Solar Panels and Distributed EnergyEnergy

One aspect of solar panels that’s seldom discussed is the issue of centralized vs. distributed energy. Currently, most of the world, the UK included, obtains most of its power from a centralized power grid. While this allows for easier maintenance and higher profits on the part of the utility companies, it also presents a serious security concern. In a nutshell, the more centralized the energy grid, the easier it is for one mishap or disaster to create chaos. If a natural disaster or act of terror disables a part of the energy grid, every home that relies upon that section of the grid for power will be left powerless.

In many parts of the world, countries are attempting to reduce their reliance on electricity produced in carbon-producing power plants. In equatorial countries, that often means huge centralized solar power fields, bristling with solar panels that feed energy to storage towers and from there into the electrical grid. While these centralized solar encampments reduce the use of carbon-based fuels and produce cleaner energy, they remain a security risk. The larger the production facility, the greater the risk it presents.

For decades, the popular view has been that the UK is a poor candidate for expansion of solar energy, in part because of its lack of a desert and large areas where direct sunlight falls on the surface for much of the year. It is, however, ideal for distributed solar energy installations, that is – rooftop solar panels installed on individual homes and other buildings. The advantages of this type of solar pv installation are many, both for the individual and in terms of energy security for the country.

The biggest advantage to the individual homeowner who chooses to have solar pv panels installed on his rooftop is reduced reliance on the centralized energy grid. While many home and business owners focus on the cost savings realized by replacing bought electricity with electricity produced from the sun, the benefits also include increased energy security. In simple words, if the power goes out, homes that have rooftop solar panels will still have some electricity to power vital appliances, such as the icebox and the furnace.

Because the UK is attempting to decrease its reliance on carbon-based fuels and shift to cleaner sources of energy, owners of residential and commercial buildings can take advantage of a number of schemes related to installing solar panels. They include subsidies, reduced taxes and a feed-in tariff that will pay them for any excess energy produced by their solar pv panels and fed back into the grid. Property owners who are interested in taking advantage of the incentives for installing solar panels should contact a local installer to evaluate their property for the installation of solar panels.