While the UK may not have had the sunniest of summers, it has still been a successful season for solar energy, proving that solar panels can generate power even during less-than-ideal weather conditions. Solar energy production in the UK hit new highs, underscoring how crucial solar panels have become, even in a country associated with clouds and rain. Extended daylight hours helped fuel this growth, showing that it’s not just the sunny days that count, but the number of daylight hours available during the summer months.
Solar panel adoption is increasing at a remarkable rate, enhancing the UK’s contribution to the global renewable energy movement. Around 1.5 billion solar panels have been produced across the world in the past year, and that number is rising as demand grows. The UK’s commitment to solar energy is playing a part in this global surge, and this summer, it proved that solar panels can deliver—even when the weather doesn’t fully cooperate.
Cloudy vs. sunny days
A common misconception about solar energy is that it only works on bright, sunny days—a myth that has previously been debunked by Project Solar. But don’t just take our word for it, the proof is in this summer! Out of the 93 days between June and August, around 52 were considered mostly cloudy, while only 41 were mostly sunny. Despite more cloudy days, the generation of solar energy wasn’t compromised. This is due to the fact that modern solar panels are designed to capture and convert light that penetrates clouds into electricity.
In the past, solar power was often dismissed in countries like the UK, where sunshine can be sporadic. Yet, this summer has shown that solar panels can perform reliably under cloudy conditions. While sunny days naturally result in higher output, the ability of solar panels to continue generating power on cloudy days makes them a viable and consistent energy source, not only throughout the UK’s summer months but throughout the year.
Hours of daylight
The summer of 2024 saw long hours of daylight, particularly during the peak of summer in June when daylight stretched for up to 16.5 hours in parts of the UK. Over the entirety of the summer, the UK enjoyed around 1,400 hours of daylight. This provided ample time for solar panels to generate energy, regardless of the weather conditions.
Based on the average solar panel efficiency and coverage, the UK generated over 5.85 terawatt/hours of solar energy during the summer months of 2024. To put this into perspective, this is enough to power around 2 million households. This figure underscores how longer daylight hours directly correlate with higher solar energy production. Even though the summer didn’t boast endless sunny days, the extended daylight provided enough time for panels to collect sufficient solar energy to contribute to the national grid.
The government’s green manifesto
In the midst of this summer, the UK elected their next government—and with that came their environmental manifesto. Under new green initiatives, the UK Government has committed to tripling the country’s solar capacity by 2030. While this may be an ambitious target, they have already kick-started the solar revolution by giving a series of large-scale solar farms the go-ahead, including projects in Lincolnshire, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.
In addition to large solar farms, rooftop solar panels have been increasingly integrated into new housing developments. As part of the government’s “Rooftop Revolution” initiative, new-build homes are now being designed with solar energy in mind, providing homeowners with the opportunity to generate their own electricity and reduce their energy bills. This shift towards decentralised energy production is an important step in making solar power more accessible and widespread.
Solar at festivals
Although festivals utilising solar panels aren’t a new trend, it’s certainly evolving. This festival season has been a great demonstration of how solar technology can be adapted for temporary and large-scale events, highlighting the growing popularity of renewable energy in everyday life. Many large music festivals are now using solar panels to power parts of their stages, lighting, and food stalls. This year, it was reported by The Times that 1,100 solar panels were to be installed at Glastonbury—enough to meet the electricity needs of 40 homes!
Solar-powered tourism
As tourism picked up during the summer, solar energy also made its way into the hospitality sector. Many hotels, campsites and eco-lodges have embraced solar panels to cut energy costs and attract eco-conscious tourists. In particular, solar-powered glamping sites became increasingly popular, offering visitors the chance to enjoy a summer getaway while minimising their environmental impact.
These solar installations helped reduce reliance on the national grid during peak holiday periods when electricity demand is at its highest. By harnessing the power of the sun, tourist spots across the UK not only save on energy costs but also contribute to the broader push for sustainability.
Conclusion
The summer of 2024 has proven that solar energy isn’t just viable in the UK—it’s thriving. With a balance of sunny and cloudy days, the UK’s solar panels generated over 5.85 TWh of electricity during the summer, thanks to long daylight hours and advancements in solar technology. From large-scale solar farms to solar-powered festivals and tourism, solar energy is becoming an increasingly essential part of the UK’s renewable energy mix, which will hopefully be accentuated by the UK’s new energy goals.
Thinking about becoming part of the solar revolution? Contact us today to start your journey.