Harnessing the sun: The growth of solar panels in Sussex
In recent years, the counties of both East and West Sussex have seen a noticeable surge in the adoption of solar panels. This sunny corner of England receives more sunlight than much of the UK – with the town of Lewes in East Sussex receiving 1,357 kilowatt-hours per square metre (kWh/m²) on average per year, which is 24% higher than the national average[1]. From residential rooftops to large-scale solar farms, the two counties together are harnessing the power of the sun to fuel its growth and sustainability.
[1] https://www.sunsave.energy/solar-panels-advice/cities-and-regions/sussex#4
A bright outlook: The rise of solar energy in Sussex
East and West Sussex have embraced solar energy with open arms. As of 2023, over 37,000 homes in the region are equipped with solar panels – in fact, the area’s rate of solar panel adoption is 13% higher than the national average[1]. This marks a significant increase from just a decade ago when the number of solar-powered homes was less than 10,000. This rapid growth can be attributed to several factors:
- Decreasing costs of solar technology
- Government incentives
- A growing awareness of environmental issues
The numbers speak: Impressive statistics
- Installed capacity: The total installed capacity of solar panels in East and West Sussex has surpassed 500 megawatts (MW). This is enough to power approximately 150,000 homes annually, reducing carbon emissions by around 200,000 tonnes each year
- Growth rate: Solar energy installations have been growing at an impressive rate of 15% per year. This trend is expected to continue as more residents and businesses recognize the long-term financial and environmental benefits of solar power
What’s driving the rise of solar panel usage?
Several factors are driving the rapid growth of solar panel usage in the region:
- Technological advancements: Advances in solar technology have significantly reduced the cost of solar panels. Today’s panels are more efficient and durable, offering better performance and longer lifespans, which further boosts their appeal
- Environmental awareness: Growing concerns about climate change and environmental sustainability are motivating residents and businesses to adopt renewable energy sources. Solar panels are seen as a practical and impactful way to reduce carbon footprints
- Community initiatives: Community-driven projects and local government initiatives have played a crucial role. For instance, Brighton and Hove Energy Services Co-operative (BHESCo) is actively working on various solar projects, helping to educate and empower the community
Case Studies: Solar success stories
- Shoreham Port: One of the standout examples in the region is Shoreham Port, which has installed over 2,000 solar panels on its premises. This installation generates around 200,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, significantly cutting down on the port’s energy costs and carbon emissions
- Westhampnett Solar Farm: Westhampnett Solar Farm, located near Chichester, is another solar success story. With a capacity of 7.4MW, this solar farm not only powers thousands of homes but also serves as a model for future renewable energy projects in the area
Looking to the future: Continued growth and innovation
The future of solar energy in East and West Sussex looks exceptionally bright. Several new projects are in the pipeline, including plans for additional solar farms and increased rooftop solar installations. Innovations in energy storage, such as advanced battery systems, are also expected to enhance the efficiency and reliability of solar power.
Moreover, local governments are continuously exploring new policies and incentives to support the transition to renewable energy. West Sussex County Council supports Solar Together, a group buying scheme to help people install solar panels on their homes. Since 2020, Solar Together has enabled the installation of more than 2,500 solar energy systems across Sussex, with a total generation capacity of 11MW.
Conclusion
East and West Sussex are leading the charge in the UK’s transition to renewable energy. The rapid growth of solar panel installations in the region is a testament to the collective efforts of local governments, community initiatives, and businesses. With continued support and innovation, solar energy will play an increasingly vital role in powering a sustainable and eco-friendly future for East and West Sussex.
