The UK government has announced an ambitious £630 million investment in public sector decarbonisation, marking a significant step toward achieving its net zero carbon targets. This funding will be channelled into the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), designed to help schools, hospitals, councils, and other public buildings reduce their carbon emissions through energy efficiency upgrades and the adoption of renewable energy technologies, including solar PV and battery storage.

Export tariffs are a vital element for anyone investing in solar PV systems, especially as the UK transitions to a more decentralised, renewable energy grid. Export tariffs, such as those offered under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), pay you for the surplus electricity your solar panels export back to the grid. With a wide range of export tariffs available from different energy suppliers, understanding how these tariffs work-and which one is best for your unique circumstances-can have a significant impact on your solar return on investment.

Transparent solar cells, also known as see-through solar panels or photovoltaic glass, represent a cutting-edge advancement in solar energy technology. Unlike traditional opaque solar panels, these innovative devices are designed to generate electricity while allowing visible light to pass through, making them ideal for integration into windows, facades, and even mobile device screens. The core technology leverages advanced materials such as organic photovoltaics (OPVs) or perovskite-based compounds, which can selectively absorb ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) light while remaining transparent to the human eye.

The UK solar market is evolving rapidly, and with it comes a wave of unconventional solar installations that challenge traditional rooftop arrays. As energy prices fluctuate and sustainability targets tighten, property owners are seeking creative ways to harness solar energy and maximise returns. From floating solar farms to solar-integrated carports, these innovative approaches are not only boosting efficiency but also redefining what’s possible for solar PV in urban and rural environments.

Solar batteries are the backbone of modern solar PV systems, enabling homeowners and businesses to maximise their use of renewable energy. When your solar panels generate electricity during daylight hours, any surplus energy that isn’t immediately used is sent to your battery storage system. Instead of exporting this excess to the grid, the battery stores it as chemical energy, ready to be converted back into electricity when your property needs it-typically in the evening or during periods of low sunlight.

Perovskite refers to a class of materials that share the same crystal structure as the mineral calcium titanium oxide (CaTiO3). In the context of solar technology, perovskites are typically hybrid organic-inorganic lead or tin halide-based compounds. These materials are particularly promising for solar cell applications due to their exceptional light absorption, high charge-carrier mobility, and ease of fabrication.

The North West Energy Efficiency Awards 2025 proved to be a landmark event for Atlantic Renewables, as our team was honoured with two significant accolades: “Highly Commended: Regional New Build or Renovation Project of the Year” and “Commended: Regional Small Scale Project (<250K) of the Year”. These recognitions underscore our ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality solar PV and battery storage solutions throughout the region, reflecting our expertise and dedication to sustainable energy innovation.

Cheshire has recently launched an innovative group-buying scheme for solar panels and battery storage, marking a significant milestone in the region’s journey toward affordable and accessible solar energy. This collective approach enables homeowners to join forces, leveraging their combined purchasing power to secure high-quality solar PV systems and battery storage at reduced costs. By pooling demand, residents can benefit from economies of scale, making solar technology more attainable for a wider audience.

The UK government’s Clean Power Action Plan 2030 is a pivotal policy framework aimed at accelerating the country’s transition to clean, renewable energy sources, with solar power playing a central role. As the government pushes to decarbonise the electricity grid and meet ambitious net-zero targets, solar panel grants and funding mechanisms are likely to undergo significant changes. The plan is expected to introduce new incentives and expand existing funding streams to encourage wider adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across residential, commercial, and public sectors.