Solar panels - renewable energy from a natural source

Edmond Becquerel first discovered the photovoltaic effect in 1839 and since then, several developments in solar technology have been made. Modern day solar panels use a series of photovoltaic modules, made from crystalline silicon, that absorb light then separate electrons and convert the direct current (DC) flow to alternating current (AC), which are now ready to use. 

In 1973 California, solar panels became a renewable energy solution for residents as the state entered an oil crisis which caused prices to rise 261%. The UK shortly adopted solar panels as a form of energy in the 80's, with the first packet of energy from a residential home being sold to the national grid in 1994. 

Our main warehouse is in the Oxfordshire countryside and open to the elements, so in May 2022 we took the leap and installed 80 cells on the roof of our largest building. Since then, the panels have generated just over 53,000kWh of energy. 

This is equivalent to 530,000 boils of the kettle or 517 trips from Cropredy to Edinburgh Castle!

We use this energy to power our warehouses in the summer months, and for the rest of the year, we’re storing it for when we need an extra boost.