Solar independence day!

By Melanie Coath, Senior Policy Officer

Today is solar independence day! This is the UK’s annual solar celebration showcasing solar homes, solar schools, commercial solar rooftops and solar farms. You can read more about it on the Solar Trade Association’s website.

While it is true that we are not yet independent of fossil fuels and there is still a long way to go, you may have seen reports that last month nearly one quarter (24.6%) of the UK’s electricity needs were met by solar energy.

 We are seeing great strides in this important contribution to a low carbon future and the RSPB welcomes this. Our research in the RSPB’s 2050 Energy Vision shows a significant opportunity for solar farms in the UK with low risk for wildlife, and these could potentially be managed to benefit biodiversity. Indeed I visited Westmill Solar farm last week and was struck by the beautiful wildflowers, thrumming with pollinators, growing around the photovoltaic panels, and thrilled to hear the skylarks singing overhead and spot hares running between the solar arrays. In contrast, I’ve recently become aware of a damaging proposal in the planning system where it is likely that we will have to oppose its development due to its potential to harm wildlife on that site. This highlights how important it is that renewable energy developments take into account their ecological impact, including avoiding designated sites, from the outset.

Done well, solar developments can be delivered in harmony with nature, actually enhancing local wildlife and we’re keen to support and showcase those that do. Our scientists are also working to better understand what wildlife need on a biodiversity rich solar farm, and our advisers to help deliver this. Furthermore on our own estate, we’ve installed solar PV systems on our roofs at 23 workplaces with the latest going up at Pagham Harbour as we write. We are putting together a programme of solar car ports at some of our major visitor centres. Together these will generate up to 15% of our energy requirements.

If we can already meet 24.6% of our electricity needs, just think what more we could achieve for the climate, and wildlife, if the UK fully took advantage of the low risk opportunities for solar that exist (both solar farms and roof panels), making maximum use of our sunny summer days. Happy solar independence day!