The Potential of Solar Energy in the UK Cynthia Sullivan February 24 th 2005

Introduction Greater potential than is believed Largely ignored in national energy policy The UK receives on average 950 kWh solar radiation per m 2 p.a. Can be difficult and expensive to harness Can make contribution to our domestic energy needs Annual UK solar radiation kWh/m 2

Background Diffuse and direct solar radiation 40% of the radiation received in Europe is diffuse UK solar energy systems utilise diffuse radiation on domestic scale Solar thermal, heat water Solar electric, creates electricity through photovoltaic conversion

Solar Thermal Solar collectors transform solar radiation into heat 40% of hot water needs, supported by a conventional water heating system South facing 2.5 m 2 flat plate collector costs £3000 Clear Skies grant of £400

Solar Thermal Current Situation Since 1990 heat generated through active solar heating has increased Rate of growth increased since 1999 In 2003, 0.9 PJ of heat generated

Solar Thermal Assumptions Conventional 2.5 m 2 flat plate collector 140 liters a day Temperature increase of 45 °C 40% of hot water needs Cost £3000 Clear Skies grant to be improved to £800 Number of suitable properties in 2000, 8,456,000 Every suitable house built between now and 2030 to receive solar collector. All existing suitable houses to receive solar collector between now and 2030.

Solar Thermal Projections Year Heat Generated (PJ) Existing Capacity (PJ) Total Heat Capacity (PJ) Cost £10,165,000, £1,749,000, £1,749,000, £1,749,000, £1,749,000, £1,749,000,000 Expenditure£15,032,000,000 Budget£40,000,000,000 Remaining£24,968,000,000

Solar Electric Photovoltaic materials generate direct current electrical power when exposed to photons Provide all or some of electrical needs 80 kWh per m 2 Expensive, £8000 for 8m 2 Clear Skies grant of £4000

Solar Electric Current Situation Developing technology Rapid growth since 1998 In 2003, 0.02 PJ of electricity generated

Solar Electric Assumptions 8m 2 photovoltaic area 2.3 GJ per 8m 2 £8000 Half price in 10 years Clear Skies grant to be increased to 75% of project cost Every suitable house built between now and 2030 to receive 8m 2 photovoltaic area

Solar Electric Projections Year Electricity Generated (PJ) Existing Capacity (PJ) Total Electrical Capacity (PJ) Cost £930,000, £4,650,000, £4,462,500, £3,150,000, £2,325,000, £2,325,000, £2,325,000,000 Expenditure£20,167,500,000 Budget£40,000,000,000 Remaining£19,832,5000

Summary Thermal PJ by 2030 Cost £15,032,000,000 Electric PJ by 2030 Cost £20,167,500,000 Combined PJ by 2030 Cost £35,199,500,000 Should we invest in solar thermal, solar electric, or both?