Everyone should be thinking about ways they can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the environment, and solar panels are an effective way to achieve this. Solar panels produce no pollution and emit no greenhouse gases while generating electricity, making them an environmentally friendly choice that can help in the battle against global warming in addition to supporting domestic and national energy independence.

How can solar panels reduce CO2 emissions?

Solar panels use the sun’s rays to produce electricity, rather than relying on the burning of natural gas, coal, or any other fossil fuels. Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, which trap heat in the earth’s atmosphere and contribute to global warming.

It is true that the production of solar panels creates some CO2, but this is far less damaging to the environment in the long term. Manufacturing processes are also being continually improved, with an emphasis on increased lifespan and efficiency and the use of greener energy.

The facts about solar panel savings

Solar panel installers Nailsea and across the country can help you reduce your carbon footprint significantly; in fact, you can reduce the amount of CO2 produced by up to 98% compared to coal-fuelled power. Solar power also uses up to 89% less water and affects 80% less land. It has less environmental impact as it reduces other byproducts of fossil fuel use, such as water pollution and acid rain. You can read more about this on The Renewable Energy Hub website.

A domestic energy system provided by solar panel installers Nailsea or elsewhere can save you around a tonne of carbon each year. This is the same as driving 3,600 miles or charging 85,822 smartphones.

Energy Independence

In addition to protecting the planet and your finances, solar panels can help you safeguard your household independence and help your wider country and community do the same. Solar energy reduces the UK’s dependence on other countries by lowering the amount of energy, such as oil or gas, that needs to be imported.

Related: Are Solar Panels Worth It in Winter?

Storing solar power with a battery

Solar panels cut carbon emissions most when you can use the electricity they produce, and a battery helps with that. The sun does not always shine in England, but modern panels still collect energy on dull days, and a battery stores any surplus so it can be used in the evening, overnight or when the weather is poor. That greatly increases how self-sufficient a home can be and lessens its reliance on the National Grid.

Your installer will help decide which battery suits your needs and system. A typical home needs a battery with a capacity of around 5 to 8 kilowatt-hours to provide power overnight and on dull days. For greater self-sufficiency, a larger battery may be recommended.

Off-grid properties usually need far more storage, typically 20 to 50 kilowatt-hours, depending on the size of the property, how many people live there and how much energy they use.

How panels perform in winter

A common question is whether solar panels keep cutting emissions through the winter. They do, because panels are powered by light rather than heat. Shorter days and weaker sun mean they produce less than in summer, but as long as there is daylight they keep generating electricity. In fact, panels often work more efficiently in cool temperatures, because heat reduces the efficiency of photovoltaic cells.

The angle of installation matters, since panels need to be tilted to catch as much sunlight as possible, and the sun’s position changes with the seasons. Careful installation by experienced installers makes a real difference to winter output.

It helps to look at the whole year. Most electricity is generated in spring and summer, but the savings continue in winter as panels still offset some grid use. With battery storage, surplus energy from sunnier days can be stored and used later, so the home relies less on the grid even when output drops.