The UK (and wider) energy crisis

We need to step up our thinking on the energy crisis, here’s my starter

Solar gives a 10 year payback at the moment with typically at least a 25 year lifespan, where else do you get an almost guaranteed low risk 10% ROI (ex repairs which are typically minimal and EOL replacement) the govt can improve this significantly and strategically drive the green agenda in an economic manner by:

1) Offering low (or zero) interest loans to install to domestic and business users.

2) Regulate that power exported is fully credited against power you import then assuming you have a stable grid you don’t need batteries, this means an array scaled to produce all you consume on an annual basis which in turn means no power charge.

3) Incentivise solar and wind farms on sites not better suited to food production (or where the two can co-exist) this brings benefit of scale and allows those without household roof estate to participate and it localises production with benefits of lower losses amongst other more obvious geopolitical concerns.

Instead of printing money which all future taxpayers will end up repaying this is self funding and provides a payback from those that benefit financially, it promotes the green agenda at a lower cost than present, it creates worthwhile jobs, localises supply to reduce losses, removes us from the exchange rate risk of global power pricing and reduces the geopolitical risk of being held hostage by a foreign power.

Solar won’t solve everything but it (and other straightforward) renewables will if the govt has the foresight to drive it.