The ability to produce electricity from sunlight was discovered in 1839 by Edmond Becquerel, the first solar cells were patented by Charles Fritts in 1883, and Bell Laboratories created the first commercially viable silicone solar panels in 1954. Yet, despite solar power’s long-established presence, it remains a key component of current sustainable energy strategies and an important contributor to commercial ESG performance. Advancements in solar technology, and governmental policy shifts, are making solar energy an even more valuable sustainability initiative for UK businesses.
Recent technical innovations are boosting the efficiency and adaptability of solar panel technology. Bifacial solar panels capture sunlight from both sides, increasing efficiency and energy production by up to 30%. Tandem solar cells made by layering two or more photovoltaic materials on top of each other allow for the absorption of sunlight and power generation from a broader range of the solar spectrum. Panels with a combination of traditional silicone and perovskite, a calcium titanium oxide mineral with a unique crystalline structure, have achieved efficiencies 30% greater than standard silicone solar panels. Experimental all perovskite tandem panels are achieving even greater efficiencies with the potential to provide 80% more electricity than traditional panels of the same size.
The most dramatic boost in solar panel efficiency may be found in ferroelectric solar panels. Bold claims about this technology, currently in development for commercial application, suggest the potential of 1000 times the efficiency of traditional solar generation and may offer the advantages of simpler manufacturing and greater durability.
Technical advancements in materials such as copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) and cadmium telluride (CdTe) have enabled the production of lightweight and flexible solar panels films. These can be installed in novel ways including integration into building facades. Solar power films are also being integrated into glass balconies guards and transparent windows, opening up more applications for solar technology in commercial settings. Research continues into new high-performance solar absorber materials, stretchable solar cells, and organic photovoltaics (OPV) that use less environmentally impactful carbon-based materials.
Beyond material science developments, AI technology is influencing the solar energy industry. Artificial intelligence is being used to optimize solar energy production, energy storage, and power consumption in real-time. AI systems monitor weather patterns, energy needs and grid demand to maximize efficiencies and minimize energy costs for businesses.
Solar is also benefitting from shifting governmental polices and reinforced commitments to sustainable energy targets. The UK government has set a legally binding target to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and has acted to achieve this goal by supporting solar power. In late 2023, the requirement for planning permissions for commercial rooftop solar installations greater than one megawatt was eliminated and, as part of its clean energy target, the UK government has set the aim of delivering 95% of Britain’s electricity from low-carbon power sources by 2030. In May 2025, the government announced that it has relaunched the Solar Taskforce, a joint government and industry body, which will publish a roadmap to more than double the installed solar capacity in the UK by 2030 in support of the Clean Power Action Plan. Further, in June 2025, UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband announced that the “vast majority” of new homes built in the UK will be required to have solar panels. Although solar is not mandated for commercial buildings, it is strongly encouraged. The momentum behind these plans is likely to pave the way for greater access to solar installations with simplified approvals and reduced administrative costs.
The benefits of solar installations also align directly with the ESG priorities of many corporations. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, companies reduce their Scope 2 carbon emissions, a significant metric in ESG reporting. Further, implementation of on-site power generation using solar shows foresight in risk management and compliance with continually evolving environmental regulations. As the UK requires climate-related disclosures for large businesses, solar adoption is a measurable and reportable initiative that demonstrates corporate accountability and sustainability achievement.
As solar technology advances and supportive policies expand, solar energy is shifting from a sustainability trend to a practical business solution in the UK. By embracing solar power, companies can not only reduce their energy costs and GHG emissions, but also strengthen their ESG narratives, demonstrating their leadership in a changing energy landscape.
Additional Information
UK Clean Power 2030 Action Plan
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/clean-power-2030-action-pla
History of Solar Panels
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/sponsored/brief-history-solar-panels-180972006/#:~:text=It%20all%20began%20with%20Edmond,to%20light%20or%20radiant%20energy.
Perovskite Solar Cells
https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/perovskite-solar-cells
Ferroelectric Solar Cells
https://www.german-energy-solutions.de/GES/Redaktion/EN/News/2021/20210804-ferroelectric-solar-cells.html