For the first time ever in the UK, we are producing more electricity from renewable energy sources than fossil fuels. This demonstrates the massive strides the UK is taking to cut CO2 emissions and tackle climate change. But what else needs to be done and how much electricity does floating solar produce?
NP Solar supply and install floating solar to all bodies of water, worldwide. We continue to increase the amount of electricity that floating solar produces with other renewable energy sources.
Renewable Energy Taking Over
In July, August and September 2019, renewable energy sources generated 29.5 terawatt-hours of energy. That’s 0.4 more than the 29.1 fossil fuels produced in the same time. Renewable energy is already taking over as the UK aims to meet several energy targets and increase the amount of renewable energy being used.
This is just the start of the significant change the UK is going through in terms of electricity production. Although floating solar is not the only renewable energy source, this can make a big difference in the short and long-term.
Floating Solar Production
Domestic solar panels create an average power output of 500-550kWh per year. In the UK, the average home consumes 4,000kWh per year, meaning it would need at least 8 solar panels to power your home all year round. For the majority of homeowners, this simply isn’t possible. Not only will installation be expensive but most properties do not have the roofing space to have 8 solar panels installed. Smaller solar panels could be installed, but this will mean less energy is produced.
This is what makes electricity production from floating solar so important. Not only are there several bodies of water that is suitable for floating solar, but it is also beginning to move onto offshore water bodies. This means there is an enormous amount of space available for floating solar to be installed on.
According to World Bank, there is a total of 404,454km², which could generate so much energy each year. To power 15,000 homes, it would take 166,000 floating solar panels, so it is important to find the best space available and make sure as many people can have electricity catered for in a renewable way. With the production from floating solar, this shows why it is one of the best methods of renewable energy for any area worldwide.
Creating Power Worldwide
Although it will take a considerable amount of floating solar panels to produce electricity and energy worldwide, it is a great method to produce electricity for homes and buildings where regular solar panels cannot be installed. Solar power is currently the third biggest renewable power source, behind both wind power and hydropower.
However, with the fantastic advantages to floating solar and the vast range of ideal locations to install it, it won’t be surprising to see floating solar make the jump to number 1.
Current Solar Power Output
As of 2017, solar power had produced over 460TWh, which was 2% of global power output. Since then, confidence in solar panels has continued to grow, along with the introduction of floating solar. Floating solar farms are now becoming increasingly popular. Furthermore, renewable energy will continue to take over, with floating solar producing more and more electricity.
Install Floating Solar Farms
Begin the switch to renewable energy and install floating solar farms on any body of water. NP Solar work globally to help all clients create a suitable floating solar farm, generating the electricity you need. Call us on 01524 740 790 or fill in our contact form today.