2020 set to be record year for UK solar even as home installations slow

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 2020 has been a year that will live long in the memory, sadly not for the best reasons. That said, many people, and many industries, have shown great resilience to help build towards a better future. We believe that the continued progression in the adoption of solar energy is one such positive.

Reports in a number of national newspapers this week have claimed that 2020’s output in terms of the amount of energy generated from solar panels across the UK is already well past the previous record. 

Since detailed records began around 10 years ago, there has been an upward trajectory for the most part, but even with the hardships faced by many, solar output has shown no sign of slowing. In fact, some of the specific elements of 2020 may even have helped aid solar generation. 

In addition to a very sunny spring in the UK, there was also a significant reduction in pollution in many areas due to lockdowns. If you look at the industry 10 years ago, solar panels were cost-prohibitive for many, so generous government feed-in tariffs had to be offered to increase uptake. 

These days, solar panels - and the key advent of solar storage - are so much cheaper that not only are homeowners continuing to add panels (albeit at a slower rate since this year) but it now makes financial sense to build solar farms in sunny areas. 

Even without the subsidies being at their previous level, it is still possible to get a good return on investment, which has seen a growing number of businesses and local councils add solar panels to offices, shops and/or warehouses as they seek to become carbon neutral. 

It’s nice to see solar generation provide a rare positive in a difficult year, and we’d definitely hope to see further growth going into 2021 as the economy begins to recover.

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