Turning the sun’s energy into electricity is a well-established form of power generation. Today, there are more than 1.8 million installations across the UK, including 1,819 solar farms and a further 447 planned for the next two years.
Solar energy accounts for around 7% of the UK’s electricity generation but capacity is set to increase under the government’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan. This sets out its objective to boost capacity from 16.6GW to 45-47GW by 2030.
While solar and other forms of renewable energy are crucial in the fight against climate change, there are risks associated with these power sources. Understanding and managing these will be essential as renewables become increasingly important.
Some risks of solar energy include:
1. Severe weather
Extreme weather events can spell disaster for solar farms. As an example, in 2024, a solar farm in Anglesey sustained severe damage when Storm Darragh ripped through the 190-acre site, smashing panels and affecting power for the 9,500 households the site was designed to supply.
In extreme weather, solar panels can operate as lifting surfaces making the panels vulnerable to being blown away, so it’s important that these are securely tethered. Panels are in danger of being smashed by falling debris that’s carried by the wind. If solar farms are struck by lightning it can result in damage to modules, cables and electrical equipment which can cost many thousands of pounds to repair or replace.
2. Maintenance problems
Micro-cracking, or micro-fractures, can occur in solar panels when panels are subject to strong wind forces. The silicon used is very thin and when it expands and contracts, or when it’s damaged by wind or falling debris, it can crack, making the panel less efficient at absorbing light and storing energy. Dust and water may also travel into the cracks, further harming the effectiveness of the panels.
There is also an issue with the longevity of solar panels. Solar power installations should be lasting 40-50 years, but due to weather damage and issues with materials and construction, they are currently only lasting for 20. It’s clear that unless these issues are resolved, it’s going to be difficult for solar farms to reach their energy producing potential.
3. Theft
Theft is also an issue for solar farms, particularly because they’re often located in remote, rural areas where police response times can be slower. This makes a robust approach to security essential. Panels and cables offer a relatively easy, and high value target for thieves due to their high value and relative ease of access.
Police data shows a staggering 48% increase in solar panel and cabling theft between 2021 and 2022. Additionally, between January and August 2024, over 750 kilometres of cable were stolen from solar farms, with many sites targeted multiple times, resulting in serious financial losses for the companies operating them.
4. Planning issues
As with all new potential developments, solar farms are subject to planning regulations and these can be difficult to navigate. Ground mounted solar PV projects over 50kw should ideally be located on brownfield sites, or on agricultural or industrial land, avoiding cropland where possible. It’s also important that solar farms do not adversely impact the visual aspect of landscapes and so should be flat and well-screened. They should not negatively affect domestic properties or road access either.
This means that planning applications for solar farms can take a long time to be approved, and construction times can be longer due to the location and terrain. These delays can incur additional business costs and could involve higher insurance premiums given the type of land that is being utilised for the development.
It’s also important that due diligence is observed when processing planning applications for solar farms. Building on flood plains for example could mean that the solar farm is at risk of flooding or water damage. Building near archaeological sites also presents risks which would be reflected in higher insurance premiums.
5. New floating solar panels
Floating solar panels, such as the Queen Elizabeth II Reservoir solar farm, are mounted on structures that float on water. In the main, they’re a great innovation as they don’t take up valuable land space and the cooling effect of the water can boost panel performance by up to 15%.
While they offer a lot of potential for renewable energy generations, the sector remains underdeveloped in the UK. As it’s a new technology, these types of solar farms require specialist equipment and therefore cost more to construct and install than similar sized farms that are located on solid ground. They can also have issues with moisture and water droplets collecting inside the cables which reduces the amount of sunlight hitting the panels, making them less efficient. Water ingress is also problematic as it can lead to major power losses and potential safety hazards, again increasing the risks associated with this type of renewable.
Looking to the future and more information
The UK government’s commitment to expanding energy over the coming years highlights the importance of standardisation of testing, energy conversion, use of materials, and health and safety practices, all of which are essential to minimising risks and maximising the potential of green energy installations.
Regular cleaning and maintenance play a vital role in extending the lifespan and boosting the energy output of solar panels, whilst also avoiding costly repairs. Additionally, regular inspections are crucial for making sure these systems meet the requirements of The Electricity at Work Regulations (EAWR), such that “all electrical systems should be maintained so as to prevent danger”. Applying the guidance incorporated within the standard BS 7671, will ensure these requirements are met whilst also helping to maintain their efficiency and safety. Consistently applying these practises will be essential for unlocking the full potential of solar energy and paving the way for a sustainable future.
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This article was adapted from an article by Allianz which can be found here.