PV

Costa Coffee has unveiled what it claims is the country’s first ‘zero energy’ coffee shop in Telford.

Elon Musk has just told the world that humanity can achieve zero-carbon energy generation. The CEO of Tesla Motors and SpaceX, who is routinely listed as one of the most influential people of the planet, believes two technologies will make this happen: solar PV and energy storage.

Given the backdrop of a miserable contract for difference (CfD) performance for solar, where only five projects managed to successfully snag support, a general air of optimism was still noticeable throughout all of the first day’s speakers.

The bulk of campaigning is done and the UK electorate will take to the polls next week, but who has committed the most to renewable energy, and where will solar stand in the next government’s term?

Dorset-based tea manufacturer Clipper Teas has installed an 89kW solar array on its factory roof in Beaminster.

Giving a local community an opportunity to invest in solar can have a transformative effect on public opinion. Liam Stoker went to visit Big60Million’s Willersey solar farm on its anniversary to see first hand the positive impact of the scheme.

A survey of MPs unearthed a shocking secret: MPs know that solar farms are the most popular energy plants amongst their constituents. Peter Bennett asks why elected officials are willfully ignoring the majority of their constituents’ wishes by blocking solar farm developments

While solar arrays are far from a significant cause of fires in the UK, they can create extra challenges for firefighters. Peter Bennett assesses what the industry can do to reduce the risks and allow the emergency services to work as safely as possible.

The Italian Embassy in London is now generating its own clean electricity thanks to a 7.5kWp solar array installed on its roof.

The government’s push for community-owned energy projects presents some intriguing opportunities for solar developers. Abid Kazim explores the financial options for community programmes