A solar Q&A for beginners
What are the types of photovoltaic panels and how do they differ?
There are three basic types of photovoltaic panels: amorphous, polycrystalline and monocrystalline. The...
“Remove barriers for energy storage” solar trade body asks
Responding to Ofgem’s call for evidence on A Smart, Flexible Energy System, which closed on 12 January, the Solar Trade Association (STA) has called...
Solar surge raises grid balancing concerns as experts call for broader energy rethink
Fresh warnings from the National Energy System Operator (NESO) have prompted renewed debate over the resilience of Britain’s electricity system, after officials cautioned that...
Turned down renewables could have powered all Scottish Homes in H1 2025
A new report reveals that over 5.5TWh of clean electricity was turned off across Great Britain and Ireland in the first half of 2025,...
Solar-powered computers to accelerate digital literacy in Madagascar
A new partnership aims to deliver solar-powered computers to 10,000 children a year across schools in Madagascar and East Africa. The computers will go...
Nominations open for the Scottish Green Energy Awards
Billed as the UK’s biggest celebration of renewable energy, The Scottish Green Energy Awards 2023, opened for nominations on 26 July.
This year’s event will...
Planning reforms would incentivise rooftop solar in Scotland
The Scottish government has pledged to consult on lifting the need to obtain planning permission for larger solar installations on non-domestic buildings.
In a letter...
Firm installs bee hives around solar farms
RENEWABLE energy investment firm Low Carbon has launched an initiative to promote greater biodiversity in Cornwall, Dorset and Suffolk. It has partnered with sustainability...
Unleash potential of rooftop solar to tackle energy crisis, charity urges Chancellor
Changes to planning policy could turbocharge the rollout of solar energy and help reduce reliance on gas at little or no cost to the...
World-first trial paves the way for new renewable energy market
Innovative trials on the South East’s electricity network have seemingly set the foundations for a world-first short-term market for renewable energy sources.
Power...
Solar power expansion and energy efficiency drive announced by Transport for London
Transport for London (TfL) has announced a £4.5 million programme of refurbishment in buildings and bus stations
Mega solar farm in Morocco to power 7 million heat pumps in UK
Energy technology firm Octopus Energy Group has entered a financial and strategic partnership with Xlinks, a company building a subsea power cable to deliver...
Solar energy is now the world’s cheapest source of power, says new study
Solar energy is now so cost-effective that, in the sunniest countries, it costs as little as £0.02 to produce one unit of power, making...
Documents reveal political motivation behind curtailment of solar CAP funding
While in October environment secretary Liz Truss acted to discourage the use of solar panels in the agriculture sector – taking the position that...
Government expected to mandate rooftop solar on new build homes
The UK government is expected to announce that all new homes will be legally required to have solar panels installed on the roof by...
Solar survey respondents reveal third of UK solar jobs lost – more losses expected
Comprehensive PWC and Solar Trade Association survey appears to show support for tax breaks to re-boot struggling UK solar sector as global market accelerates
As...
Nominations open for Scottish renewable energy awards
The Scottish Green Energy Awards – the UK’s largest celebration of renewables – opened for nominations on 27 July.
This year’s event will return to...
Puzzle as UK housing report omits solar
A new report on UK housing stock and its readiness for climate change has presented a bracing assessment. Commentators were quick to offer opinions, including the Solar Trade Association (STA) .
Oil-price temporarily slows diffusion of solar-diesel hybrid systems in the mining industry
Hybrid plant in Western Tanzania during construction -
Expert interviews have confirmed that influence of oil-prices is only short-term and that for the vast majority...
Business rates hike threatens viability of rooftop solar
The Solar Trade Association (STA) has raised the alarm about a possible six- to eightfold rise on business rates for rooftop solar coming into...
