By Matt Underwood Largest UK solar plant goes online, and right away, the numbers are impressive. We’re talking about a 373 MW solar plant, which, in ideal conditions, could potentially provide 1 to 1.5% of the average electricity demand for the entire UK. Now, let’s be realistic, that percentage will likely fluctuate, especially with the famously unpredictable British weather, meaning it will be much less during those long, cloudy winter days.
Might not sound like much in the grand scheme of things, but any step away from relying on gas is a positive move, and with the UK already generating around 79% of its electricity from zero-carbon sources, it’s a welcome addition to the energy mix. The current carbon intensity is around 48g of CO2 per kWh, and every bit helps, particularly when considering the environmental advantages compared to the energy choices some other countries are making.
The excitement is understandable, especially when considering that a project like this signifies progress and a commitment to green energy. There is a collective sense of relief at the move towards clean energy, and it’s a good feeling to know the UK is doing the right thing.
The practical considerations are also important. Questions around land use are valid. Is the land now solely dedicated to solar panels? Can anything grow there? How is the area maintained? What’s the lifespan of the solar panels, and how secure are they against the elements? The site itself is in Kent, a part of the country that tends to get a decent amount of sunshine and even experiences water shortages, indicating it’s a reasonable location for solar energy generation.
It’s good to have additional power, but let’s not forget the variables at play, especially when it comes to the UK weather. The perception that solar energy is only useful during the summer months doesn’t quite align with reality. Actually, one of the bigger factors affecting the efficiency of solar panels is their temperature, and the generally mild, breezy UK climate turns out to be pretty well-suited for optimising this. The UK gets a significant amount of sunlight during the longer days of spring, summer and into the early fall, which allows for greater solar energy output.
The reality is that solar panels still work efficiently even when it’s not blazing sunshine. In fact, even on a cloudy day the panels can still produce power, and they’re designed to capture diffuse sunlight. The efficiency will vary throughout the year, but over the entire year, solar power can contribute around 5-6% of our energy mix. When the sun does shine, it can potentially generate a third of the total demand.
The location of this solar plant is also worth noting. Situated in Kent, it’s not just a prime location for solar power, but it also has a history of extreme weather. This area of the UK holds one of the highest temperature records. It’s also located near the coast, where wind farms can often be found. The Thames Array windfarm used to be the world’s largest offshore windfarm up until 2018.
Regarding the land itself, it’s unlikely to be a complete wasteland. In fact, if done right, grazing can still be done on the land, potentially allowing farmers to use the land for a dual purpose. The panels themselves are also expected to be quite durable. The solar panels should be able to withstand the weather conditions and are designed to last for a reasonable period, potentially up to 30 years.
Finally, there’s the impact on energy prices. While it’s tempting to assume that a new solar plant will immediately lead to lower bills, the reality is more complex. The UK uses a merit-based order system, where the most expensive input, which is often gas, sets the price. While a large-scale solar plant might delay future price hikes, a decrease is not guaranteed. The primary goal here is to move towards cleaner and greener energy.