Buying second hand panels or cutting corners to save money in the short term is not advisable and inevitably is a false economy, costing you more money in the long run, not to mention time wasted. The same applies to the inverter and battery storage. Unless you have the technical knowledge, fitting solar panels, an inverter, a battery, ensuring all the cabling is correctly fitted and the electrical work is carried out at the highest level, what could be a dream solution when it comes to renewable energy is, in fact, a living nightmare.   DIY jobs, also, will not be eligible for MCS, Part P and IBG certification. So, you'll have the added expense and hassle of bringing in a professional solar energy and electrical contractor to first survey your property, access your work before consideration for such industry regulated approval and certification to be granted.   How solar power works   When solar power is generated, it converts the energy from the sun into electricity.   There are two types of energy that are generated from the sun: heat and electricity.   Various types of solar panels are used to generate both electricity and heat. These can range in size from small residential rooftops to large solar farms. Solar power is regarded as a promising source of renewable energy.   As long as the sun continues shining, solar power will continue to provide energy.   Since solar panels can last for over 25 years, their carbon footprint is relatively small. In addition, the materials they are made from are recycled, which helps shrink the footprint even further. How does solar energy produce electricity?   A solar panel is usually made from either silicon or another type of semiconductor material. When exposed to sunlight, this material releases electrons and produces an electric charge. The electric charge produced by solar panels is captured by the wires. This electric current, which is referred to as DC, is then converted into an AC by an inverter.   What is the difference between a solar thermal panel and a solar photovoltaic panel?   Unlike photovoltaic panels, solar thermal systems use the exact same energy source, namely the sun. Nonetheless, the technology used in these systems is different.   The basic idea behind photovoltaics is that a photon can affect a semi-conductor surface, such as silicon, and generate an electron. In contrast, solar thermal systems rely on the direct heat produced by sunlight to provide hot water and heating.   Is it possible to produce solar power on a cloudy day?   Producing solar power depends on the level of sunlight that falls on a solar panel. Its output can vary based on factors such as the type of panels used, the quality, and the quantity of sunlight. The leading producers of solar power globally.   In 2022, not surprisingly, China have become the largest producer of photovoltaic electricity. The US is second, followed by Germany, India, and Japan.   The increasing number of solar power plants has prompted many companies to look into how they can integrate it into their electrical systems.   The governments of the US and the UK are currently working toward decarbonising their electrical systems by 2035. They aim to use renewable energy sources such as solar power to meet their goals. In May 2023, the UK's first solar farm that was connected to the country’s transmission network was energised. This facility, which was a solar PV array, allows the electricity to be generated and transported over long distances. Before this, solar farms were usually connected to the country’s regional distribution networks.   The facility, which is situated near Bristol, is expected to produce over 73,000 megawatt hours of electricity annually. It will help cut down on greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 20,500 tons each year.   A recent report released by the UK government stated that the country should install 70 gigawatts of solar power by 2035. This would provide enough electricity to power up to 20 million homes.

Today, SHW is pleased to announce that we have joined the United Nations Global Compact and the UN Global Compact Network UK — a voluntary leadership platform for the development, implementation, and disclosure of responsible business practices.Today, SHW is pleased to announce that we have joined the United Nations Global Compact and the UN Global Compact Network UK — a voluntary leadership platform for the development, implementation, and disclosure of responsible business practices.

Property consultancy Vail Williams, which has Gatwick area bases in Crawley and Brighton has reduced its emissions by 42% since starting its journey towards net zero by 2030.

A Brighton based business has been selected to support regional Chamber of Commerce members with specialist training and advice for enterprise sustainability.

Less than a 10-minute drive from Gatwick Airport lies a stunning 16-acre garden with the only complete view of the airfield.  Ichi-Coo Park is the perfect oasis for unwinding and reconnecting with nature.

Why Your Carbon Footprint Matters

The date is set - Thursday 4 July is the next General Election. It’s arguably the most important event of the summer for wildlife, especially given the state of nature, so we want to make sure you can play your part.

Join Let's Go! Net Zero at the stunning Aldingbourne Country Centre on 25 June for a celebration of sustainable business and to hear how it’s done. There'll be a panel of ground-breaking speakers, a delicious, locally-sourced lunch and refreshments, and plenty of opportunity for networking with fellow businesses.

Property consultancy Vail Williams has again published its annual carbon emissions report as its journey towards net zero by 2030 continues to make positive progress.

Accountants, business and wealth advisers Kreston Reeves has today published its B Corp™ and environment, social and governance (ESG) impact reports. Their publication is coordinated to mark the firm’s first anniversary of achieving B Corp™ certification.

This event – exclusively for construction professionals in West Sussex – will give you a solid foundation in how the industry is shaping up to meet the challenge of becoming net zero and help keep you ahead of the curve.

Members of staff at Carpenter Box from across their six offices swapped spreadsheets for spades to plant trees throughout Sussex to mark the firm’s 100 years in business.

The road to sustainable manufacturing

We have four native species of mice in the UK. They are a widely misunderstood group of mammals, often living alongside people but viewed by many as pests.

Initiatives include UK rail’s first cooperative solar energy project that generates power for Southern Rail and income for community development

How to take action on net zero if you’re office-based: a sustainability masterclass is exclusively for office-based businesses in West Sussex.

Discover the busy lives of nocturnal animals as we explore their world.

Tune in for Sussex Wildlife Trust's news and updates

Wild about schools   We are now taking bookings for school classes to visit Woods Mill nature reserve. Explore our 44 acre nature reserve, with meadows, hedges, ponds and woodland, and take part in fun activities and games. This experience will help the children develop a sense of excitement, curiosity and protection for the natural world.Most of the nature reserve is now accessible by wheelchair and there is a classroom with a wide range of equipment for indoor and outdoor studies. Please get in touch to find out more.   Discover Woods Mill educational visits      Spooktacular wildlife   This Halloween, go on a thrilling journey to uncover some of the UK's most spine-tingling species. From Ghost Slugs and Devil's Fingers, to Mother Shipton moths and hooting owls, you'll be amazed how many wild wonders have a connection to the supernatural.   Read more, if you dare...   Upcoming Events 31 October: Nature Tots - Brighton 01 November: Deneway's Wild Future - 16-25 year olds, Brighton 13 November: Forest School Training Level 1 - Tilgate Park, Crawley 15 November: An Introduction to Gulls - Goring-by-Sea 18 November: The Ocean Symposium - Bexhill More events here

Wilder Ouse Sussex Wildlife Trust is delighted to announce the official launch of ‘Wilder Ouse’ – a project bringing together people across the Ouse River Catchment to help restore nature. This project expands on previous work carried out by the Sussex Flow Initiative. Wilder Ouse project partners include the Environment Agency, Woodland Trust and Lewes District Council.Over the next few months, Wilder Ouse Project Officer Lydia Baxter will be meeting local people with a view to working with them and leading some of our first nature recovery projects across the catchment. Lydia said, ‘I’m delighted to be leading on this exciting project and keen to see what a difference it will make."   Dive into the Wilder Ouse project     What's a Robin's Pincushion? Living up to its name, the Robin's Pincushion is a red, round, hairy growth that can be seen on wild roses. This gall is caused by the larvae of a tiny gall wasp.   Find out more   Upcoming events 27 October: Crafting your Screenplay - Rye Harbour Nature Reserve 11 November: Beginning Nature Photography - Henfield 13 November: Forest School Training Level 1 - Tilgate Park, Crawley 15 November: An Introduction to Gulls - Goring-by-Sea 16 November: An Introduction to Gulls - Seven Sisters County Park More events here