In a time where sustainability is not just a buzzword but a necessity, solar power stands out as a solution for a greener tomorrow. As technology advances and awareness grows, we are exploring how the future of solar power is looking brighter than ever before.

Increased Potential for Installers

One of the most enticing aspects of solar power is its virtually unlimited potential. With the UK aiming to rely entirely on clean electricity by 2035, solar power is set to play an increasingly vital role in powering both residential and commercial properties in the coming years. This trend is evident in the surge of rooftop solar installations; back in 2022, household installations accounted for 73% of all new solar power added to the grid*. As consumers become more informed about the advantages of solar energy, the rooftop solar market continues to experience rapid growth into 2024, presenting a ripe opportunity for installers to expand their businesses and customer base.

Advancements in Solar Technology

Advancements in solar technology are pushing the boundaries of efficiency and affordability. New panels with efficiency levels of 29% are hitting the market this year, and we will also see an uptake in Bifacial solar panels, which are capable of capturing sunlight from both their front and back sides. Although they come at a higher cost, they can boost energy production by up to 30%, potentially making them a more popular choice in future.

Recently, breakthroughs in energy storage solutions, such as batteries, are addressing one of the main challenges of solar power: intermittent availability. Typically, lithium-ion batteries are widely used, but new batteries are entering the market and other storage methods such as lead-acid and flow batteries, hydrogen storage, and supercapacitors will become more established in the future.

We are also anticipating even more development into cutting-edge solar tiles and transparent solar cells that can be used in windows and building materials. One future possibility is the use of “solar skins”, which are thin layers of solar cells that can be applied to any surface, such as buildings.

Driving Towards a Sustainable Future

Now, let’s not delve too far into the future, but there have been considerable strides in utilising solar in the transportation industry, such as developing roads that can generate electricity. These solar-powered roads incorporate solar panels directly into the road surface, offering the potential to power streetlights and traffic signals.

Of course, the integration of solar energy in transportation doesn’t end there. Despite the recent government decision to delay the ban on new petrol and diesel car and van sales until 2035, there has been a notable increase in electric vehicle (EV) sales this March. With the emergence of solar-powered vehicles and the looming deadline, carbon neutral driving will become a consideration for many people as a way to cut their carbon emissions. This means the demand for EV chargers (and skilled installers) is bound to surge in the next five years.

The Falling Cost of Solar Power

The cost of solar panels and equipment has decreased over the past year, and as supply chains expand and economies scale, costs are expected to continue declining. As the purchase and installation of solar energy systems become more cost-effective, solar power is becoming increasingly affordable and accessible for both residential and commercial consumers. In many regions, solar energy is already cheaper than conventional sources of electricity, prompting even more customers to turn to green energy solutions to reduce their bills.

AI Is Revolutionising Solar Efficiency

As panels become more efficient and durable, they are being equipped with built-in monitoring and fault detection systems. This means maintenance costs will decrease over the panels’ lifespan, making solar power even more attractive for consumers. The use of AI won’t stop with predictive maintenance though; the development of smart grids that are able to give personalised solar solutions based on energy usage patterns and optimisations based on weather data, historical performance, and real-time conditions are showing that AI will contribute massively to the future of efficiency in Solar.

Community Solar Projects

In rural and off-grid areas, solar energy can provide electricity where traditional infrastructure is lacking. Community solar projects are starting to gain momentum, as they provide residents and businesses with the means to benefit from solar power through a combined investment. In 2024 and beyond, it is expected that community solar projects will grow in popularity, allowing smaller communities access to renewable energy, improving living standards, promoting economic development, and providing further installation opportunities.

Floating Solar Farms

Solar farms saw substantial growth in 2023. There are currently around 1,000 solar farms in the UK, aiding in electricity generation that is powering homes and businesses across the nation and saving thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year. The main issue facing us is limited land space and the destruction of valuable agricultural land. The growth of utility-scale solar projects such as floating solar farms is therefore only going to gain traction in the near future. They are innovative and versatile as they can be utilised anywhere with a significant inland water body, providing opportunities for installers, as they require maintenance and monitoring. Another factor is there potential to be combined with other renewable sources, such as wind and hydro, creating a hybrid renewable energy system that can heat and light the homes of Britain.

Increasing Policy and Regulatory Support

Governments worldwide are expected to drive their support for the adoption of solar energy, leveraging financial incentives. Despite the closure of the Feed-in-Tariff program in 2019, the primary aid today comes from the EC04 scheme, aimed at enhancing energy accessibility for vulnerable and low-income households through initiatives like solar panel installation. Scheduled to conclude in March 2026, anticipation looms for the introduction of a new scheme. Echoing this support, the March 2022 Spring statement announced a 0% VAT rate on energy-saving materials, including solar panels, until April 1, 2027. And just this year, the government announced tax relief on battery storage systems, including stand-alone battery installations until 31st March 2027. Looking forward, there’s also a hopeful outlook for comparable financial incentives for suppliers and installers, potentially meaning the introduction of training grants and reduced supply chain costs.

The Future is Looking Bright

As the nation strives for net-zero emissions by 2050, the solar industry is flourishing. With advancing technology, falling costs, and growing awareness of the need for sustainable energy solutions, solar power will play a pivotal role in illuminating homes and businesses. The combination of cost-effectiveness and efficiency potential will certainly drive the continued adoption of solar energy across the UK, offering significant potential to installers and suppliers and seeing the industry grow exponentially in the coming years.

Embrace the Future of Solar Power with HDM Solar

As one of the country’s fastest-growing solar panel and renewables suppliers, HDM Solar wants to ensure everyone, including businesses and installers, can reap the benefits of solar power. We offer a comprehensive range of solar panels, batteries, and EV charging supplies at great prices, with ex-VAT rates and the option to apply for a credit account, making it your one-stop shop for affordable and high-quality products for all of your projects. You can register for an account here.

At HDM Solar, we’re excited about the future of solar power, and as an installer, we are here to help you be a part of that future. As well as helping with all your solar power needs, we are proud to offer installers exclusive benefits. Whether you’re looking to expand your reach and be featured on our installer locator, covering mainland England, Wales, and Scotland, or keep updated on the latest products and installation techniques with our product support sessions tailored for MCS-accredited installers, then reach out to us today.

*Energy News Live