Devon, a county known for its picturesque landscapes and delightful weather, has recently seen a surge in the installation of solar panels. Solar panels in Devon are increasingly becoming a common sight on the rooftops of homes, showing the county’s commitment towards renewable energy and sustainable living.

This article takes a deep dive into understanding this phenomenon and its implications on the county’s journey towards carbon neutrality.

Embracing Renewable Energy: The Uptake of Solar Panels in Devon

In a significant step towards reducing their carbon footprint, over 500+ homeowners across Devon have installed solar panels. This move was facilitated by a group-buying scheme initiated by Devon Climate Emergency (DCE), aptly named Devon Solar Together. This scheme allowed homeowners to purchase high-quality solar panels at a lower cost, resulting in the installation of almost 7,000 panels across 535 homes. The total installed capacity stands at a commendable 2065kW, equivalent to a small solar farm.

The Impact: Carbon Emission Reduction

The installation of these solar panels is anticipated to considerably lower carbon emissions in Devon. The reduction is calculated to be equal to removing over 135 cars, each travelling 10,000 miles, from the road yearly. This is a significant move towards Devon’s pledge to net-zero emissions, as research by the University of Exeter reveals that a fifth of all Devon’s carbon emissions are produced by households, with more than half of those by grid-supplied electricity.

Devon Solar Together: A Collective Effort

The Devon Solar Together initiative was introduced by DCE, a consortium that includes local authorities and iChoosr, a company specialising in group-buying schemes. This collaboration aimed to make solar panels more accessible and affordable to homeowners, helping them reduce their reliance on grid-supplied electricity, thereby reducing their carbon footprint.

Partnerships and Collaborations – Solar Panels in Devon

The scheme has the backing of a diverse group of partners, such as East Devon, North and Mid Devon, South Hams, Torridge and Teignbridge District Councils, Exeter City Council, West Devon Borough Council, Dartmoor and Exmoor National Park Authorities. This broad cooperation shows the shared dedication of various stakeholders in the county to seek sustainability.

The Roadmap to Net-Zero: Devon’s Carbon Plan

The DCE is currently drafting a Carbon Plan, which serves as the county’s roadmap to net zero. The Devon Solar Together initiative is a significant part of this plan, indicating the county’s concerted efforts to help residents reduce their carbon footprint.

The Role of Solar Panel Installers in Devon

With the increasing demand for solar panels, an array of solar panel installers in Devon have been working diligently to ensure efficient installations. These installers, such as us at Glo Renewables, play a crucial role in the county’s transition towards renewable energy.

Quality Solar Panels in Devon Installations

These solar panel companies in Devon are committed to providing high-quality installations, ensuring maximum efficiency and durability of the panels. They also offer extensive maintenance and repair services, ensuring the lifespan of the panels.

Customer Experience

Devon’s solar panel companies place a strong emphasis on customer experience. They provide personalised counselling to homeowners to help them understand the benefits and workings of solar panels. This customer-centric approach has been instrumental in the widespread acceptance and subsequent installation of solar panels in Devon homes.

Devon County Council’s Initiatives

Devon County Council has played a vital role in encouraging the adoption of solar panels and other renewable energy sources in the county.

Green Energy Funding

Through various funding schemes, the council has made solar panels more affordable for homeowners. This has encouraged the uptake of solar panels and significantly contributed to reducing the county’s carbon emissions.

Engagement with Community Energy Organisations

Devon County Council has actively engaged with community energy organisations to promote renewable energy. This has led to the establishment of several community-owned renewable energy projects across the county, further promoting the use of solar panels.

Community Energy in Devon: A Growing Trend

Community energy organisations have played a significant role in promoting the use of solar panels in Devon. These organisations focus on giving local communities greater control over how energy is generated and used, thereby promoting the engagement and benefits of energy projects.

Community Energy Organisations in Devon

Devon is home to 23 active community energy organisations, the highest number in any county in the U.K. These organisations, from small-scale groups to bigger ones, are dedicated to providing the social, economic and environmental advantages linked to community energy.

The Role of Community Energy Organisations

Community energy organisations engage in different actions to achieve their objectives. These involve lowering energy consumption, enhancing energy performance and expanding the share of energy produced locally from renewable and low-carbon sources. Through these efforts, they have significantly helped Devon’s shift to renewable energy.

Economic Benefits of Community Energy

Community energy not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also brings significant economic benefits.

Job Creation and Skill Development of Solar Panels in Devon

Community energy initiatives have led to the creation of numerous jobs in Devon. The sector employs 33 full-time equivalent staff and several part-time workers, contributing towards the local economy. Additionally, working in community energy organisations allows individuals to develop various professional skills, contributing to personal growth and career development.

Investment and Financial Benefits

Community energy organisations in Devon have raised over £14 million, primarily through loans and community shares. This investment has not only supported renewable energy projects but also contributed to the local economy. Moreover, the organisations’ profit distribution for public good or to benefit their members further enhances the economic resilience of the local community.

Environmental Benefits of Community Energy

Community energy projects have led to substantial environmental benefits in Devon, with a significant reduction in carbon emissions being one of the key achievements.

Reduction in Carbon Emissions

Community energy organisations in Devon have, to date, saved 6,080 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions. This has significantly contributed to the county’s carbon neutrality goals, reinforcing the environmental benefits of community energy.

Promotion of Renewable Energy Sources

Community energy organisations have promoted the use of renewable energy sources, primarily through the installation of solar panels. These installations not only reduce reliance on grid-supplied electricity but also foster a culture of sustainability within the community.

Future Opportunities and Challenges

While the rise of solar panels in Devon homes is a significant achievement, there are several opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

Expansion of Community Energy Initiatives

There is ample scope for the expansion of community energy initiatives to other renewable energy sources. Several community energy organisations have expressed an interest in installing heat generation projects, indicating the potential for further growth in the sector.

Addressing Stalled Solar Panels in Devon Projects

Despite the success of community energy initiatives, several projects have been stalled due to various factors, such as lack of funding, policy changes and lack of suitable sites. Tackling these issues is essential to guarantee the ongoing growth and success of community energy in Devon.

The rise of solar panels in Devon homes is a testament to the county’s commitment towards renewable energy and sustainable living. Through initiatives like Devon Solar Together, the active role of community energy organisations and the support of Devon County Council, solar panels have become an integral part of the Devon landscape. As the county continues to stride towards its goal of carbon neutrality, the role of solar panels and community energy will undoubtedly remain pivotal.

The journey is far from over. As Devon pursues its vision of a sustainably powered future, every solar panel fitted, every watt of energy conserved, and every carbon emission cut bring it one step nearer to its aim. With the combined efforts of homeowners, local authorities, and community energy organisations, Devon’s dream of a sustainable, renewable energy-powered future is becoming a reality.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panel History

1. When was solar energy first used by humans?

Solar energy was first used by humans as early as the 7th century B.C. when people used magnifying glass materials to light fires with sunlight. Later, the Greeks, Romans, Chinese, and Anasazi used mirrors, windows, and sunrooms to capture and direct sunlight for various purposes.

2. When were solar panels invented?

The invention of solar panels is credited to several scientists who advanced the development of photovoltaic technology. The first solar cell was made by French physicist Edmond Becquerel in 1839, who found the photovoltaic effect. The first selenium solar cell was produced by William Grylls Adams and Richard Evans Day in 1876. The first silicon solar cell was developed by Russell Ohl in 1941.

3. How do solar panels work?

Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. When photons from sunlight hit a solar cell, they knock electrons loose from atoms in a semiconductor material, usually silicon. These electrons flow through a circuit, creating an electric current that can power devices or be stored in batteries.

4. How much can I save with solar panels?

The amount of money you can save with solar panels depends on your electricity usage, utility rates, solar policies, and system performance. By setting up a solar panel system, you can lower or get rid of your electricity bills, shield yourself from increasing electricity costs, and receive credits or payments for the surplus electricity you generate and feed back to the grid. You can also increase the value of your property and benefit from tax credits and incentives.

5. What are the environmental benefits of solar panels?

Solar panels offer many benefits for the environment and health, as they generate renewable, clean energy that lowers greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. By choosing solar, you can contribute to fighting climate change and its consequences, such as severe weather, increasing sea levels, and loss of biodiversity. You can also decrease your reliance on fossil fuels and their negative impacts, such as oil leaks, mining disasters, and health issues.