequency driven outages, linked to fundamental energy imbalances.”
In a nod to the plan to ‘Build Back Better’, the Budget also included the announcement of the first ever UK Infrastructure Bank, with £12 billion of government funding to kickstart the fund. It will be opened in Leeds this spring and is aimed at supporting at least £40 billion of investment.
“The Bank will invest across the United Kingdom in public and private projects to finance the green industrial revolution,” said Sunak as he addressed Parliament.
Green sovereign bonds – or green gilt – will also be introduced in the summer to help build on the UK’s "green curve" he said. For the financial year there will be a minimum of £15 billon, with the full framework to be issued in June.
Finally, offshore wind received further support from the government, with a commitment to support port infrastructure in Humber and Teeside. While in Holyhead, a green hydrogen centre will receive £4.8 million of government funding.
- [Solar and wind met 30% of Britain’s electricity needs in 2020](https://energygain.co.uk/solar-and-wind-met-30-of-britains-electricity-needs-in-2020-2/): Collectively renewables generated more than fossil fuels for the first time last year, with Dr Iain Staffell of Imperial College London, lead author of the quarterly Electric Insights report 2020, hailing it as a step “closer to the power system of the future”.
- [VAT reversal over battery storage as pressure mounts](https://energygain.co.uk/vat-reversal-over-battery-storage-as-pressure-mounts-2/): Another Battery Storage company AceOn has joined a call to reverse changes to VAT for the technology that came into effect in 2019.
- [UK government considers space-based solar power for 24/7 Solar Generation](https://energygain.co.uk/uk-government-considers-space-based-solar-power-for-24-7-solar-generation/): The UK government has commissioned a new study to look at the feasibility of space-based solar power.
Originally featured in the work of science-fiction writer Isaac Asimov in 1941, as the cost of solar panels and space travel continue to fall a number of nations including the USA, Japan and China are looking into the possibility of beaming clean energy down from space.
In theory, a SBSP system works by collecting energy using very large solar power satellites that then convert it into high-frequency radio waves and beam the energy down to ground-based receivers on earth, which are connected to the electrical power grid.
Dr Graham Turnock, chief executive of the UK Space Agency, said “the Sun never sets in space”, therefore renewable energy could be delivered anywhere on the planet, “day or night, rain or shine.”
“The UK is growing its status as a global player in space and we have bold plans to launch small satellites in the coming years. Space solar could be another string to our bow, and this study will help establish whether it is right for the UK.”
The Frazer-Nash Consultancy is leading the study, and will look at whether it could be possible to deliver affordable energy for customers through a SBSP system, exploring both the engineering and economic challenges of such a technology.
It will evaluate the leading three SBSP concepts; the USA SPS Alpha concept, the UK CASSIOPeiA concept and China’s MR-SPS concept. The inventors of the first two concepts – John Mankins (USA) and Ian Cash (UK) – are supporting the study.
Previously, a solar system in space would have been far too expensive to be considered, but with lightweight solar panels and wireless power transmission advancing rapidly a number of nations are now considering the technology. Additionally, the cost of commercial space launches has fallen with the emergence of privately-led space ventures dramatically impacting the price over the last decade.
As such, the concept of solar power satellites has become both more feasible and economically viable in recent years. Challenges still remain however, such as how you assemble the massive satellites needed in orbit, as this has not been done before at this scale.
Martin Soltau, Space Business manager at Frazer-Nash said that “decarbonising our economy is vital”, and that SBSP has the potential to contribute substantially to clean and secure energy generation.
“Frazer-Nash is studying the leading international solar power satellite designs, and we will be drawing up the engineering plan to deploy an operational SBSP system by 2050. We are forming an expert panel, comprised of leading SBSP experts and space and energy organisations, to gain a range of industry views.
“We will compare SBSP alongside other forms of renewable energy, to see how it would contribute as part of a future mix of clean energy technologies.”
Oxford Economic is also a partner in the project, and will provide additional insight into the economic assessment of the SBSP system as well as how it might benefit the UK economy.
- [Renewable energy hit record growth in 2020 despite of COVID-19](https://energygain.co.uk/renewable-energy-hit-record-growth-in-2020-despite-of-covid-19-2/): Renewable energy installation such as Solar Photovoltaic Panels will hit a record high in 2020, according to the International Energy Agency, as the fossil fuel sector crisis continues amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
- [Government to change ‘punitive business rates’](https://energygain.co.uk/government-to-change-punitive-business-rates/): The STA said that many businesses have shelved plans to install solar on their sites after changes in the way business rates are calculated saw early-adopters ‘punished by skyrocketing premiums’. This included some case where rates rose by well over 500%.
- [UK government figures show electricity generated from wind and solar is 30-50% cheaper than previously thought](https://energygain.co.uk/uk-government-figures-show-electricity-generated-from-wind-and-solar-is-30-50-cheaper-than-previously-thought/): The new estimates of the “levelised cost” of electricity, published this week by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), show that renewables are much cheaper than expected in the previous iteration of the report, published in 2016.
The previously published version had, in turn, already trimmed the cost of wind and solar by up to 30%. As a result, electricity from onshore wind or solar could be supplied in 2025 at half the cost of gas-fired power, the new estimates suggest.
The new report is the government’s first public admission of the dramatic reductions in renewable costs in recent years. It had previously carried out internal updates to its cost estimates, in both 2018 and 2019, but these were never published despite repeated questions in parliament.
The BEIS report also presents new estimates of the “enhanced levelised cost” of different technologies, which reflects any wider system benefits and their “system integration costs”.
These alternative figures, which have been under development for several years, put gas with carbon capture and storage (CCS) in a particularly favourable light, with costs comparable to wind or solar. CCS is expected to feature in the upcoming energy white paper, due this autumn.
Levelised cost
The new BEIS report on electricity generation costs is the first to be published in nearly four years. It sets out estimates of the “levelised cost of electricity” (LCOE) for various technologies, ranging from unabated gas-fired power stations through to wind, solar and gas CCS.
LCOE estimates are presented as the average cost of electricity, per megawatt hour (MWh) generated, across the lifetime of a new power plant. The new report gives these figures in £(2018). (Where comparisons are made, Carbon Brief has adjusted earlier estimates in line with inflation.)
The LCOE is designed to offer uniform cost comparisons between technologies, based on a consistent framework and a series of assumptions. These include how much power plants cost to build and their average electricity output each year, as well as project lifetimes and financing costs.
The LCOE does not include wider costs and benefits at a system level. This could include reductions in wholesale prices due to abundant zero-carbon generation, or higher grid costs due to the variable output from wind and solar.
The latest BEIS report gives LCOE estimates for projects that start operating in 2025, 2030, 2035 or 2040. Changes over time result from “technological learning”, as well as future prices for fossil fuels and CO2 emissions. For the first time, the report also presents “enhanced levelised cost” estimates. These attempt to capture wider costs and benefits, and are discussed below.
The BEIS estimates are updated at regular intervals, with previous iterations having been published in 2016, 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010. The department made internal updates in 2018 and 2019, with these revisions the subject of peer review papers also published this week.
However, the 2018 and 2019 updates remain unpublished, despite numerous questions in parliament in which MPs asked repeatedly after the latest BEIS cost estimates.
Renewable costs slashed again
The most striking result of the new 2020 report is that BEIS has once again slashed its estimates for the levelised cost of wind and solar power. This is illustrated in the chart, below.
In 2013, the UK government estimated that an offshore windfarm opening in 2025 would generate electricity for £140/MWh. By 2016, this was revised down by 24%, to £107/MWh. The latest estimate puts the cost at just £57/MWh, another 47% reduction (leftmost red column, below).
The new estimates include similarly dramatic reductions for onshore wind and solar, with levelised costs in 2025 now thought to be some 50% lower than expected by the 2013 government report.
In contrast, the new report does not revise earlier estimates for the cost of nuclear power. Instead, BEIS notes the government’s “ambition” that nuclear should deliver a 30% cost reduction by 2030.
The reasons for the renewable cost reductions are well documented. They include technological learning in the industry – with larger, more efficient manufacturing plants for solar and larger turbines for wind – but also operational experience, longer project lifetimes and cheaper finance.
The reductions have already been reflected in auctions for UK government contracts. Most recently, contracts were awarded for offshore windfarms due to start operating in the mid-2020s, at prices below the costs of existing gas-fired power stations – making them effectively “subsidy free”.
The levelised costs published by BEIS are a slightly different measure to the “strike prices” awarded under these government “contracts for difference”. The central estimate of £57/MWh LCOE for offshore wind in 2025 is higher than strike prices of £44/MWh awarded at auction.
According to BEIS, the difference is partly explained by winning project bids having particularly favourable site conditions, as well larger sizes that bring economies of scale.
Solar cheapest
The new BEIS estimates make another small reduction in the levelised cost of electricity from gas, attributable to the department assuming turbines are now slightly more efficient.
Despite this small reduction, the much larger cuts for renewables mean onshore wind and solar are now expected to be half as costly as gas in 2025, as shown in the chart below.
Notably, the BEIS cost estimates for onshore wind and solar assume no access to government contracts, meaning higher borrowing costs and an increased LCOE. Since these technologies will now once again be able to bid for contracts, their costs will be even lower than presented here.
Carbon Brief estimates using a basic LCOE calculator and 2018 BEIS figures for financing costs, with or without a government contract, suggest around £2/MWh could be shaved off onshore wind and solar prices, based on a 0.8 percentage point reduction in the cost of capital.
BEIS has also significantly reduced its levelised cost estimates for gas CCS, meaning the technology is seen as competitive with unabated gas in 2025 and cheaper thereafter, as the price of emitting CO2 rises (see chart below).
The department explains this reduction by pointing to assumptions of more rapid CCS construction timelines and higher associated gas turbine efficiency, along with lower estimates for the cost of CO2 transport and storage. These changes are based on a 2018 report for government.
The levelised cost reduction for CCS also relates to an assumption that financing costs will be much lower – by at least 2 percentage points – than thought in the 2016 estimates. Given the technology has yet to be deployed at scale in the UK, this assumption is highly uncertain.
Whole system costs
Wind and solar are the clear winners of the new BEIS estimates, expected to be able to generate electricity much more cheaply than any other technologies.
However, the report also publishes estimates of the “enhanced levelised cost” of each source of electricity, which it says “changes our cost perception of different technologies”. The department started work on this area in 2015 and has only now published its findings for the first time.
This work is an attempt to capture the “whole system costs” of an individual power plant. This could include the costs of enhancing the electricity network to connect a new power station, balancing supply and demand in real time, and providing backup power during periods of low wind or sun.
The BEIS estimates of these enhanced levelised costs are shown in the chart below, for each technology in 2025, 2030 and 2035. The grey bars represent the standard LCOE and the blue diamonds show the “enhanced” estimate under six different scenarios.
In general, gas and gas+CCS have “enhanced” costs that are lower than their respective LCOEs, whereas renewables are higher. Overall, the chart shows that enhanced cost estimates are in a similar ballpark across the different technologies.
Enhanced levelised cost estimates for electricity generation in 2025-2035, in £(2018) per megawatt hour, for a range of different technologies. For each technology, the grey bars show the levelised cost and the blue diamonds show enhanced levelised costs in six scenarios, which vary as to the characteristics of the overall electricity system. Source: BEIS 2020.
Enhanced levelised cost estimates for electricity generation in 2025-2035, in £(2018) per megawatt hour, for a range of different technologies. For each technology, the grey bars show the levelised cost and the blue diamonds show enhanced levelised costs in six scenarios, which vary as to the characteristics of the overall electricity system. Source: BEIS 2020.
It is difficult to go beyond a broad interpretation of these new estimates, however, because they span a very wide range of cost figures.
Dr Rob Gross, director of the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC), tells Carbon Brief that system costs are not fixed, as they depend strongly on the characteristics of the system.
As a result, Gross says “it is particularly important for assumptions to be explicit” and that numbers presented without such transparency run the risk of being “misleading”.
Dr Phil Heptonstall is research fellow at Imperial College London and a co-author, with Gross, of a 2017 review of system cost estimates for renewables. He tells Carbon Brief:
“You can come up with quite a high number if you assume that you make no attempt to make the system more flexible. But that’s not a rational or sensible thing to do.”
The lack of transparency about the assumptions in the BEIS report is “frustrating”, Heptonstall adds, and makes it “difficult to form any conclusions about what it means”.
Notably, the BEIS report does not set out its assumptions around the makeup of the overall system, within which the “enhanced levelised cost” estimates are being made.
All it says is that the six scenarios shown in the chart represent higher or lower electricity demand, combined with three pathways towards net-zero in 2050, using high shares of renewables, high nuclear or a “balanced” mix of the two.
However, key assumptions around the assumed levels of flexibility of the electricity system are not disclosed by BEIS. Flexibility could include greater levels of interconnection with other countries, higher deployment of battery storage or enhanced use of electric vehicle “smart charging”.
A report from the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) shows that system costs depend very strongly on flexibility. For offshore wind, for example, integration costs range from less than £10/MWh to £50/MWh, with the high end representing no progress over current levels of flexibility.
The BEIS report includes system costs in the range of around £12-30/MWh in 2025 rising to around £20-40/MWh in 2040. Heptonstall tells Carbon Brief:
“If we don’t know what types of flexibility is provided in those scenarios, we can’t tell if those numbers are a fair reflection.”
- [Solar Panels boosts house prices by average of £30,000](https://energygain.co.uk/solar-panels-boosts-house-prices-by-average-of-30000/): The value of houses with solar has been touted after new research revealed that the technology can boost the value of houses by over £30,000.
The research comes from EffectiveHome.co.uk, a website dedicated to providing information and guidance for homeowners regarding solar. It found that installing solar PV can increase house prices by an average of £32,459 across the UK.
Houses in London see the biggest increase, with the value jumping by £90,000. The country's capital therefore has the largest increase in value of the ten largest cities in the UK, followed by Bristol (£45,142), Edinburgh (£40,095) and Leicester (£31,577).
The equity gains are also "significant", according to the research, with £14,000 added to a £100,000 property, £70,000 added to a £500,000 property and £280,000 added to a £2 million property.
The value is created in the ability to save on energy bills – particularly as these have increased by 37% on average during lockdown – as well as the ability to sell surplus generation back to the grid.
“We hope our findings are a welcome surprise to property sellers across the UK who may be unaware that making energy efficient changes to their home, can make such a significant contribution to its valuation. There is a clear appetite amongst homebuyers to move to a property which is sensitive to spiralling energy prices, global warming and the environment we live,” Dan Graby, director at EffectiveHome.co.uk, said.
Installations of residential solar more than doubled in June 2020, with a 185% increase recorded compared with May. This came after an MCS survey in April that found that 90% of installers were being negatively impacted by COVID-19.
Residential solar also has a role to play in the new build market, with the government outlining in October its options for the Future Homes Standard. One of these included combining better fabric standards with carbon saving technology such as PV. However, the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) has criticsed the Future Homes Standard as "not going far enough", particularly as it isn't set to come in until 2025.
- [Solar & Wind produce a record of 10% of the world’s electricity](https://energygain.co.uk/solar-wind-produce-a-record-of-10-of-the-worlds-electricity-2/): Coal has been falling and renewables are surging around the world, but the progress is not enough to meet the targets set under the 2015 Paris climate agreement, scientists have warned.
Over the first half of 2020, wind turbines and solar panels together produced a record 10 per cent of the world’s electricity - a rise of 14 per cent compared with the same period last year.
Meanwhile power output from coal plants fell by 8.3 per cent, and overall electricity demand fell 3 per cent due to coronavirus lockdowns, according to a report by independent climate think tank Ember.
Despite the drop, coal plants still produced 33 per cent of the world’s electricity during the period.
But far more dramatic cuts to the use of fossil fuels are required if we are to avoid planetary catastrophe due to the climate emergency, the scientists said.
“To keep a chance of limiting climate change to 1.5 degrees, coal generation needs to fall by 13 per cent every year this decade,” Ember senior analyst Dave Jones said.
Europe and the UK saw the largest contributions from wind and solar, at 21 per cent and 33 per cent respectively during the first half of the year, with China at 10 per cent and the United States at 12 per cent, the report said.
Coal power generation in the US and Europe fell by 31 per cent and 32 per cent respectively while coal power in China was down just 2 per cent.
Ember’s report examined data from 48 countries which make up 83 per cent of global electricity production.
- [Market for Solar Inverter’s Reached Record High in 2019](https://energygain.co.uk/market-for-solar-inverters-reached-record-high-in-2019-2/): The global PV inverter and module-level power electronics market crossed the threshold of £7 billion in value for the first time in 2019. Inverter shipments also hit a record high last year, falling just short of 130 gigawatts, according to a new analysis of the inverter market from research firm Wood Mackenzie.
In addition to growing global solar installations, two factors propelled the inverter market to record highs in 2019: the rush to secure solar equipment before the stepdown of the U.S. Investment Tax Credit from 30 percent to 26 percent and the growing inverter replacement market in Europe.
While pre-purchasing solar PV modules was developers’ preferred method of qualifying for the ITC, some chose to safe-harbor PV inverters, albeit at a lesser rate. In 2019, between 25 and 30 percent of U.S. PV inverters shipped were purchased for safe-harboring purposes. Developers chose to safe-harbor inverters for a few reasons. First, while modules made significant efficiency gains over the last several years, with more improvements on the horizon, inverters are not likely to make significant gains in the near term, and so they are perceived to have a lower technology risk than modules. Second, inverters represent a smaller proportion of the total cost stack, meaning that inverter price declines will be less valuable on a dollar-per-watt basis compared to module technology.
In Europe, the solar market took off in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Now, 10 years down the line, inverters are starting to reach their end of life, and many will require replacement. In the near term, Germany, Spain and Italy will lead the way for Europe’s inverter replacement market, while the Asia-Pacific region will begin to pick up in the next few years, particularly Japan, Australia and China.
The impact of COVID-19 on the inverter market will be minimal
The COVID-19 pandemic will not have as serious implications for the inverter industry as it has had for the broader solar industry.
The inverter market's more-diverse supply chains helped dampen the impact. Some facilities adapted their manufacturing practices to meet pandemic-related safety guidelines; other facilities that already use automation were less affected than were those that rely more heavily on manual labor.
The pricing implications of the pandemic seem to be minimal. Logistical issues with shipping may increase costs slightly, as will the costs of personal protective equipment and safety protocols that have been instituted in facilities.
Overall, the coronavirus pandemic is expected to reduce inverter shipments in 2020 by 14 percent compared to pre-coronavirus expectations.
Chinese inverter vendors continue to grow their global footprint
Chinese inverter manufacturers expanded their overseas presence, growing from about 30 percent of global shipments outside of China in 2018 to around 40 percent in 2019. China’s market downturn and growing international demand have prompted great success for these companies.
Chinese inverter companies are typically more price-competitive than European companies and have increased price pressure globally. As a result, the market has seen a notable degree of consolidation.
Since the acquisition of ABB’s inverter line by Italian firm Fimer was announced in the summer of 2019, there has been little news of mergers and acquisitions or exits in the inverter space, but that may soon change. Price pressure coupled with the market downturn caused by the pandemic could lead to more exits and acquisitions within the next year.
Software and services
As was the case in 2018, inverter vendors continued to expand their software and service offerings, becoming more than just pure-play manufacturers. Vendors have launched internet-of-things platforms, delved into artificial intelligence and machine learning, and ventured into other smart-energy verticals. These moves can open up additional revenue streams and help companies differentiate themselves from the pack.
Reliability and customer attention are top priorities when it comes to selecting inverter technology, and vendors have reacted to meet these considerations. Recently, Enphase launched an online store to connect more directly with clients. CPS America announced it was offering inverter operations and maintenance services to those sites using its inverters, as well as sites that use inverters from manufacturers that have exited the space. And SMA launched its repowering business in early 2019.
What’s next for the inverter industry?
While the coronavirus pandemic will dampen the inverter market in the near term, the overall trend for the inverter market is positive. Demand for inverters will be on the rise as installations continue to grow globally, and as systems age and more replacement inverters are needed.
As the industry focuses on digitalization and customer needs, inverter players will be pushed to innovate and branch out into nontraditional pure-play manufacturing.
- [How the Green Homes Grant Scheme works](https://energygain.co.uk/how-the-green-homes-grant-scheme-works/): In addition, households can use their voucher for further energy-saving measures. These include one or more of the following:
- [Green Energy Glory For Olympics 2020 in Tokyo](https://energygain.co.uk/green-energy-glory-for-olympics-2020-at-tokyo/): This year’s Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games has been postponed because of Covid-19. This is a big story within the renewable energy sector. For while the Olympic Games will now newly take place in 2021 from 23 July to 8 August and the Paralympic Games between 24 August and 5 September, Tokyo 2020 was to be a celebration of an eco-friendly Games and a fantastic insight into the current state of renewable energy as a whole.
Going forward, the Games will still be called Tokyo 2020 instead of Tokyo 2021 (just as all following references to it in this article shall) but as we shall have to wait a year until the Games officially begin it’s useful to consider now what Tokyo 2020’s greatest achievements in renewable energy are set to be? And how are Tokyo 2020’s renewable energy goals set to compare to the last Games in Rio 2016, and Paris in 2024?
Many of the Olympic venues like the nation’s new Olympic Stadium that opened in 2019, as well as the Tokyo Aquatics Centre and Ariake Arena have had a number of new solar sources installed. Although not every venue contains the same systems, solar technology across these venues is also complemented by the use of geothermal energy for heating and cooling. In turn, Musashino Forest Sports Plaza notably makes use of both a solar generation and solar water heating systems.
These capital works have helped Japan drive towards its goal of seeing all electricity used at all Tokyo 2020 venues acquired from 100% renewable energy sources. This includes both permanent venues and temporary ones.
All told, there is expected to be about 513 kW of solar power, 462 kW of solar heat, and approximately 1,523 MJ of geothermal energy on tap for use during the Games. As well as what Japan has pursued with a view to Tokyo 2020, the achievements of the nation elsewhere in the solar space are also commendable.
Beyond the Games facilities alone, Tokyo 2020 will also offer Japan the opportunity to display its prowess in renewable energy elsewhere, like the prevalence of its maritime solar installations. The Aichi Prefecture in central Honshu lays claim to being the world’s first floating solar panel installation, and Tokyo’s added numerous others since to the nation’s tally.
Can Tokyo 2020 deliver a long-lasting victory for renewable energy?
Japan has already built a strong global brand culturally-based upon its “Cool Japan” platform. A vision of Japan that sells it as a nation that’s friendly, futuristic, and forever pushing the boundaries of technology. For developing nations around Asia and the wider world looking to more firmly establish their own cultural identity within the global arena, a successful display to the world of Tokyo 2020’s eco-credentials could drive new action on renewable energy elsewhere. At a more elemental level, Tokyo 2020 is also sure to kickstart new conversations surrounding the use of solar beyond the current confines of homes and businesses where the majority of their use occurs in the public mindset.  Of particular interest will be Tokyo 2020’s use of solar roads.
Although the Netherlands lays claim to being the first nation in the world to introduce solar roads with their 2014 cycle path installation in Amsterdam, the Olympic Games will put a global spotlight on Japan with daily TV news coverage, athlete social media content, and an array of other media outlets that is sure to drive new interest in the tech and its potential uses beyond Japan.
By many measures, Rio 2016 was a very embattled Olympic Games. The years prior to the Games saw the Brazilian nation embattled with economic and political troubles. While many look back on the 2016 Games fondly, from a renewable energy perspective given solar accounted for around just 0.02% of the nation’s energy in the lead up to the Games, it’s unlikely history will one day credit Rio as the first “green” Olympic Games.
Although Japan is clearly intended to stake a claim to this title, the endeavours of France in the lead up to Paris 2024 is also proving notable. Organisers aspire to deliver the “first-ever carbon-neutral games” and directly link their pursuit with the spirit of the Paris Agreement. This will be achieved not only with reference to renewable energy sources, but other methods. 95% of the venues used for the Paris 2024 will be existing or temporary venues, meaning the negative environmental impact permanent new constructions can bring will be minimised. Furthermore, 100% renewable energy will be used for the Games’ organisation, clean transport used for delegation travel, and sustainable food will be provided for Olympic athletes and spectators.
For Tony Estanguet, President of the Organising Committee of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games holding a green Games in 2024 requires a multifaceted approach. In reflecting on this challenge in his native French Mr. Estanguet has detailed prior “by their very concept, the Paris 2024 Games will emit half as many greenhouse gas emissions as the last editions of the Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games”, and yet “for all the emissions that we cannot avoid, such as the transport of spectators, they will be compensated.”
For Japan’s renewable energy it is regrettable that undoubtedly some of the initial fanfare and acclaim Tokyo 2020 was set to obtain will perhaps be dampened. This is not only because these Games will now forever be intertwined with the memories of the coronavirus outbreak, but in turn, because there’s the expectation other sports competitions will resume within 2021, and in certain cases be competing for media attention around Tokyo’s event. By no means will this see Tokyo 2020 ignored, but the “comeback” coverage of other sports competitions combined with the crowded schedule of events originally slated for this year and now postponed will mean there shall be ample competition for eyeballs and media coverage.
Nonetheless (and regardless of what Paris may plan for the subsequent edition), Tokyo 2020 is right now set to be the greenest Olympic Games ever. Undoubtedly the outbreak of the coronavirus is unfortunate, and will have an impact on the legacy of the Games. But just the same as many are now disappointed the Games will not be held this year, people all over the world are anxious and enthusiastic for a return to normal life and international sport. As International Paralympic Committee president Andrew Parsons said of the eventual commencement:
They will be an extra-special display of humanity uniting as one, a global celebration of human resilience and a sensational showcase of sport.
So even if held a year later, this enthusiasm surely augurs well for Tokyo 2020 being “one big party”, and one where Japan’s achievements in renewable energy will still find a spectacular global stage on which to celebrate their feats.
Energy Gain UK Ltd Green Program
- [Solar Panels can play an important part in the UK’s COVID-19 recovery](https://energygain.co.uk/solar-panels-can-play-an-important-part-in-the-uks-covid-19-recovery-2/): Solar Photovoltaic Panels and other renewables have made some strong progress towards decarbonisation, but there is still more to be done.
Between 2008 and 2019, power emissions fell by 68%, helping to drive a general 30% reduction in territorial emissions according to the Committee on Climate Change’s (CCC) 2020 Progress Report.
This has been helped by the dramatic fall in the cost of solar PV, falling by 82% since 2010. Additionally, the price of batteries have fallen by over 80% during this period, helping to compliment solar by adding more stability to the intermittent generation.
The proportion of solar in the UK has continued to grow, despite a turbulent policy period, with BEIS announcing today that solar and wind produced 32.2% of the UK’s electricity generation in Q1 of 2020. Solar has hit a number of important milestones in recent months, including smashing generation records, by hitting a peak of 9.68GW in April.
More favourable policy can help further drive decarbonisation in the energy sector by increasing the proportion of solar, however. The CCC’s report welcomes the return of the Contracts for Difference (CfD) auction, but calls on the government to develop a clear timetable for future auctions to support delivery of solar and onshore wind projects, and the development of the supply chains that support them.
The reintroduction of the CfDs has been seen as a particular win for the solar sector over the last year, and was one of the key demands from the CCC’s 2019 Progress Report.
The 2020 report highlights the key role low-carbon sectors like solar can play in the UK's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the recession it has triggered. In the long-run, investments in technologies like solar and battery storage can help lower electricity costs and create a "virtuous reinforcing cycle", it states.
This has already been seen to a certain extent in the solar sector, but further investment now could help it grow, as well as creating jobs and aiding economic growth around the country.
Responding to the CCC’s report, STA chief executive Chris Hewett said: “We welcome the committee’s recognition of the valuable contribution that onshore renewables can make to a green recovery; driving decarbonisation, deploying high quality jobs, and delivering significant economic growth.
“The committee rightly points out that other forms of generation are more carbon intensive and expensive too. If we are to emerge from this crisis with a renewed economy that is geared towards net zero, the UK needs to rapidly shift to low cost, reliable, and job-intensive technologies like solar.”
- [Can Solar Panels Save the Farming Industry?](https://energygain.co.uk/can-solar-panels-save-the-farming-industry-2/): The Industrial Revolution made farming more efficient. But it also brought about the painful demise of the previous economic model. As technology advanced it allowed harvesting to be done more quickly but at the expense of the labor pool. The loss of jobs as a result of innovations in farming has become a common trend ever since. Such new advents and alterations to the existing model farmers have often welcomed and detested with equal measure.
At the same time, the way the demand for agricultural exports operates has changed too. In decades gone by the capacity for far-distant nations to trade agricultural goods was—while by no means impossible in every instance—a far more difficult prospect. Today (allowing for the impact the coronavirus pandemic has temporarily placed on the process) the global exchange of agricultural goods is done with an ease and speed that would’ve been unimaginable in bygone eras. But this too has often placed a new pressure on farmers.
Technology Advancements Boosting the Revolutions of Farming
Yes, unquestionably some have benefited—and benefited massively from such a change—as farms that produce world-class “clean and green” goods now have a truly international market to export to. But for those who sell more routine goods, or find the international market has saturated their domestic audience with the same products they sell, the path to maintaining a steady profit year in and year out has become much harder.
Ultimately, such trends are not just problems for farmers, but for all others. Especially those within their native nations. It’s anticipated the years ahead will see the world become more unstable as a result of numerous factors, not the least of which the growing threat of climate change. In this regard, essentially every nation will face new pressures upon its quest for food security. It’s expected the survival of farming as a viable career and economic model will have growing urgency, locally and globally.  It is here that solar could be such an important element going forward.
Solar as a savior?
Solar agriculture (AKA “agrophotovoltaics” and “dual-use farming”) allows farmers to install solar panels that offer a way to make their energy use more efficient, and directly enhance their farming capabilities. For farmers with small tracts of land especially—like is commonly seen in France—solar agriculture provides a way to offset energy bills, reduce their use of fossil fuels, and breathe new life into existing operations.
In fact, according to a finding in recent years, Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute in monitoring experimental operations within the Lake Constance region of the nation, agrophotovoltaics increased farm productivity by 160% when compared to an operation that was not dual-use across the same period.
Like the solar industry as a whole, agrophotovoltaics remains young. However, alongside installations already in full operation around the world, there’s been numerous trial projects in France, Italy, Croatia, the USA, and beyond. The diversity of crops that can grow underneath the solar canopies is (allowing for variation of location, climate, and conditions) immensely impressive. Wheat, potatoes, beans, kale, tomatoes, swiss chard, and others have all grown successfully under solar installations.
Crops not only grow successfully under such setups but can see their growth season extended thanks to the optimal conditions dual-use offers, providing additional warmth in winter and cooler climates in summer.  A study in India’s Maharashtra region found crop yields of up to 40% higher thanks to the reduced evaporation and extra shading an agrophotovoltaics installation provided.
A real lay of the land
Although there is much to be positive about when combining the solar and agriculture industries together, there are challenges on the road ahead. As Gerald LeachSolar Magazine Interviewee Avatar, Chair of the Victorian Farmers Federation Land Management Committee, a lobby group that advocates for the interests of farmers in Australia told Solar Magazine, “In general, the VFF is supportive of solar developments, so long as they do not encroach on high-value agricultural land, such as in irrigation districts.”
That in turn, “the VFF believes that in order to facilitate an orderly process for the development of solar generation on farmland, large scale projects supplying power to the grid should require a planning and approval process to avoid unintended consequences".
We look forward to advancements in solar agriculture that allow solar arrays and agriculture to co-exist, with mutual benefits to the agriculture and energy industries.
“There are many solar developments, particularly private ones, where sheep roam amongst the solar panels. Cattle are too big and risk damaging solar panels, but sheep, so long as you hide all the wiring out of reach, are perfect for keeping the grass down between panels.”
Furthermore, as David HuangSolar Magazine Interviewee Avatar, a project manager for renewable energy developer South Energy told Solar Magazine, “Siting a solar farm can be challenging as the electricity infrastructure in regional areas tends to require upgrades to support the renewable transition. Incorporating agricultural activities into solar farming also brings complexity into the design, and operations and management of a project”, and that accordingly:
Although the cost of solar as a whole is certainly reducing, the reality is solar agriculture installations can remain expensive—and especially if they are damaged. While strengthening and safeguards are put in place to prevent such a likelihood, damage to just one single pole can become a big problem. A problem that may be very hard to avoid season by season if a farmer still needs to operate heavy equipment around the installation, meaning one wrong turn of a steering wheel could potentially imperil the whole setup.
For numerous farmers, the solution to this problem has been one of placement. Separating the solar installation from other areas of farming activity can see some of the best benefits of solar agriculture missed out on, but it does provide additional security surrounding the structure. This type of setup sees prime land reserved exclusively for farming, with ancillary land (of second-order or third-order quality where the soil is not as nutrient-rich) utilized for a solar installation. Such an arrangement can ensure the disruption to any existing farming activities is minimized.
Adjusting to other emerging technologies
In fairly recognizing the promise solar has for farming in the future, it cannot be overlooked that other technologies arriving on the scene will be a case of history repeating itself. The anticipated growth in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the sector is a key example of this. Although the field of robotics is not yet advanced sufficiently to the degree that we see highly sophisticated robots roam about our properties attending to manual labor tasks, we are certainly shifting in that direction.
What’s more, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (AKA drones) are already in use across many farms, and it’s expected their capacity to take on a greater variety of tasks in the future will only increase. In what is a central theme in assessing the future of the farming industry, farmers must seek to master the advancing technology for their profit—or risk finding their profits are mastered by technology’s advances.
The forecast ahead
It’s no secret the future of farming will see new threats arise that threaten its survival. This not only owing to the advances of technology, but the impact of climate change. At the same time, technology advances notwithstanding, farming in the future will still require—at least for many years to come if not quite forever—the need for human expertise.
To administrate the farm, make managerial decisions, and indeed even to cast a human eye over an opportunity or problem on the land that AI is just not yet able to do in the same way. What’s more, as the challenges within the international community grow in years ahead as a result of climate change and other factors, the recognition of governments that more support must be given to their respective agricultural sectors shall grow too.
True, if the past is anything to go by this will not solve all woes or remove all problems, but it does mean there shall be a new dynamic in the next era of farming. One where solar offers immense potential as a beneficial technology and the need for greater food security is essential. Solar alone cannot save the modern farming industry—but it can certainly be a powerful tool in helping build a strong new chapter for it in the future.
If you currently own a farm fill out the form below for a free quote.
- [The UK has record high solar irradiation helping the UK generation surge](https://energygain.co.uk/the-uk-has-record-high-solar-irradiation-helping-the-uk-generation-surge/): The solar irradiation in May was as much as 50% higher than normal, according to new research by Solargis.
It forms just one of a number of records that have been smashed so far in 2020, with the trend likely to continue according to the data and software architects. Such performance is being driven by a number of factors, including changes in global horizontal irradiation (GHI), low power demand, increased capacity and lower air pollution.
The opportunity to assess the risk of future curtailment and price cannibalisation that such records present must be taken now to ensure new solar capacity can be smoothly integrated into the grids of the UK and Europe, Solargid said.
Monday 20 April 2020 was among the sunniest April days since records began in the UK 27 years ago. GHI levels were 70% higher than average on this day, allowing the UK to set a peak production record of 9.68GW, amounting to about 30% of the country’s energy mix.
“The current situation has handed national grids, policymakers and the solar industry a valuable opportunity to understand how this volume of renewable generation can be managed in future, when renewables are set to make up a much greater part of the energy mix,” said Marcel Suri, managing director, Solargis.
“Most markets work on a target of 50% renewables by 2030 – but many are approaching this already because of the combination of low demand during the lockdown and favourable weather.”
National Grid ESO has had to rely on a series of tools to balance the grid as renewable energy has surged in recent months and demand has remained low due to the COVID-19 lockdown.
This includes using the newly implemented Downward Flexibility Management service to reduce embedded generation and the signing of a deal with EDF to reduce the output of its Sizewell B nuclear power station.
Following this, balancing costs are expected to jump ~£500 million as National Grid ESO works to avoid outages in what’s been referred to as a ‘glimpse of the future’.
“As the proportion of renewables in the European grid increases and we shift into a post-subsidy environment, accurate forecasting becomes increasingly essential for the operation of solar projects,” Suri added. “During this lockdown, the energy industry will have a greater opportunity to witness what curtailment and price cannibalisation look like in practice, and we anticipate that this will drive investment in more sophisticated forecasting and grid management approaches.”
The surging solar has allowed the UK to run without coal for more than two months, in what was hailed as a historic milestone for the decarbonisation of the grid.
Shifting climate patterns – which have led to May setting a new record as the sunniest month on record with 266 hours of sunshine – may impact the reliability of long-term resource estimates however, warns Solargis.
Data must be up to date, readily available and include an appropriate level of granularity going forward to ensure solar can meet its full potential.
Suri continued: “Reducing risk is a key part of maximising profitability throughout the lifecycle of a solar project, from the earliest pre-feasibility studies to accurate forecasting of returns during long-term operations. As a 1% reduction in resource risk can increase return on equity by approximately 4% for the investor, it is critical that solar asset owners can use the most accurate data to underpin their long-term strategies.”
It is becoming better than ever to get Solar Panels installed on your property, fill out the form below to find out how much you will save.
- [Britain has gone two months without coal power mean?](https://energygain.co.uk/britain-has-gone-two-months-without-coal-power-mean/): Great Britain has gone more than two months without using coal for power. Commenters and commentators met this news warmly while acknowledging the effect Covid-19 has had on power demand. However, this is only half the story.
The British power grid, separate to that of Northern Ireland, last used electricity from coal-fired power stations on the afternoon of 10 April. Since then, Britain has relied mainly on gas power, sourced mostly from North Sea reserves.
At the moment, electricity demand is approximately 20% lower than average due to Covid-19, and the country’s summer is approaching, meaning even lower power demand.
UK GB Great Britain coal use power fuel typeGreat Britain is celebrating two months without coal power, but trend has barely changed since last year.
However, this was also the story in 2019 when the previous record for generation without coal in Britain was set. At the time, the country went a total of 18 days without using coal-fired power. While 2020 seems like a different world, the change is not as drastic as the records make out. The summer of 2019 saw isolated days of coal use, but the overwhelming majority was coal-free. Coal’s energy share has rapidly fallen over the past eight years. The final push to 0% seems to be the slowest and most difficult part of the transition.
However, the coronavirus pandemic has helped in this respect. The same is true in other European nations, as France’s coal use currently rarely passes 1% of its total use. Its efforts to decarbonise are held back by its reliance on oil power, but it will have a much easier transition than countries such as Germany and Poland. Both remain reliant on coal, and the latter has excluded itself from the European Union’s plans for a “Green New Deal”.
Britain’s abandonment of coal has happened relatively quickly. The country generated 39% of its power from coal as late as Q1 2013. Five years later, this was down to 8%. While this has happened, the country’s gas production has increased to fill the shortfall.
Many of Britain’s energy records have changed since January. Network operator National Grid has seen the most instantaneous wind generation ever, the largest use of renewables at any time, and the greatest instantaneous share of biomass generation. As a sign of the times, Drax Power Station, the largest and one of the most reputed plants in the UK, has spent this time converting four of its six generators to burn biomass. The Drax Group claims this is Europe’s biggest decarbonisation scheme.
At the end of March this year, the country’s two oldest coal power stations closed leaving three remaining. Ahead of their closure, they gave a final surge of coal power as they burned through their remaining supplies. Coal was part of the British power mix for 117 days over winter, a big difference to the previous winter which saw 400 coal-free hours.
Drax announced it would close the remaining two coal-fired units by March 2021. It hopes to convert these to gas turbines and power storage, but plans have not yet been approved.
On Wednesday, plant workers started a strike ballot for those who would lose their jobs to the switch. Many people have spoken out against the conversions, particularly as the new fuel is shipped in from the US. The UK has a long history with coal, and some will mourn its passing when the final plant shuts off in 2024. The UK government ban on coal power which comes into force in 2025, after which it seems the country will focus on using renewables to replace gas. To step ahead of the game fill out the form below to see how much you can save through renewable technologies
- [For First Time Ever Britain’s Electricity Was Coal-Free For a Full Month](https://energygain.co.uk/for-first-time-ever-britains-electricity-was-coal-free-for-a-full-month-2/): In May 2020 Britain's electricity supply was completely coal-free for the entire calendar month for the first time ever.
Throughout May, coal-fired plants were not used for the first time since the country began generating electricity from the fossil fuel in 1882.
The National Grid, the energy system operator, said the country's sunniest spring since records began in 1929 helped generate enough solar power to reduce the carbon intensity of the grid to record lows, while breezy weather also helped generate wind energy.
In total, renewable energy sources made up around 28 percent of Britain's electricity, while gas-fired power generation made up 30 percent.
On top of the favourable weather conditions, the coronavirus lockdown has also led to a record low demand for electricity, meaning coal plants have not been needed.
The country has now gone more than 50 consecutive days coal-free.
Roisin Quinn, head of National Grid's control centre, said: "Great Britain's incredible coal-free run has continued throughout May, giving us the first full calendar month - 744 straight hours - of electricity generation without coal since the Industrial Revolution. And while April was a month of record highs for solar generation, May brought us some equally exciting record lows for carbon.
"Low demand on the electricity system continues to present our control rooms engineers with a unique challenge - particularly with two May bank holiday weekends within two weeks relaxing already low demand ever further."
She continued: "On the afternoon of 24 May we saw the grid at its all-time greenest, with a new record low carbon intensity of 46 gCO2kWh (the amount of carbon produced for every kilowatt-hour of electricity used) helping May to become the greenest month we've ever seen on the electricity system.
"The weather (and to a lesser extent the low demand) is the leading factor in these records and trends, and although May's sunshine didn't power us to a record high, overall solar share was up from last month - with periods where solar was comfortably our top power source, sometimes making up a third of our country's electricity generation mix."
Fill in the form below for a free quote!
- [Why we have the perfect chance to place renewables at the heart of the COVID-19 recovery](https://energygain.co.uk/why-we-have-the-perfect-chance-to-place-renewables-at-the-heart-of-the-covid-19-recovery/): Low-carbon infrastructure must be at the heart of the COVID-19 recovery to provide jobs and economic security, with fairness embedded throughout.This is the key message in a letter sent to Prime Minister Boris Johnson by the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) on the 6th of May.
It outlines six resilience principles the UK should pursue, including supporting reskilling, retraining and research, building a climate-resilient economy and scaling up housing retrofits and build new homes that are fit for the future.
One of the major principles focuses around investing in low-carbon, resilient infrastructure. This in particular has been welcomed by the solar industry and the energy industry at large, which can play a central role in the development of infrastructure and job creation.
The Solar Trade Association’s chief executive Chris Hewett said the government must make sure it doesn’t miss this “golden chance to place renewables at the heart of the recovery".
“Solar and energy storage in particular offer swift, job-intensive opportunities for growth, with average ground-mount sites able to be built in a few months, and rooftop installations often taking only a day or two. There is an 8GW pipeline of solar projects ready to be unlocked.”
Beyond this, the letter emphasises the need for a fixed plan to move towards net zero, the lack of which could lead to a “disorderly transition.” While the CCC have called for this previously, it adds that the current COVID-19 crisis has emphasised the importance of evidence-led preparations for all of the key risks facing the UK.
Hewett added: “It is vital that the government’s recovery package aligns with its obligation to tackle climate change and deliver a resilient, net zero economy.”
The recovery must not ‘lock-in’ greenhouse gas emissions or increase climate risk, the letter states, meaning that support for carbon-intensive sectors such as the oil and gas industry should be contingent on them “taking real and lasting action on climate change”.
Additionally, the recovery should include the strengthening of incentives to reduce emissions when considering fiscal changes. As such, changes in tax policy should be used to aid the transition to net-zero emissions and future carbon pricing mechanisms should be supported.
Fill in the form below for a free quote!
- [EV Car Chargers](https://energygain.co.uk/ev-car-charger/): Electric cars and plug-in hybrids are increasingly popular and better developed than they’ve ever been and the number of public charging stations is growing by the day.
As a relatively new technology, however, there’s still some confusion over the different types of charging station available, while the terminology bandied about can be confusing.
Our aim for all of our clients is to make sure you know about charging stations clearly and with as little jargon as possible before we install them. While it’s aimed primarily at those interested in purely electric cars (EVs) the information contained here will be of use to those after a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), too.
What is a charging station?
No concrete definition exists for charging stations, but in practical terms, a collection of two or more individual charging points amounts to a ‘station’. Don’t expect the full petrol-station forecourt experience, though: often a charging station will exist in the corner of a motorway services car park, or in a section of a shopping centre’s or town centre’s multi-storey.
How long does it take to charge an electric car?
Given the variety or electric cars and charging stations, it probably won’t surprise you to learn that the time taken to charge an EV can vary too. The length of time an EV’s batteries take to recharge is determined by how many kilowatts (kW) the charging station can provide and how many the car can accept – the higher the wattage, the faster the charge. Three different rates exist:
Slow charging. Rate: 3kW. If you charge your car from ‘empty’ (either at home or at work), a full slow charge will take around eight hours.
Fast charging. Rate: 7-22kW. A fast charging point will take around three to four hours to fully replenish an electric car’s batteries from zero charge. The majority of public charging stations offer this rate, and you can also have a fast charge box installed at home.
Rapid charging. Rate: 43-50kW. Only a few electric cars are compatible with rapid charging, but if you own a car such as the Tesla Model S or Kia Soul EV, a rapid charger will give you an 80% charge in as little as 30 minutes. We also offer public charging points that offer rapid charging aren’t as common as fast chargers.
Remember that not all cars can accept fast charging. The entry-level Nissan Leaf, for example, can accept a maximum charge rate of 3.7kW. This means it’ll take around eight hours to fully charge. Go for Nissan’s 6.6kW option and that time halves. After speaking to one of our surveyors they will be able to determine the best charging point for your vehicle(s).
Do you offer Tesla Superchargers and Destination charging?
Yes with Tesla’s proprietary rapid chargers are known as ‘Superchargers’ and there are over 150 of these in the UK. They charge at 120kW, and can give roughly 170 miles of range in 30-40 minutes.
While all Tesla customers used to have access to the Supercharger network for free, Model S and Model X customers who ordered their cars after 15 January 2017 are given 400kWh of energy (equivalent to around 1,000 miles) for free, with each subsequent kWh being £0.20. Tesla is honouring the agreements it made with customers before 15 January 2017 though, making the Supercharger network free for those individuals.
Tesla also offers something called ‘Destination’ chargers, which tend to exist at hotels, B&Bs, shopping centres, campsites, golf clubs and similar locations. Destination chargers are slower than Superchargers, operating at a maximum of 22kW and providing around 60 miles of charge in an hour.
Charging etiquette
It’s important to understand the correct connectors and charge rates for electric vehicles, but it’s also a good idea to know the informal conventions that surround charging at public stations. The broadly accepted rules are:
Keep an eye on your car’s charge status. One the batteries are nearly charged (or charged to 80%, an amount some consider ideal), unplug your car and move it from the charging bay so others can use it.
Plug-in hybrids should give priority to pure electric cars. If you’re charging your PHEV and someone in a Nissan Leaf needs your charging point, do the right thing. You’ve got a petrol engine to fall back on, whereas they may be stranded until they can recharge their batteries.
Don’t unplug someone else’s car. If you’re at a motorway service station and encounter an EV that’s been left in a charging bay for a long time, ask if staff can make a tannoy announcement, encouraging the car’s owner to move. Some consider it okay to unplug a car that’s finished charging, but this isn’t always easy to tell and may not be met with kindness. If you must do it, leave a note on the owner’s windscreen, explaining why. Bear in mind some connectors don’t allow you to unplug them when the car is locked.
Report any damage to charging stations to the network operator. The supplier’s phone number will be on the charging point.
Offer to help. If you spot someone who’s having difficulty with their car or charger, ask if you can be of assistance. Charging stations have become a lot more reliable over recent years, but problems still crop up from time to time.
Stow the charging cable neatly when you’re finished. A loose cable can pose a trip hazard or be run over and damaged.
Fill in the form below for a free quote!
- [Altherma 3 H HT heat pump now available and it is a game-changer!](https://energygain.co.uk/altherma-3-heat-h-ht-pump-now-available/): Energy Gain UK  are excited about the release of the new Daikin Altherma 3 H HT heat pump, a game-changer for the retrofit market and for larger properties.
- [Significantly reduce business running costs right now](https://energygain.co.uk/significantly-reduce-business-running-costs-right-now/): We don’t even need to meet in person to get things moving, simply request a no obligation proposal by replying to this email, sending us:
- [Renewable energy set to be cheaper than fossil fuels by the end of 2020](https://energygain.co.uk/renewable-energy-set-to-be-cheaper-than-fossil-fuels-by-2020/): Experts predict that investment in green infrastructure projects will lead to decreases in the cost of energy for consumers.
Continuous technological improvements have led to a rapid fall in the cost of renewable energy in recent years, meaning some forms can already comfortably compete with fossil fuels.
The report suggests this trend will continue, and that by 2020 “all the renewable power generation technologies that are now in commercial use are expected to fall within the fossil fuel-fired cost range”.
Of those technologies, most will either be at the lower end of the cost range or actually undercutting fossil fuels.
“This new dynamic signals a significant shift in the energy paradigm,” said Adnan Amin, director-general of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IREA), which published the report.
“Turning to renewables for new power generation is not simply an environmentally conscious decision, it is now – overwhelmingly – a smart economic one.”
The report looked specifically at the relative cost of new energy projects being commissioned.
As renewable energy becomes cheaper, consumers will benefit from investment in green infrastructure.
“If the stuff you’re building to generate electricity costs less, the end effect of that is having to pay less for the electricity that comes from it,” Jonathan Marshall, energy analyst at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) told The Independent.
“The cheaper you install it, the better it is for everyone.”
The current cost for fossil fuel power generation ranges from around 4p to 12p per kilowatt hour across G20 countries.
By 2020, IREA predicted renewables will cost between 2p and 7p, with the best onshore wind and solar photovoltaic projects expected to deliver electricity by 2p or less next year.
Other methods of producing renewable energy, such as offshore wind farms and solar thermal energy, are not yet as competitive as fossil fuels.
However, the results of recent renewable power auctions for projects to be commissioned in the coming years suggest these forms too are due to drop in price.
Auctions provide a useful means of predicting the future cost of electricity.
“These cost declines across technologies are unprecedented and representative of the degree to which renewable energy is disrupting the global energy system,” said Mr Amin.
The new report comes after 2017 was declared the UK’s “greenest year ever” by WWF, when data from the National Grid revealed 13 different renewable energy records had been broken.
However, current UK policy may hamper the development of renewable energy capacity.
“Under current policy, the UK is at risk of being left behind as other countries take full advantage of the relentless fall in the cost of renewable energy,” said Mr Marshall.
Notably, the subsidy ban for new onshore wind farms has been singled out, with the ECIU predicting it could add £1bn onto energy bills over five years.
“If the Government is serious about achieving the lowest cost electricity in Europe, the ban on onshore wind has to be first in the firing line,” said Mr Marshall.
“Until this happens – and all low-carbon electricity sources are allowed to compete on equal footing – the gap between the cost of electricity in the UK and elsewhere will prevail; to the ire of politicians, businesses and household bill payers.”
A spokesperson from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy said the Government could still support onshore wind where there is local support, such as on the Scottish islands.
“We are pleased to see that established technologies, such as onshore wind and solar, are driving costs down for consumers,” they said.
“If this continues, and they have local support, they may play a significant role in the energy mix in future.
“Since 2010, the UK has invested more than £52bn in renewable energy and in October, we confirmed that up to £557m would be made available for future clean power auctions.”
See how much you could save by filling out the form below!
- [Nationwide to incentivise green home improvements with new mortgages](https://energygain.co.uk/nationwide-to-incentivise-green-home-improvements-with-new-mortgages/): Nationwide on the 10th of February 2020 announced it is to make £1 billion available for borrowers to reduce the carbon footprint of their homes.
The £1 billion will be available to “kickstart” green home improvements and retrofitting, by offering a new range of green mortgages. These will have preferential rates for those buying a new-build EPC A-rated home, and preferential rates starting from 1% for the first two years when borrowing up to £25,000 to make home improvements.
Nationwide is also calling on the government, housebuilders and lenders to create meaningful incentives for greener homes, through a variety of measures.
Government should commission an independent review of council tax to explore how it could incentivise green home improvements, as well as transition Help to Buy to a Help to Green programme.
Lenders should follow in Nationwide’s footsteps, it said, and also incentivise green home ownership.
Joe Garner, chief executive of Nationwide Building Society, said there is now an “urgent imperative” to reduce carbon emission from homes, calling on the government, housebuilders and lenders to make a “significant contribution”.
“It’s not about penalising those in society who are least able to pay or putting the burden on local authorities.
“This is the greatest mutual challenge we face, and we will only make a difference if we work together,” Garner added.
The government’s Future Homes Standard is set to be introduced in 2025, introducing higher energy efficiency standards for new build homes.
A consultation on the Standard closed on 7 February 2020, with the government outlining two proposed options for delivering increased energy efficiency, one through “very high” fabric standards and one through better fabric standards combined with carbon-saving technology such as solar PV.
Dr. Rhian-Mari Thomas, chief executive of the Green Finance Institute, praised Nationwide's "leadership" in supporting homeowners and consumers with "innovative" financial products.
Nationwide is one of over 40 members of the Green Finance Institute's Coalition for Energy Efficiency of Buildings, of which developing the market for financing net-zero carbon and climate-resilient homes is a "key objective", Thomas said.
See how we can help by filling out the form below!
- [Solar set for massive growth over next five years](https://energygain.co.uk/solar-set-for-massive-growth-over-next-five-years/): The installation of Solar Photovoltaic systems on homes, commercial buildings and industrial facilities is set to take off over the next five years, transforming the way electricity is generated and consumed, according to the International Energy Agency’s latest renewable energy market forecast.
These applications – known collectively as distributed PV – are the focus of the IEA’s Renewables 2019 market report, which was released today.
The report forecasts that the world’s total renewable-based power capacity will grow by 50% between 2019 and 2024. This increase of 1,200 gigawatts – equivalent to the current total power capacity of the United States – is driven by cost reductions and concerted government policy efforts. Solar PV accounts for 60% of the rise. The share of renewables in global power generation is set to rise from 26% today to 30% in 2024.
The expected growth comes after renewable capacity additions stalled last year for the first time in almost two decades. The renewed expansion remains well below what is needed to meet global sustainable energy targets, however.
“Renewables are already the world's second largest source of electricity, but their deployment still needs to accelerate if we are to achieve long-term climate, air quality and energy access goals,” said Dr Fatih Birol, the IEA’s Executive Director.
The report highlights the three main challenges that need to be overcome to speed up the deployment of renewables: policy and regulatory uncertainty, high investment risks and system integration of wind and solar PV.
Distributed PV accounts for almost half of the growth in the overall solar PV market through 2024. Contrary to conventional wisdom, commercial and industrial applications rather than residential uses dominate distributed PV growth, accounting for three-quarters of new installations over the next five years. This is because economies of scale combined with better alignment of PV supply and electricity demand enable more self-consumption and bigger savings on electricity bills in the commercial and industrial sectors.
Still, the number of solar rooftop systems on homes is set to more than double to some 100 million by 2024, with the top markets on a per capita basis that year forecast to be Australia, Belgium, California, the Netherlands and Austria.
“As costs continue to fall, we have a growing incentive to ramp up the deployment of solar PV,” said Dr Birol. The cost of generating electricity from distributed solar PV systems is already below retail electricity prices in most countries. The IEA forecasts that these costs will decline by a further 15% to 35% by 2024, making the technology more attractive and spurring adoption worldwide.
The report warns, however, that important policy and tariff reforms are needed to ensure distributed PV’s growth is sustainable. Unmanaged growth could disrupt electricity markets by raising system costs, challenging the grid integration of renewables and reducing the revenues of network operators. By reforming retail tariffs and adapting policies, utilities and governments can attract investment in distributed PV while also securing enough revenues to pay for fixed network assets and ensuring that the cost burden is allocated fairly among all consumers.
“Distributed PV’s potential is breathtaking, but its development needs to be well managed to balance the different interests of PV system owners, other consumers and energy and distribution companies,” Dr Birol said. “The IEA is ready to advise governments on what is needed to take full advantage of this rapidly emerging technology without jeopardising electricity security.”
According to the report’s Accelerated Case, improving economics, policy support and more effective regulation could push distributed PV’s global installed capacity above 600 GW by 2024, almost double Japan’s total power capacity today. Yet this accelerated growth is still only 6% of distributed PV’s technical potential based on total available rooftop area.
As in previous years, Renewables 2019 also offers forecasts for all sources of renewable energy. Renewable heat is set to expand by one-fifth between 2019 and 2024, driven by China, the European Union, India and the United States. The heat and power sectors become increasingly interconnected as renewable electricity used for heat rises by more than 40%. But overall, renewable heat potential remains vastly underexploited. The share of renewables in total heat demand is forecast to remain below 12% in 2024, calling for more ambitious targets and stronger policy support.
Biofuels currently represent some 90% of renewable energy in transport and their use is set to increase by 25% over the next five years. Growth is dominated by Asia, particularly China, and is driven by energy security and air pollution concerns. Despite the rapid expansion of electric vehicles, renewable electricity only accounts for one-tenth of renewable energy consumption in transport in 2024. And the share of renewables in total transport fuel demand still remains below 5%. The Accelerated Case sees renewables in transport growing by an additional 20% through 2024 on the assumption of higher quota levels and enhanced policy support that opens new markets in aviation and marine transport.
See how much you could save by filling in the form below!
- [New Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards to come into force for landlords](https://energygain.co.uk/new-minimum-energy-efficiency-standards-to-come-into-force-for-landlords/): Landlords are being urged to comply with updated regulations in relation to minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES).
Since April 2019 new rules apply to energy ratings which affect a landlord’s ability to agree a new letting or tenancy.
Landlords now have to contribute up to £3,500 per property towards raising the rating on a domestic property above an E grade EPC assessment – previously there was a ‘no cost to the landlord’ exemption although the grading of F/G had been barred from rental agreements under 2018 legislation.
From April 1st this year, the E or above regulation will apply to all tenancies, old and new.
For existing properties, where the “no costs to the landlord” exemption applies, they will remain on the exemptions register until 31st March 2020, when they will also be removed and thereafter Landlords will have to contribute up to £3,500 for improvements.
If the costs of making improvements to a sub-standard property are above £3,500, and the Landlord can evidence this with three separate quotes, then the Landlord can apply for an exemption for any cost over the £3,500 cap. If a Landlord has made any energy improvements since 1st October 2017 (up to 31st March 2019) then those costs can be deducted from the £3,500 cap.
If a Landlord has already registered for an exemption (i.e. where a tenant has not consented to improvements being made), then the Landlord will not be able to rely on that exemption once that particular tenancy has ended.
According to  the Residential Landlords’ Association, if a residential building is exempt ( for example listed buildings and those in conservation areas) from the requirement to have an energy performance certificate when it is rented out (or sold) then this minimum E rating standard does not apply. Although the Association says ‘the legislation is ‘badly drafted and unclear” so may not be safe to follow.
Most alterations required to bring a property in line with the appropriate energy rating are not prohibitively expensive and should be recouped from securing new tenancy agreements.
The Government is now consulting on ‘how best to improve the energy performance of non-domestic private rented buildings through tighter minimum energy.’
This consultation outlines two different targets the Government could set to tighten minimum energy efficiency standards. The Government’s preferred target is that landlords of all non-domestic privately rented properties in England and Wales ensure their properties achieve a minimum energy efficiency standard of Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) band B by 2030, provided the action required is deemed cost effective by meeting a seven-year payback test.
If you own a rented property and would like advice on how you can make cost effective alterations to make your property more energy efficient and improve its EPC rating, get in touch with us today.
- [Government unveils new net-zero support for buildings](https://energygain.co.uk/government-unveils-new-net-zero-support-for-buildings/): Towards the end of 2019 the Government unveiled new measures to decarbonise buildings and all modes of transport to demonstrate commitment to reaching  net-zero carbon by 2050.
To support these measures the UK Government has allocated £2bn to decarbonisation projects since the amendment to the 2008 Climate Change Act was ratified, with significant amounts of funding being allocated across the fields of hydrogen, carbon capture and green finance.
The measures include a proposal for all rented commercial building to be required to operate at a minimum energy efficiency standard of EPC band B by 2030. The Government claims this measure alone could save businesses £1bn per year in energy bills.
A consultation on the introduction of mandatory “in-use” energy performance ratings for all business buildings will take place this year.
Other key facets of the Committee on Climate Change’s initial recommendations were tech-based, emerging solutions including energy storage and carbon capture, usage and storage (CCS). The organisation has continually stated that the adoption of both of these technologies, as well as hydrogen, will be a “necessity” in meeting net-zero.
Reacting to the Government’s net-zero report response, the Renewable Energy Association’s chief executive Nina Skorupska said: “The CCC was right to highlight the inefficiency of the current disjointed approach; achieving our legally binding carbon targets cannot and should not be the sole responsibility of a handful of departments across the Government.
“Responsibility and accountability for implementing the policies and infrastructure urgently needed to address the climate emergency must sit at the top, with No 10 and the Cabinet Office. The Government must treat this as an emergency and must oversee the delivery.”
The Solar Trade Association’s chief executive Chris Hewett said: “We are pleased to see that the government has taken our feedback on energy storage on board. This is a promising step forward for enabling energy storage to be connected more swiftly and giving local communities a stronger voice in determining which developments are right for them. Energy storage is safe, low-impact, and essential for delivering on the UK’s legally binding net-zero commitments.”
The UK Green Buildings Council’s chief executive Julie Hirigoyen said: “Today’s announcement is most encouraging, as we have long called for more ambitious policies to improve the energy performance of our commercial buildings. It is also a welcome complement to the Government’s recently announced plans to strengthen energy efficiency standards for new homes – and shows that they are finally understanding the importance of tackling buildings emissions as we strive to meet our climate targets.
“By signalling a long-term Band B target for rented commercial buildings, the Government is providing welcome certainty, which will help underpin businesses’ energy improvement plans and the supporting investment decisions. As the market has already shown, minimum standards for rented buildings can have a transformative effect on their performance.
“We are also pleased to see the Government, at last, acknowledging the importance of mandatory operational energy ratings for commercial buildings.”
- [New SECR rules to encourage business energy efficiency](https://energygain.co.uk/new-secr-rules-to-encourage-business-energy-efficiency/): Almost 12,000 companies need to be up to speed with the Government’s new Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) policy which makes it mandatory for them to disclose their energy and carbon emissions, under the Companies (Directors’ Report) and Limited Liability Partnerships (Energy and Carbon Report) Regulations 2018.
SECR aims to encourage organisations to implement energy efficiency measures to bring about economic and environmental benefits whilst cutting costs, increasing productivity and reducing carbon in the drive to a low carbon economy.
SECR builds on existing requirements, including mandatory greenhouse gas reporting for quoted companies, the Energy Saving Opportunity Scheme (ESOS), Climate Change Agreements (CCA) Scheme, and the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).
SECR extends the reporting requirements for quoted companies and covers new annual disclosures for large unquoted and limited liability partnerships (LLPs).
‘Large’ Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) will be required to prepare and file an ‘Energy and Carbon Report’.
Unquoted companies or LLPs are defined as ‘large’ if they meet at least two of the following three criteria in a reporting year:
Turnover of £36 million or more;
Balance sheet of £18 million or more; or
250 employees or more.
Public bodies do not fall under the new regulations, although other legislation which requires carbon reporting does apply.
Low energy users  – 40MWh or less over the reporting period – are exempt.
Private sector organisations not covered by the SECR have been encouraged to follow the principles on a voluntary basis.
As a minimum, unquoted large companies and large LLPs will need to report UK energy use from electricity, gas and transport fuel – as well as the associated GHG emissions – including at least one intensity metric.
Quoted and unquoted companies and LLPs all need to report energy use for the current and previous financial years plus a description of measures taken to improve the business’s energy efficiency in that year and a note on any resulting energy savings.
There is a ‘comply or explain’ clause, which allows carbon and energy information to be excluded where it is not practical to obtain it.
Energy Gain UK are energy reduction specialists and advises businesses on how to improve their energy efficiency and installs technologies to help lower carbon emissions and grid energy usage.
- [Zero-carbon electricity outstrips fossil fuels in Britain across 2019](https://energygain.co.uk/zero-carbon-electricity-outstrips-fossil-fuels-in-britain-across-2019/): Zero-carbon energy became Britain’s largest electricity source in 2019, delivering nearly half the country’s power and outstripping fossil fuels for the first time.
Following a dramatic decline in coal-fired power and a rise in renewable and low-carbon energy, 2019 was the cleanest energy year on record for Britain, according to National Grid, which owns and operates the electricity transmission network in England and Wales, and also runs the Scottish networks.
National Grid’s latest data shows that wind farms, solar and nuclear energy, alongside energy imported by subsea cables, delivered 48.5% of Britain’s electricity in 2019. This compares to 43% generated by fossil fuels – coal, gas, and other carbon sources such as oil and diesel. The remaining 8.5% was generated by biomass, such as wood pellets.
This milestone comes as the UK enters the mid-point between 1990 and 2050, the year in which it has committed to achieve at least a 100% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions based on 1990 levels, and to become a net zero carbon economy. A decade ago, fossil fuels generated more than three-quarters of all electricity, while zero-carbon sources accounted for less than a quarter (22.8%), with wind at 1.3%. Then, coal plants provided almost a third of the UK’s electricity. This has dwindled to 1.9%, and Britain set a new record for going without coal-powered energy altogether in summer 2019: it went for 18 days from May to early June without using coal to generate electricity, the longest such run since 1882.
By the end of this winter, the UK will be left with only four coal fired power plants. EDF Energy’s Cottam coal plant in Nottinghamshire closed this year and two other coal plants, RWE’s Aberthaw B and SSE’s Fiddler’s Ferry, are due to close in March 2020.
The National Grid figures show a dramatic shift in the last two decades. Wind farms, solar panels and hydro power now generate just over a quarter of Britain’s electricity, compared with 2.3% in 1990. Nuclear power accounts for 17%, compared with nearly 20% in 1990. However, the use of gas – a fossil fuel – also shot up to generate more than 38% of the country’s power last year, compared with just 0.1% in 1990.
National Grid’s chief executive John Pettigrew said: “As we enter a new decade, this truly is a historic moment and an opportunity to reflect on how much has been achieved.
“At National Grid, we know we have a critical role in the acceleration towards a cleaner future and are committed to playing our part in delivering a safe and secure energy system that works for all.”
Other recent government figures showed that the UK’s growing fleet of offshore wind projects generated more electricity than onshore windfarms for the first time in the third quarter. Since then, wind power reached fresh highs during blustery weather in early December to generate almost 45% of the UK’s electricity on one day.
In December, National Grid unveiled plans to invest almost £10bn in the UK’s gas and electricity networks over the next five years. Of this, almost £1bn has been earmarked for the transition to a net zero carbon electricity system by 2025, including investments in new equipment and technology.
A further £85m will support changes to the ways people heat their homes, switching away from gas boilers to technologies such as electric heat pumps and hydrogen boilers. National Grid estimates that more than 23 million homes will need to install new low-carbon heating solutions by 2050.
Source https://www.theguardian.com
- [How Much Electricity Does a Solar Panel Produce?](https://energygain.co.uk/how-much-electricity-does-a-solar-panel-produce-2/): Of course, every solar panel array is different, and so it can be tricky to determine exactly how much energy yours will generate. So here are some of the basic facts for the average, domestically used, solar panel system.
- [Do solar panels work in the winter?](https://energygain.co.uk/do-solar-panels-work-in-the-winter/): Memories of cold, snowy winters past can be discouraging even for the hardiest homeowner. If you’re considering going solar, you might be wondering whether solar panels and snow are a bad combination. On the contrary. After all, if you look at solar as an investment, then it should be able to generate returns throughout the year as other investments do. Luckily, plenty of people have both solar panels and snow, and some of the most popular regions in the UK for solar have snowy winters. Don’t let winter weather discourage you from going solar!
Do solar panels work in the winter?
A common myth is that solar panels do not work during winter, but in contrary, the cold temperature will typically improve solar panel output. The white snow can also reflect light and help improve PV performance. Winter will only hurt solar production if the panels are covered with snow.
What happens to my solar panel performance in snow?
You don’t have to live in hot countries like Spain to achieve strong solar panel performance. As you consider solar panels for your home, remember that even if we do have a very cold winter again, the worst of winter only lasts three months, so your days of low sunlight and heavy snow are limited. And the further from the equator you are, the longer your days are when the summer comes around—so while you may generate slightly less power in the winter months, you can make up for it with more sunshine in the summer.
Solar panel snow problems are usually minimal. However, there are a few things that you should know about the implications of winter weather as you consider installing a solar energy system on your home:
All solar panels are designed to bear a certain amount of weight – and snow will usually not be heavy enough to cause issues. All solar panels undergo pressure tests to assess durability and quality. Ratings vary by panel, with higher pressure ratings indicating that your panels are better at withstanding the weight of heavy snow.
If snow covers your panels, they can’t produce power – but it’s easy to clean them off with the right equipment. Solar panels need sunlight to produce power, so if your solar panels are covered in snow, they will not generate electricity. Most panels are tilted at an angle, so snow will slide off on its own accord, but that can take time. You can take control of the situation by getting a solar panel snow rake or similar tool made for solar panel snow removal that won’t damage the panels.
Cold, sunny weather is actually good for panels. Winter months are actually good for solar energy production, as long as your panels aren’t covered by snow. Like most electronics, solar panels function more efficiently in cold conditions than in hot. This means that your panels will produce more power for each precious hour of sunshine during the short days of winter.
Sunny countries like Spain and Portugal are not the only places where solar makes sense. In fact, the top 10 countries for solar in the world The UK comes 8th. This happens also with large percentages of solar installations coming during winter weather months. This is largely due to the fact that electricity prices are one of the biggest drivers of solar savings ­– the higher your electricity rates, the more money you will save by going solar.
Need further proof? Consider Germany, whose sunshine levels are similar to Alaska’s. For over a decade, this northern European country has led the world in solar panel installations, and solar makes a significant contribution to their national energy mix. Although other countries, including the U.S. and China, are starting to catch up, Germany’s success is a shining example of how winter weather solar can work in countries across the globe. On an international level, solar panels and snow certainly do go together.
Now that you know that your solar panels can produce electricity in the winter, consider this: winter is also the best time to shop for solar if you’re a homeowner looking for the best value possible. Fill the form out below or ring us on 01613307739 and see how much you can save!
- [National Energy Efficiency Awards 2019](https://energygain.co.uk/national-energy-efficiency-awards-2019/): National RHI Contractor Of The Year – Third Place
National Solar PV installer Contractor - Nominated
National Solar PV Project - Nominated
Energy Gain UK were nominated for the prestigious National Energy Efficiency Awards at the 2019 event.  As a result of their hard work and dedication to the industry, Energy Gain UK claimed first place in one category and were commended for a further two projects.
The highly competitive accolades are an industry wide acknowledgment of the teams hard work, innovative engineering approach and dedication to the highest levels of quality customer service.
The management team and all the staff would like to thank their loyal customer base for entrusting their company with their energy efficiency projects.  EGUK welcome another year of hard work and will seek to win more awards at next years’ prestigious event.
The RHI Contractor Of The Year was awarded for a multiple cascaded Air Source Heat Pump installation for Dovehaven Care Homes and the Solar PV Project and Solar PV installer Contractor achievements was received for a Low Energy Lighting and Solar Photovoltaic project for Moorhouse Brewery.  Follow the links to view the individual case studies.
For more information please do not hesitate to get in touch by Clicking Here.
- [Could you increase customer and employee satisfaction through energy?](https://energygain.co.uk/could-you-increase-customer-and-employee-satisfaction-through-energy/): A happier place to work builds Comfort
Your building isn’t just a way to escape the weather, and it’s not just somewhere your employees and customers come to spend a few hours. Your energy infrastructure can make or break satisfaction. You have a duty of care to ensure you provide not only a safe and secure environment for them, but also a comfortable one.
Even the newest, most modern buildings could benefit from regular energy assessments to ensure things like ambient temperature and lighting are optimised for employee and customer comfort.
Providing comfort with Sensor-based concepts
Integrate energy and process management to support better comfort in stores, energy savings, and new business concepts. Stop wasting energy in empty rooms and during production downtime's.
Smart energy
Combine Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems, storage and electric charging infrastructures to produce cost-efficient, sustainable concepts. Go one step further and bring in cloud-based monitoring with an energy management system or a Virtual Power Plant to bring in extra efficiencies and optimisation.
Energy optimisation
Energy management systems can monitor, manage and control the energy-consuming devices in your buildings, enabling you to understand energy usage and improve its performance. You can also analyse the entire production process, looking to optimise your consumption patterns end-to-end in a way that’s tailored to your specific processes.
Bring in renewables
Use your roof or land to install Solar Photovoltaic systems to generate renewable energy on-site. Integrate battery storage or fuel cells to increase use of produced electricity and reduce peak loads. Your customers and employees will have a sense of pride that their comfort is also environmentally-friendly and saving CO2.
Happy employees are 12% more productive
Research from the University of Warwick says that people work more effectively, creatively and collaboratively when they’re happy at work.
- [Can you achieve energy efficiency and commercial efficiency?](https://energygain.co.uk/can-you-achieve-energy-efficiency-and-commercial-efficiency/): Profitability
In this new energy world, the options for control and optimisation are endless. Those who previously sought ways to merely save money and reduce consumption are realising there are other options. This is the world of energy as a business driver. A world where you can talk to your CFO about energy alongside budgets and cost centres. A world where energy can put money back into the company coffers. A world where energy is in the driver’s seat for profitability.
Optimise consumption
Use real-time monitoring for efficiency gains. Intelligent data monitoring shows the volume of energy consumed, how it’s being consumed, where it’s performing best (and worst), and how it’s affecting the environment. From there, the financial world is your oyster - tweak and optimise to your wallet’s content.
Sell to the grid
Modify your on-site generation or consumption to provide additional capacity when the grid needs it - and receive savings, or even payments, for your efforts. Earn money with your installed generation capacities, reduce net energy costs, track asset performance and maintain high flexibility in rapidly changing markets.
Peak load management
Get transparency and a new perspective on your energy data through an Energy Management System (EMS). Be empowered to reduce consumption and costs and achieve savings for your business. If the data tells you there’s a peak in the grid at 9am when everyone’s turning their computers on, think about starting your production cycle a little earlier to save overloading the system.
Apply for subsidies
As the world moves towards a more sustainable era of energy, governments are offering subsidies and tax breaks for those who use renewable energies. Think differently about your energy generation and energy mix, and you could find yourself making savings that benefit everyone.
Save up to 80% on grid fees
Through peak shaving you can save up to 80% on grid fees and up to 20% on your electricity bill.
- [Could having more sustainable operations save your business money?](https://energygain.co.uk/could-having-more-sustainable-operations-save-your-business-money/): Boost your business and the environment
Sustainability
Understanding how your business uses energy is the first step to finding a more sustainable way of working. Could you benefit from smart, responsive LED lighting? What if you generated your own energy on-site and could sell it back to the grid? What impact could a new HVAC have on your productivity – and the environment? Sustainable energy is not just about saving the world, it can save time and money for your business, too.
Be better for the environment
When we think of sustainability we’re more likely to think of the environmental benefits than the potential profitability for your business. By moving towards more sustainable operations, you can bring renewables into your energy mix and make cost savings.
Set course for compliance
Government regulations are stepping up and the EU has set its sights on the environment. Old energy infrastructures are on their way out. Now’s the time to review your assets to make sure you’re optimised for production and up to date with any new regulatory measures.
Deploy next-generation technologies
It’s a no-brainer to keep the lights off when no one’s at home. Yet some companies still have an all-on or all-off approach to lighting. What if your lighting reacted to the ambience, the temperature, and the movement of the people in your building? That’s just one of the technologies to choose from if you’re looking to improve employee productivity.
Think creatively about infrastructure
If you’re looking to redesign your energy infrastructure, there’s nothing more annoying than a supplier pushing products and services which don’t fit your needs. As an independent partner we think creatively about your design, so you can aim for a truly sustainable solution that fits your business perfectly.
Depending on the size of your business you can save tonnes of CO2 annually
- [MCS consults on new battery storage certification scheme](https://energygain.co.uk/mmcs-consults-on-new-battery-storage-certification-scheme/): The MCS has launched a consultation on its new certification for battery energy storage systems.
The MCS announced it was to launch a certification scheme for storage in February this year (2019).
The proposed standard specifies requirements for MCS contractors like Energy Gain UK LTD to undertake the supply, design, installation, set to work, commissioning and handover of electrical energy storage systems for permanent buildings with a maximum power output of up to 50kW.
The standard outlines requirements for certified contractors – for example into capability and quality management - design and installation, system performance estimates, roles and competency and handover.
It also details the process of determining the performance of a storage system in a building with solar Photovoltaic Panels and/or electric vehicles.
Requirements for data and communication are also listed, including the requirement for systems to be capable of communicating via an open protocol which enables control of charge and discharge by the customer and third parties authorised by the consumer. This should be dynamically in real time in response to tariff information through communication with a smart meter.
When the new scheme was first announced, chief executive of the MCS Ian Rippin said it would be a “natural extension” to the existing MCS scheme and represents a “one-stop solution”.
The new standard is to be used alongside the existing MCS 001 scheme document as well as “any other guidance and/or supplementary material” on its website, the MCS said.
The consultation is to last a month, closing to responses on 23 August at 5:00pm.
- [Solar installations to reach record high this year](https://energygain.co.uk/solar-installations-to-reach-record-high-this-year/): New Solar Photovoltaic installations are set to reach a record high this year, driven by improving markets in Europe and Northern America and fast growth in India and Vietnam.
Low auction prices are also expected to help boost new Solar Photovoltaic capacity by the end of this year to 114.5 gigawatts (GW), 17.5% higher than 2018 and the first time new installations have exceeded 100 GW.
Last year, new capacity dipped slightly, mostly due to a slowdown in the world’s largest Solar Photovoltaic market, China, which ended feed-in tariff subsidies for new projects.
“The market is now back on a strong growth trajectory – 2018’s slowdown was just a blip and we expect annual installations to rise to around 125 GW per year by the early 2020's,” Wood Mackenzie analysts said in their report.
The rise forecast this year will be driven mainly by Europe - in particular Spain, the United States, India, Vietnam, as well as Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.
Countries which install between 1-5 GW a year will drive growth. Last year, there were seven such markets. By 2022 there will be 19, including France, Saudi Arabia and Taiwan, the report said.
The increase comes despite the slowdown in China, which is giving priority to renewable projects which can operate without subsidies after a rapid fall in manufacturing costs.
Its installations peaked at 53 GW in 2017 due to generous subsidies but are expected to ease to around 30-40 GW a year.
Up to 2024, however, China, India and the United States will account for more than half of total Solar Photovoltaic installations.
Globally, auctions, rather than subsidies, are increasingly popular to incentivise renewable energy development.
“Auctions will be really important in driving growth, particularly in emerging markets,” Tom Heggarty, senior Solar analyst at Wood Mackenzie, told Reuters.
Around 90 GW of projects are expected to be awarded contracts through auctions this year, up 10% from 2018.
A separate study earlier this year by the International Renewable Energy Agency said electricity generated by onshore wind and Solar Photovoltaic will in the next year be consistently cheaper than from any fossil fuel source.
- [Solar generation increases 18% on Q2 2018, reaching over 4TWh](https://energygain.co.uk/solar-generation-increases-18-on-q2-2018-reaching-over-4twh/): Solar generation increased by 18% in the second quarter of this year as renewables overtook nuclear, new data from EnAppSys reveals.
Solar in Great Britain generated 4.42TWh in Q2 2019, making up 6.3% of total generation. This is an increase of 18% on Q2 2018.
Across Europe, solar generated 40.5TWh, an 8% decrease from the same period of the previous year. It did constitute 6.5% of total generation in Europe, however, and 16.5% of total renewable generation.
Paul Verrill, director of EnAppSys, said: “ solar plants contributed almost a fifth (19.1%) of renewable generation and produced 18% more power than they did in Q2 2018, when the country was still feeling the effects of the ‘Beast from the East’. “Overall, solar, wind, biomass and hydro are combining to play an increasingly important role in Britain’s power mix.” Renewables in the UK generated 23.1TWh of power in Q2 2019, almost double the 12.3TWh generated by nuclear plants.
Gas-fired plants took up a 40.6% share of Britain's power mix over the quarter, followed by 33.1% from renewables, 17.6% from nuclear, 8.1% from imports and 0.5% from coal.
Source https://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/news/solar_generation_increases_18_on_2018_reaching_over_4twh
- [Renewable Energy Will Be Equal Or Cheaper Than Fossil Fuels By 2020](https://energygain.co.uk/renewable-energy-will-be-equal-or-cheaper-than-fossil-fuels-by-2020/): The cost of renewable energy sources like wind and solar continue to fall drastically, and it was only a matter of time before they were cheaper than fossil fuels. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) believes that’ll happen by 2020 based on their new report. Prices could be as low as three pence per kilowatt-hour for onshore wind and solar photovoltaic projects over the next two years.
Across the board, average costs of producing renewable energy projects have been very competitive. Hydropower was the cheapest at five pence per kilowatt-hour, onshore wind at six pence, and bioenergy and geothermal sources at seven pence. Solar projects are still high in comparison at 10 pence per kWh, but that figure has dropped 73 percent since 2010. That’s led to residential systems being 67 percent cheaper. Onshore wind has fallen by 23 percent in the same timeframe. Based on projects that have been auctioned and will be in development over the coming years, renewable energy will end up being competitive or even cheaper than fossil fuels by 2020. Auction prices for solar photovoltaic and onshore wind projects have reached a record-low three pence per kWh in places like Dubai, Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Canada, and Germany.
“Electricity from renewables will soon be consistently cheaper than from most fossil fuels,” the agency noted in their executive summary. “By 2020, all the renewable power generation technologies that are now in commercial use are expected to fall within the fossil fuel-fired cost range, with most at the lower end or undercutting fossil fuels.” IRENA believes there are three main reasons why this will happen: improvements in technology, a competitive market, and more experienced developers in the industry. Technological advancement will make these renewable sources more efficient. As we’ve seen, scientists continue to push the boundaries for solar generation and making panels convert more sunlight into energy. Bigger turbines will create more wind power, and the indeterminacy of both sources can be optimized with large-scale battery backup facilities. Competitive procurement through auctions has continued to lower the bar and set records throughout last year. While we’ll still see rates reach three pence per kWh, the average by 2020 is expected to be around five cents for onshore wind and six cents for solar photovoltaic auctions.
Even though much of the focus was on solar and wind, hydropower, bioenergy, and geothermal sources were all part of the ongoing process to make renewable energy a more viable option. According to the study, over £1 trillion has been invested into this industry worldwide and it has created around 10 million job opportunities. The more renewable energy capacity increases, the further it will lower electrical costs. As it doubles, investment drops by nine percent and electricity generation costs drop by 15 percent. Not only is renewable power benefiting the environment, but in a few years it will become a better economic option for many businesses and residents.
- [UK to use more electricity from renewables than coal for first time in 2019](https://energygain.co.uk/may-2019-became-a-record-setting-month-for-low-carbon-production/): May 28th 2019 saw the 11th consecutive day of non-coal powered energy generation in the UK (minus Northern Ireland) as we had gone more than 260 hours without coal-fired generation. In fact, May became a “record-setting” month for low-carbon production with more than 600 hours – around 25 days – of coal-free power generation.
The National Grid has revealed that 47.9% of the electricity generated between January and May this year came from clean energy sources – solar, wind, hydro and nuclear, while 46.7% came from coal and gas.
The second half of the year is predicted to see this percentage rise even further with the new North Sea Link’s forthcoming connection to Norway’s hydropower network.
The move to a net-zero power grid will continue next year when one of the six remaining coal-fired power stations in Cheshire will be decommissioned. Coal now accounts for less than 10% of national power output.
The Chancellor has also  recently announced a ban on gas boilers to heat new homes from 2015, relying instead on heat pumps and ‘world-leading’ insulation standards.
National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) plans to run a zero-carbon network for the UK by 2025  – excluding Northern Ireland –  ahead of the Government’s new plans for total decarbonisation by 2050.
National Grid is planning to invest around £1.3bn annually to support the net-zero transition. As part of this, it is planning that by 2030 90% of electricity imports will be from renewable sources, suggesting that this move will cut the carbon footprint of Britain’s energy sector by 17%.
Want to be part of the movement towards decarbonisation while reduce your energy costs? Click here.
Research reveals consumer demand for climate change labelling
Reducing your running costs and carbon footprint  is not the only benefit of implementing renewable technologies, it can improve your sales and public perception too.
Two-thirds (67%) of consumers support the idea of a recognisable carbon label to demonstrate that products have been made with a commitment to measuring and reducing their carbon footprint, according to new international research released today by the Carbon Trust.
The YouGov study revealed that a majority (66%) of consumers confirm they would feel more positive about companies that can demonstrate they are making efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of their products.
- [What would you spend with an extra £650 a year?](https://energygain.co.uk/what-would-you-spend-with-an-extra-650-a-year/): Below is an example of one of our customers. This helps show depending on what time of year it is the amount you generate will vary.
- [New laws to guarantee payment for solar homes providing excess electricity](https://energygain.co.uk/new-laws-to-guarantee-payment-for-solar-homes-providing-excess-electricity/): Fee will not be added to consumer bills as part of the UK’s transition to a subsidy-free, cleaner and greener energy system under Smart Export Guarantee current tariffs and SEG payments to boost renewables sector as UK aims to become a net zero emissions economy – a key part of our modern Industrial Strategy New solar homes and businesses creating and exporting electricity to the grid will be guaranteed a payment from suppliers under new laws to be introduced by the government this week (Monday 10 June).
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) will ensure small-scale electricity generators installing solar, wind or other forms of renewable generation with a capacity up to 5MW will be paid for each unit of electricity they sell to the grid - tracked by their smart meter.
Government response to the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) consultation
Residential solar panels are now over 50% cheaper than in 2011. SEG will build on the previous government subsidy scheme, which drove the installations of 850,000 small-scale renewable projects, but without passing on the cost to consumers.
Encouraging suppliers to competitively bid for electricity will give households the best market price for their energy, while providing the local grid with more clean, green energy, as the UK bids to become a net zero emissions economy.
Energy and Clean Growth Minister Chris Skidmore, said:
The future of energy is local and the new smart export guarantee will ensure households that choose to become green energy generators will be guaranteed a payment for electricity supplied to the grid.
We want the energy market to innovate and it’s encouraging to see some suppliers already offering competitive export tariffs to reduce bills. We want more to follow suit, encouraging small-scale generation without adding to consumer bills, as we move towards a subsidy-free energy system and a net zero emissions economy.
SEG will place a legal obligation on energy suppliers with over 150,000 customers –covering more than 90% of the retail market - to introduce export tariffs by 1 January 2020. Some energy suppliers, including Octopus and Bulb, are already offering new smart tariffs, with some exceeding those offered under the previous subsidy scheme. At peak, solar has provided more than a quarter of the UK’s energy demands.
Chief Executive of Octopus Energy, Greg Jackson, said:
These smart export tariffs are game changing when it comes to harnessing the power of citizens to tackle climate change. They mean homes and businesses can be paid for producing clean electricity just like traditional generators, replacing old dirty power stations and pumping more renewable energy into the grid. This will help bring down prices for everyone as we use cheaper power generated locally by our neighbours.
The previous Feed-in Tariffs (FIT) scheme closed to new entrants from 31 March 2019, following consultations in 2015 and 2018, to reduce the costs to consumers as the price of installing solar panels came down.
SEG is designed to continue to grow the small-scale renewables export market by supporting local generation. Combined with existing technologies, like smart meters and battery storage, SEG will help bridge the gap to a smarter and more efficient energy system of the future.
The government is keen to support households and businesses in being able to store energy in batteries in their homes, which consumers will monitor on their smart meters, respond to price signals and choose the most economical times to charge their electric cars and sell their electricity back to the grid. In turn, this will help cut consumer bills, reduce the strain on energy networks, and give consumers more control of their energy use.
The new solar scheme comes as the government will unveil the winners of the latest round of the Energy Entrepreneurs Fund this week. One of the winners, Brill Power, has been awarded £686,000 in grant funding to explore further boosting the lifetime of lithium-ion battery packs for household energy storage and to bring down their cost for consumers.
- [New Partnership With Ideal4Finance](https://energygain.co.uk/new-partnership-with-ideal4finance/): We are proud to announce our new partnership with Ideal4Finance. They work with a number of lenders in order to deliver the best possible finance options for you.
- [Energy Efficiency Awards 2019](https://energygain.co.uk/energy-efficiency-awards-2019/): Energy Gain UK were nominated for three prestigious Regional Energy Efficiency Awards at the 2019 event.  As a result of their hard work and dedication to the industry, Energy Gain UK claimed first price in one category and were commended for a further two projects.
- [Green Buildings To Save The Environment and Costs](https://energygain.co.uk/green-buildings-to-save-the-environment-and-costs/): The government’s response to date has been woeful, so it is up to contractors and construction companies to take the lead on reducing carbon emissions. “Green building” options that can actually help reduce carbon emissions and save money.
- [Are You Meeting the Climate Change Challenge?](https://energygain.co.uk/what-is-net-zero-carbon-buildings-commitment/): The launch of the World Green Building Council’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment in 2018 sent a strong signal that we must incorporate: green design, green construction methods and green operations within the built environment.  This will reduce energy wastage and reliance on fossil fuels that are causing irreversible damage to our planet.
Achieving these goals will be incredibly challenging and require innovations and systemic changes from within the industry; many have not been invented or even conceived yet.  But it is essential in order to secure our livelihoods for generations to come. The construction sector must drive this change.
Designers and contractors must demonstrate green benefits alongside profits. Developers and end users need a deeper understanding of the green construction methods to understand the cost-benefit analysis.
New and existing innovations must match the end users living and working demands.  The solutions offered must meet these demands while meeting the decarbonisation goals.  This must be considered throughout the whole building process from planning to whole life cycle usage.
The Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment (the Commitment) challenges companies, cities, states and regions to reach Net Zero operating emissions in their portfolios by 2030 and to advocate for all buildings to be Net Zero in operation by 2050.
By setting ambitious ‘absolute’ targets, the Commitment aims to maximise the chances of limiting global warming to below 1.5 degrees however, ideally this would be below 2 degrees or more. This can be done by drastically reducing operating emissions from buildings.
“Net Zero” buildings already exist and can be found in every corner of the world and in every building type.  Applying the philosophy of net zero reduces: wastage, optimises performance, increases efficiency and improves comfort.
The Commitment gives organisations the tools to develop globally ambitious yet locally relevant, flexible and universally viable solutions for their portfolio to both reduce energy demand and achieve net zero carbon emissions.
To find out more about World Green Building Council’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment click here.
 
- [Install Renewable Heating with Financial Help from a Nominated Investor](https://energygain.co.uk/install-renewable-heating-with-financial-help-from-a-nominated-investor/): The Assignment of Rights (AoR) is for homeowners who wish to install renewable heating, but don’t want the upfront costs of doing so.
- [8 urban myths about energy saving that just aren’t true!](https://energygain.co.uk/8-urban-myths-about-energy-saving-that-just-arent-true/): Think you know what’s using the most energy in your home? Don’t be so sure. The average energy bill is rising seven times faster than household income
- [Why the energy price cap could cost you money](https://energygain.co.uk/why-the-energy-price-cap-could-cost-you-money/): Last year, we overspent on our energy bills by a staggering £1.4bn because 70% of users are on more expensive Standard Variable Tariffs (SVTs). This has prompted the introduction of the energy price cap.
- [Solar powered homes mandatory](https://energygain.co.uk/solar-powered-homes-now-mandatory-in-california/): It’s official: any new homes built in California after 2020 will have to be at least partially solar powered to offset their electricity needs
- [Emissions reduction and cash savings identified by use of green technologies](https://energygain.co.uk/emissions-reduction-cash-savings-identified-by-use-of-green-technologies/): Carbon emissions from energy generation and use could be cut by more than half with the introduction of green technologies, a new report has indicated.
- [‘Mankind could disappear’: Stark warning at climate change summit](https://energygain.co.uk/mankind-could-disappear-stark-warning-at-climate-change-summit/): 'Mankind could disappear': Stark warning at climate change summit. UN General Assembly president Maria Espinosa has said mankind is "in danger of disappearing" if climate change progresses at its current rate.
- [Solar PV unit roof installation marks latest Chester University Energy Centre development](https://energygain.co.uk/university-of-chesters-energy-centre/): The University of Chester’s Energy Centre is continuing its mission to develop renewable energies, with the installation of a solar PV unit on the Centre’s roof.
- [GE ROBINSON – POWERED BY THE SUN](https://energygain.co.uk/ge-robinsons-200-kwp-solar-system/): GE Robinson has worked with Energy Gain UK Ltd to install a 200 KWp Solar system which will produce approx. 170,000 units of electricity per annum and 3,335,400 units of electricity over the next 20 years.
- [Large and medium sized firms pay highest electricity prices in EU](https://energygain.co.uk/large-and-medium-sized-firms-pay-highest-electricity-prices-in-eu/): A business can now be an energy generator as well as a consumer. Self-generation of renewable power to cover a firm’s own needs and selling the surplus to the grid in effect makes energy a profit centre rather than a cost.

## Pages
- [Ground Mounted Solar Calculator](https://energygain.co.uk/ground-mounted-solar-calculator/): Solar panels don't need to be installed on roofs to work. Any swathes of land can benefit from solar, and with Energy Gains Ground Mount Solar installations you can benefit from clean, renewable energy installed by professionals.
- [Solar Carport Calculator](https://energygain.co.uk/solar-carport-calculator/): Fleet moving to electric vehicles? Make sure they stay topped up without burning a hole in your pocket with a carport installation using a Solar Canopy.
- [Solar Savings Calculator](https://energygain.co.uk/savings-calculator/): High Energy Prices? Estimate your business’s solar energy savings in seconds with our Commercial Solar Savings Calculator. Get accurate projections on costs, ROI, and energy bill reductions to make smarter, data-driven decisions about switching to solar.
- [Roof Refurbishment Specialists](https://energygain.co.uk/services/roof-refurbishment-specialists/): Roof Refurbishment Specialists
- [UK Manufacturing Energy Savings Guide to solar – Thank You](https://energygain.co.uk/uk-manufacturing-energy-savings-guide-to-solar-thank-you/): Energy is one of the biggest hidden drains on profitability. It’s not just an overhead — it’s a controllable cost that can directly impact competitiveness, resilience, and reputation.
- [UK Manufacturing Energy Savings Guide to solar](https://energygain.co.uk/uk-manufacturing-energy-savings-guide-to-solar/): Energy is one of the biggest hidden drains on profitability. It’s not just an overhead — it’s a controllable cost that can directly impact competitiveness, resilience, and reputation.
- [Partner Programme – Energy Gain](https://energygain.co.uk/partner-programme-energy-gain/): Energy Gain’s expertise and client-focused approach have strengthened our relationships and empowered our team to have smarter conversations about sustainability and energy efficiency.
- [Solar Energy Partner Programme](https://energygain.co.uk/solar-energy-partner-programme/): Energy Gain’s expertise and client-focused approach have strengthened our relationships and empowered our team to have smarter conversations about sustainability and energy efficiency.
- [The Process](https://energygain.co.uk/the-solar-installation-process/): We apply a rigorous engineering approach to all our projects, starting with energy profiling and financial appraisals, methodically advancing through system design, procurement, project management, commissioning, verification, maintenance and monitoring.
- [Solar Commercial Finance options](https://energygain.co.uk/services/commercial-solar-finance-options/): Energy Gain continues to work with a growing number of renewable and carbon-reduction financiers to allow companies of any shape and size equal opportunity to cleaner energy. Our Commercial Solar Finance options regarding asset financing allow you to have a modern photovoltaic installation and pay for it in a way that best suits your company.
- [Maintenance](https://energygain.co.uk/services/maintenance/): Specialists in Natural Energy Technologies and environmental solutions 
- [Solar Carport](https://energygain.co.uk/services/solar-carport/): Energy Gain UK designs, installs, and maintains solar carport systems for commercial sites and businesses across the entire UK.
- [FAQ’s](https://energygain.co.uk/faqs/): If you cannot find the answer to your questions please fill out the form and ask one of our friendly team members.
- [Services](https://energygain.co.uk/services/): We offer a range of renewable technologies, including commercial rooftop solar, carport systems, ground-mounted installations, and ongoing maintenance services. Our solutions are designed to maximize efficiency, lower energy expenses, and support long-term sustainability.
- [Commercial Solar Energy](https://energygain.co.uk/commercial-solar-energy/): Commercial Solar Photovoltaic systems are increasingly being used to reduce carbon emissions and make significant long term cost reductions. If you consider ESG as a sales tool rather than just an investment, a business can gain competitive advantage. Reducing your emissions helps you to reduce your customers’ GHG and enables your business to score higher on any tender/ framework, while giving your marketing department something to shout about. Furthermore, reviewing and auditing a business operation through an ESG lens will lead to increased cost-savings and efficiencies across the board.
- [Solar Panels for Business](https://energygain.co.uk/solar-panels-for-business/): As one of the UK’s leading experts in solar panels for business, we’ve helped organisations across all sectors harness the power of solar energy. Whether it’s a roof-mounted, ground-mounted, or even a large-scale solar farm, we design and deliver tailored solutions to meet your business needs.
- [Commercial Rooftop Solar](https://energygain.co.uk/services/commercial-rooftop-solar/): Specialists in Natural Energy Technologies and Environmental Solutions
- [Thank You](https://energygain.co.uk/thank-you/): One of our team will be in touch very soon.
- [News & Updates](https://energygain.co.uk/news-updates/): Sustainable energy and carbon
- [Compliance](https://energygain.co.uk/compliance/): Carbon reporting and environmental transparency are key to becoming truly responsible. The threat of climate change has seen increasing demand for it, not only between stakeholders and customers, but through regulators too. We assist our clients in determining their regulatory requirements and take care of their obligations to ensure end-to-end compliance. By taking a rigorous approach to assessment and monitoring, we can ensure peace of mind in all our compliance services.
- [Ground mount](https://energygain.co.uk/services/ground-mount-solar-panel-installers/): Expert Ground Mount Solar Panel System Installation for Your Business
- [Decarbonisation](https://energygain.co.uk/services/decarbonisation/): In the current climate, stakeholders urge environmental transparency, making carbon footprints a major focal point in many business strategies. Solar photovoltaics provide the ideal solution, supplementing your sustainable development strategy and boosting your CSR credentials. 
- [Enquire](https://energygain.co.uk/enquire/): The team at Energy Gain UK would love to hear from you about your next project. Take the first step in integrating sustainability into the future of your business. Please fill in the enquiry form below and a member of our team will get in touch shortly to discuss how we can help.  
- [About](https://energygain.co.uk/about-energy-gain/): Here at Energy Gain, we work with companies to help them understand their carbon footprint and develop innovative strategies to reduce and mitigate their carbon output.
- [Home – Solar Panel Specialists](https://energygain.co.uk/): With over 17 years of experience in commercial solar panel energy and large-scale renewable technologies, EGUK provides tailored commercial solar panel installations that help UK businesses cut costs and reduce carbon emissions, supporting a cleaner future for generations to come. 
- [Privacy Policy](https://energygain.co.uk/privacy-policy-3/): IntroductionWe are committed to safeguarding the privacy of our website visitors; this policy sets out how we will treat your personal information.
- [Cookie Policy](https://energygain.co.uk/cookie-policy/): This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.

## Projects
- [J Banks & Co Ltd](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/j-banks-co-ltd/)
- [Central Park Leisure Centre](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/central-park-leisure-centre/)
- [Sefton Council](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/sefton-council/)
- [Worcester City Council](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/worcester-city-council/): https://vimeo.com/1105735276?share=copy
- [Vygon UK](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/vygon-uk/): Consultation with Energy Gain UK started in 2020 that focused on making a large reduction into Vygon’s Scope 2 emissions. Energy Gain UK were instructed to provide a feasibility study, design, supply, execute and maintain a rooftop solar photovoltaic system for Vygon UK. The 503 kWp system is forecasted to generate approximately 473,317 kWh of zero-carbon electricity, making a reduction of 110 tonnes CO2 a year from their carbon footprint and a £66,000 reduction from their energy bills. With the sustainable procurement demand within the NHS, Vygon’s efforts will not go unnoticed and will also help in providing Vygon with endless marketing and supply chain opportunities.
- [Harlow Leisure Zone](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/harlow-leisure-zone/)
- [Eurocell PLC](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/eurocell-plc/)
- [Kasai UK](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/kasai-uk/)
- [Archwood](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/archwood-945kwp/): https://vimeo.com/1076317383/00886bd38d?ts=0&share=copy
- [Rillatech](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/rillatech/)
- [Krones UK](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/krones-uk/)
- [CDL Software](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/cdl-software/)
- [Alcumus Holdings](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/alcumus-holdings/)
- [Tridan Engineering](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/tridan-engineering/): https://vimeo.com/1076321504/2d84feca0b?ts=0&share=copy
- [AFT Flourotec](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/aft-flourotec/)
- [KRATOS ANALYTICAL](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/kratos-analytical/)
- [Dudley Industries Limited – Rentokil Initial](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/dudley-industries-limited-rentokil-initial/)
- [HS Jackson Fencing](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/hs-jackson-fencing/)
- [Palram UK](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/palram-uk/)
- [Taskers](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/taskers-2/)
- [Watford F.C.](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/watford-f-c-100kwp/)
- [Goodwin Steel Castings](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/goodwin-steel-castings-734-kwp/): The GSC foundry and surrounding facilities have an inherently large electricity consumption due to the high levels of heat and power required in their operational processes.  Electricity is the least carbon-intensive way to meet the energy demands of this site. However, the UK grid is still far away from full decarbonisation and, as such, a large part of the site’s carbon output comes from ‘brown’ energy supplied to the grid.  It is estimated that the installation of solar photovoltaics will reduce total electricity consumption by 587,200 kWh per annum, reducing carbon output by as much as 2565 tonnes over a 20-year lifetime.  To put this into perspective a tonne of CO2 is the equivalent of approximately two double-decker busses.
- [SG Instruments Ltd](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/sg-instruments-ltd/)
- [Cargill](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/cargill/)
- [A Perry Ltd – 150KWP](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/a-perry-ltd/)
- [Goodwin International](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/goodwin-international/)
- [Dupre Minerals](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/dupre-minerals-2/)
- [Hoben International](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/hoben-international/)
- [Hyde Precision Components](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/hyde-precision-components/)
- [Easat Radar Systems](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/easat-radar-systems/)
- [Goodwin Refractory Services](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/goodwin-refractory-services/)
- [Hyde Britannia Dynamics](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/hyde-britannia-dynamics/)
- [Hyde Crest Engineering](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/hyde-crest-engineering/)
- [Milbank Concrete 240 kWp](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/milbank-concrete-240-kwp/): Client – Milbank Concrete Products
- [Charltons Timber Store 350 kWp](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/charltons-timber-store-350-kwp/): Client – AJ Charltons & Sons
- [William Smith Group 1832 130 kWp](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/william-smith-group-1832-130-kwp/): Client – William Smith Group 1832
- [Weetwood Ales Ltd 45 kWp](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/weetwood-ales-ltd-45-kwp/): Client – Weetwood Ales Ltd
- [Su-med International 24 kWp](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/su-med-international-24-kwp/): Client – Su-med International
- [St Richards Hospice 100 kWp](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/st-richards-hospice-100-kwp/): Client – St Richards Hospice
- [Mini Gears Stockport  104 kWp](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/mini-gears-stockport-104-kwp/):  
- [Millfield School 100 kWp](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/millfield-school-100-kwp/): Client – Millfield School
- [Longsight Business Park 200 kWp](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/longsight-business-park-200-kwp/): Client – Longsight Business Park
- [Jain Community Centre 30 kWp](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/jain-community-centre-30-kwp/): Client – Jain Community Centre
- [Greenwood Magnetics FC 30 kWp](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/greenwood-magnetics-fc-30-kwp/): Client – Greenwood Magnetics
- [Disability Stockport 50 kWp](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/disability-stockport-50-kwp/): Client – Disability Stockport
- [Crewe Alexandra FC 90 kWp](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/crewe-alexandra-fc-90-kwp/): Client – Crewe Alexandra FC
- [CDL 80 kWp](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/cdl-80-kwp/): Client – CDL
- [Blackburn College 100 kWp Solar, ASHP & GSHP](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/blackburn-college-100-kwp-solar-ashp-gshp/): Client – Blackburn College
- [University of Chester 4 KWp Donation](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/university-of-chester-4-kwp-donation/): Client – University of Chester
- [Moorhouse Brewery 90 kWp](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/moorhouse-brewery-90-kwp/):  
- [Harry Peers Steelwork Ltd 90 kWp](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/harry-peers-steelwork-ltd-90-kwp/): Client – Harry Peers Steelwork Ltd
- [Travelodge](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/travelodge/): Client – Travelodge
- [Hills Panel Products 90](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/hills-panel-products-90/): Client – Hills Panel Products
- [Figbury Lodge Care Home 112](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/figbury-lodge-care-home-112/): Client – Figbury Lodge Care Home
- [Dovehaven Care Group 1.1 MWp](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/dovehaven-care-group-1-1-mwp/): Client – Dovehaven Care Group
- [Colchester Borough Homes 2.7MWp](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/colchester-borough-homes-2-7mwp/): EPC Contract
- [Bardsley Construction](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/bardsley-construction-45/): Client – Bardsley Construction
- [Tameside Council Building 18.1](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/tameside-council-building-18-1/):  
- [Illingworth Ingham 200](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/illingworth-ingham-200/): Client – Illingworth Ingham
- [Brooks Ltd 250](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/brooks-ltd-250/): Client – Brooks Ltd
- [Vygon Group](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/vygon-group-503-kwp/): https://energygain.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Vygon-1-Clip-from-website.m4v
- [Stepnell 112 KWp](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/stepnell-112-kwp/)
- [SR Labs 116 KWp](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/sr-labs-116-kwp/): Client – SR Labs
- [Olympic Oils 200 KWp](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/olympic-oils-200-kwp/): Client – Olympic Oils
- [Mi Vehicle Integration 268 KWp](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/mi-vehicle-integration-268-kwp/): Client – Mi Vehicle Integration
- [GE Robinson 200 KWp](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/ge-robinson-200-kwp/): Client – GE Robinson
- [Camster Herbs 260 KWp](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/camster-herbs-260-kwp/): Camstar Herbs have been growers and producers of herbs, spices and seeds since 1899. They are one of the largest producers of dried parsley in Europe, with over 2,500 acres dedicated to that crop alone. Camstar Herbs have already demonstrated commitment to internal decarbonisation through the purchase of more efficient harvesters and transportation vehicles, and in 2020, furthered this commitment by investing in on-site renewable generation.
- [Siemens Electrium 120 KWp](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/siemens-electrium-120-kwp/): Client – Siemens Electrium
- [Gandtrack 50 KWp](https://energygain.co.uk/projects/gandtrack-50-kwp/)