Harnessing Solar Energy in the UK

Moving towards a Sustainable Planet

Considering the UK’s perpetually cloudy skies and limited sunlight, the author of this piece, Dr Marianne Furtado de Nazareth, was pleasantly surprised to observe numerous houses sporting solar PV technology panels during her recent visit to the UK. As a Science and Environment journalist focusing on renewable energy, she found herself curious about the sudden surge in panel installations on homes, particularly during her walks in Woking, Surrey. In this article, she shares her observations and insights on harnessing of solar energy in the UK.

In India, harnessing solar energy has been a priority on the country's agenda for decades. In fact, the government has provided subsidies to homeowners for installing solar panels on their roofs, primarily for heating water and some common area lighting. Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels offer a sustainable and ecofriendly solution for generating electricity in both residential and commercial buildings. When installed on rooftops, these panels convert daylight into usable electricity, powering appliances, lighting, and even hot water systems within the property.