UK Sees Spike In Solar Power: Who Are The Startups Leading The Charge?

The UK has recorded its sunniest spring since records began, causing a surge in the amount of solar energy generated in the country.

According to Carbon Brief, solar output hit 7.6 terawatt hours between January and May, which is 42% more than the same period last year.

In April and May, this surge topped up the UK’s monthly electricity mix by 10% each month, showing its potential as an energy source for the country.

But it’s not just the weather that contributed to this. The UK has also continued to invest more in solar panels and other energy capture technology, powering it towards a more renewable future.

But what does this mean for the solar sector?

 

The Surge of Solar

 

Solar energy has become a popular option for a number of reasons.

Firstly, the price of solar panels, and therefore solar energy, is now cheaper than fossil fuels. According to GreenMatch, in the last ten years, solar panel costs have decreased by 90%, with solar energy plants costing £18.49 per megawatt-hour, compared to £27.74 per megawatt-hour for coal plants.

Secondly, as governments make plans to hit net zero targets, more investment is going into solar infrastructure. And in a world where gas prices are defined by geopolitics, having a reliable source of energy that doesn’t rely on other countries is more valuable than ever.

But finally, solar is actually a great energy source. As Elon Musk put it “We have this handy fusion reactor in the sky called the Sun. You don’t have to do anything – it just works.” The Tesla CEO has also regularly spoken about the value and reliability of solar energy against other renewable sources.

Because of this, around the world, a number of startups have popped up to help power the solar surge. Here are some ones we think are worth keeping an eye on:

 

Sunroof

 

 

Instead of placing solar panels on roofs, SunRoof makes them the roof! With tiles made from photovoltaic cells, it provides durability, insulation and clean energy all in one go.

Perfect for residential and commercial projects, it helps people more easily integrate solar power into the infrastructure of their buildings.

 

 

 

Solivus

 

 

One of the big issues with solar panels is that they are traditionally pretty heavy and bulky. Solivus helps combat this by providing lightweight solar solutions for big commercial buildings, which may not be able to support traditional glass panels.

This not only provides more options for construction, but allows existing buildings to install solar panels more easily.

 

Enpal

 

 

One of Europe’s fasted growing solar companies, Enpal allows people to access more flexible ways to buy solar systems.

With Enpal, users can buy or rent the panels, alongside the power storage needed to use it. This allows more people to install solar panels, without having to take on the cost in one go. By taking away the financial burden of adopting solar panels, Enpal is helping to make it more accessible to the masses.

 

Reel

 

 

 

Reel makes it easier for companies to invest in solar suppliers that are having a genuine environmental impact. By using Reel’s electricity, companies are not only using renewable energy, but also helping to fund new renewable energy projects.

With fixed costs, lower emissions and powering local projects, Reel gives its users the transparency, objectivity, and incentives that they need to take meaningful action against climate change.

 

Sunrun

 

 

Sunrun is one of the biggest solar companies in the US, allowing people to access solar panels through a variety of financing options.

This helps lower the upfront cost for homeowners, whilst also allowing them to buy the entire infrastructure they need in one go. Through Sunrun, more people across the US are able to access the cost-saving benefits of solar power, without taking on the financial burden.