Here’s How Your Roof Can Help Combat Climate Change

Global Rooftop Solar Potential Exceeds 19,500 TWh Annually

Researchers from the University of Sussex and international collaborators have revealed that rooftop solar panels could generate 19,500 TWh of clean electricity yearly – enough to supply 65% of global power needs. This staggering figure comes from analysing 286,000 km² of suitable roof space worldwide, an area comparable to Italy’s total landmass.

The study in Nature Climate Change used AI-driven geospatial mapping to identify installation hotspots, demonstrating how solar PV systems could replace fossil fuel plants when combined with smart load management and battery storage solutions. Our team at Atlantic Renewables specialises in designing such integrated systems, ensuring homeowners maximise their energy independence.

0.13°C Global Temperature Reduction Achievable by 2050

Groundbreaking climate modeling shows full rooftop solar deployment could cool Earth’s surface by 0.05-0.13°C within 25 years. This thermal mitigation occurs through two mechanisms:

• Direct replacement of coal/gas power plants (responsible for 40% of global emissions)

• Reduced urban heat island effect from dark rooftops

The research emphasises that every 1 kW of installed solar capacity prevents 1.6 tonnes of CO₂ annually. With UK households typically installing 3.5 kW systems, that’s 5.6 tonnes of carbon offset per property each year.

East Asia Leads in Rooftop Solar Viability

Regional analysis reveals striking disparities in solar potential:

(Source: Nature Climate Change study)

Urban centers like Manchester and Birmingham show particular promise due to dense housing and commercial infrastructure. Our engineers at Atlantic Renewables have completed over 1,200 installations across Northwest England, helping businesses reduce energy costs by up to 70%.

Why Solar Outpaces Nuclear in Climate Race

Professor Felix Creutzig’s team found solar PV systems:

• Install 15x faster than nuclear plants

• Cost 60% less per MWh generated

• Eliminate radioactive waste risks

This makes rooftop solar the logical choice for meeting the UK’s 2035 net-zero targets. Government schemes like the Smart Export Guarantee now make solar investments payback in under 8 years.

Battery Storage Unlocks 24/7 Solar Utilisation

The study confirms that pairing solar panels with lithium-ion batteries increases renewable utilisation from 35% to 82%. Atlantic Renewables’ Tesla Powerwall installations typically store 13.5 kWh – enough to power a 3-bed home overnight.

Key advantages:

• Time-shift excess daytime production

• Provide backup during grid outages

• Optimise savings through smart tariffs

Global Collaboration Needed for Solar Equity

While Europe and North America account for 25% of potential installations, Africa represents just 1% of current deployments despite having 60% of the world’s best solar resources. International initiatives like the Solar Stewardship Program aim to address this imbalance through technology transfers and financing models.

Get in Touch

If you’re considering joining the 215,000 UK households who installed solar in 2024, Atlantic Renewables’ certified engineers can guide you from initial assessment to grid connection. Call 0161 207 4044 to discover how a 4 kW system could slash your energy bills by £1,200 annually while combating climate change.