I’m one of those guys who goes pink in the sun. You’ve probably seen me, seemingly oblivious to the tone of lobster I’m rapidly becoming, regardless of the amount of sun lotions slapped on to prevent such an occurrence.
It’s this misunderstanding of the sun’s power and impact on us (read me) that has frequently prompted me to ask, “when will I ever learn?”
I am not alone, as this is a common refrain when discussing solar solutions with our clients and partners who are not as well versed in the PV world as the tech and design teams at Footprint Zero.
The reasons for installing a solar array (utility bill savings, possible new revenue stream from on selling excess power, reducing carbon footprint, improving ESG scores, and so on) all have metrics which can be measured. But some are easier to grasp than others.
Cost savings are a pure P&L discussion, as is the revenue generated, and even the improved capital value of the building on which the panels are installed. But what about the CO2 saved or the Carbon Footprint, this is where it gets more complicated.
A recent quote we submitted for a small warehouse roof was for a 0.25 MW system, which we calculated would save 55+ tonnes of CO2 being emitted each year. But is that a lot, a little, average, meaningful, or incidental? It is sometimes hard to understand. It is in fact significant, as it represents 2,578 trees being planted. Now, that is something I can visualise and understand, as are the equivalent metrics below:
So, imagine what the 123 MW of roof solar that Footprint Zero is currently working on, means in terms of trees and CO2 saved. It’s the equivalent to planting a massive 1,268,376 trees – or 10% of the UK Government tree planting target!
So until there is a lobster scale I can follow to reduce the painful impact of sun on my skin, I can at least understand the benefits and context of what we are striving to achieve at Footprint Zero when we convert the UK roofscape to solar arrays. Call us and be a part of this difference.