Solar powered electricity generation
Humans are pretty clever really: we've created ingenious devices to trap the sun's energy here and now, rather than waiting 100's of millions of years for plants to do it for us, through the slow processes of fossil fuel formation.
Power up with solar panels and step into the future, rather than depending on the dinosaurs for home electricity use.
By installing solar PV panels, the typical homeowner saves 1,200 to 1,700 kg CO2 each year,1 whilst also saving a lot of money and gaining energy security.
Natural resources
Unlike the conventional forms of electricity generation, solar PV does not produce any pollution and doesn't depend on extraction of oil, gas or coal. That leaves us with less pollution and more energy security, which has got to be a good thing.
Of course, manufacturing panels does involve some hazardous and toxic substances. But when you consider their full lifetime, the pollution power of solar panels is far lower than that of most alternative energy forms.
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Climate change
Electricity generation accounts for just under 30% of the UK’s carbon emissions2, and we’re lagging shamefully behind our European friends in the renewable generation game - just check out this graph from EuroStat.
Even in the UK the sun shines enough to make solar panels an efficient form of electricity generation, with virtually no carbon emissions. In fact, by installing solar panels, you can save around 1.5 tonnes of carbon a year.1
Money
Solar panels, or solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, may not be cheap, but by installing them not only will you drastically cut your electricity bill, but you could also earn yourself some income through selling power back into the grid.
Global Goals
In September 2017, an historic agreement was signed by UN member nations agreeing to work towards 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development by 2030, otherwise known as the SDGs.
Achieving these ambitious goals will require action from governments, businesses, NGOs, and individuals alike. We can - and must - all play our part.
By making the 'Sun power' pledge, you are contributing in your own small way to the following SDG targets:
7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature
13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning
Success Stories
157
Pledges
in total
317,021kg
CO2
pledged