What are the environmental benefits of commercial solar panels?

As the world grapples with climate change, commercial solar panels have emerged as a major driver of the clean energy transition. Solar power is now a very established technology, harnessing the sun's energy to produce clean, renewable power without harmful emissions. From reducing greenhouse gases to conserving water resources, solar panels are playing a crucial role in mitigating adverse environmental impact. Additionally, and critically for businesses, they offer significant economic benefits, including immediate cost savings and the ability to avoid energy price volatility so providing financial stability and predictability for businesses.

West Buckland School ground-mounted solar array

This article explores the various ways solar energy systems benefit our environment, highlighting their importance in the transition to a greener future – but with a particular focus on commercial applications in the UK, where Eden Sustainable has been at the fore of the energy transition since 2014.

Why Are Solar Panels Good for the Environment?

In an era where climate change and environmental concerns are (and should be) at the forefront of global discussions, solar panels offer a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. This shift is happening globally and is supported in the United Kingdom by ambitious governmental targets to reduce carbon emissions and to increase renewable energy capacity. This shift is necessary to protect the planet for our future generations in the following ways:

1. Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions

One of the most significant advantages of solar panels is their ability to generate electricity without producing harmful greenhouse gases. Unlike traditional power plants that burn fossil fuels, solar panels create energy through a clean, emissions-free process. According to the UK Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the energy sector accounted for about 21% of the UK's greenhouse gas emissions in 2021. By adopting solar energy, commercial companies can significantly reduce their carbon footprint, contributing to national and global efforts to combat climate change whilst benefitting their businesses in future cost stability.

2. Conservation of Natural Resources

By relying on the sun's abundant, free and renewable energy, solar panels help preserve finite natural resources like coal, oil, and natural gas. This conservation ensures that these resources remain in their natural state (or available for future generations) and reduces the environmental damage caused by their extraction and processing. In the UK, solar PV systems are becoming increasingly popular, with over 13 GW of installed capacity as of 2023, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Of note, the UK government is targeting 45GW of solar capacity by 2030, as part of its 2030 Clean Power Action Plan!

3. Minimal Water Usage

Compared to conventional power generation methods, solar energy systems require very little water to operate. This is particularly crucial in regions facing water scarcity, as it helps conserve this precious resource for other essential uses. In the UK, where water resources can be strained during dry periods, the minimal water usage of solar panels is a significant environmental benefit.

4. Reduced Land Impact

While large-scale solar farms do require significant land area, rooftop solar installations make use of existing structures without any additional land use. This efficient use of space minimises habitat disruption and preserves natural landscapes. For commercial companies in the UK, installing solar panels on rooftops or unused land can be a practical and environmentally friendly solution. Currently less than 5% of UK warehousing has solar panels on its rooftops, so this represents a major opportunity for growth. In fact, UK warehousing alone could easily double the entire UK solar capacity (to nearly 30GW).

5. Long-Term Sustainability

Solar panels have a lifespan of 25-30 years, providing clean energy for decades with minimal maintenance. This long-term sustainability reduces the need for frequent replacements and the associated environmental costs of manufacturing and disposal. For UK businesses, this means a reliable and sustainable energy source that supports long-term environmental goals.

How Do Solar Panels Help the Environment?

Now that we understand why solar panels are generally beneficial, let's delve into the specific ways they contribute to environmental protection and sustainability:

1. Mitigating Climate Change

Solar panels play a crucial role in the fight against climate change by reducing reliance on fossil fuels, which are major contributors to global warming. They help decrease the carbon footprints of homes, businesses, and entire communities, supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy. As more solar is deployed, the cost decreases and so it becomes a virtuous circle.

2. Improving Air Quality

By replacing polluting energy sources, solar panels help improve air quality. They eliminate harmful emissions such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, reducing smog and acid rain in urban areas. This leads to lower incidences of respiratory health issues caused by air pollution. Cleaner air results in healthier communities and ecosystems, benefiting both humans and wildlife.

3. Preserving Ecosystems

Solar energy helps protect natural habitats and ecosystems by minimising the need for destructive resource extraction activities and reducing water pollution associated with traditional power generation. It also decreases the risk of environmental disasters like oil spills or nuclear accidents. Preserving biodiversity is crucial for maintaining the delicate balance of our planet's ecosystems.

4. Promoting Energy Independence

Solar panels contribute to energy independence, which has indirect environmental benefits. They reduce the need for long-distance energy transmission, which can cause habitat fragmentation, and decrease reliance on imported fossil fuels, thereby reducing transportation-related emissions. Encouraging local energy production fosters community engagement in sustainability efforts, leading to a more resilient and environmentally friendly power grid.

5. Advancing Green Technology

The widespread adoption of solar panels drives innovation in green technology. This encourages research and development in energy storage solutions, promotes advancements in solar cell efficiency and durability, and fosters the growth of related industries, such as electric vehicles and smart grids. These technological advancements accelerate the transition to a more sustainable and healthy future across various sectors.

Powering a more sustainable future.

The environmental benefits of solar panels are substantial and far-reaching. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, decreasing air pollution, and conserving natural resources, solar energy plays a crucial role in combating climate change and preserving the environment. Advances in technology and efficient recycling methods further enhance these benefits. As solar adoption grows, we move closer to a sustainable future with cleaner air, reduced carbon footprints, and greater energy independence. For commercial companies in the UK, embracing solar energy is not only a smart investment in renewable (and cheaper) power but also a commitment to protecting our planet for future generations.

Contact Us

Investing in commercial solar panels can be a wise financial move for many businesses. The reduction in annual electricity costs provides a clear financial benefit, which is enhanced by a range of further commercial benefits. At Eden, all of our system designs look at these factors and we ensure that we capture these in any proposal we make to you.

If you’re thinking about making the switch to a more sustainable energy future, then contact us via our website and we’d love to help you unlock the benefits.