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

The post Bright Ideas: Advancements in Solar Energy first appeared on ESG Foundation.

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GHG emissions arising from film and television productions occur throughout the production process. Travel for crews and equipment, and remote location shooting requiring diesel-powered generators account for about half of a typical production’s emissions. Post-production, data intensive special effects, digital editing, cloud storage and streaming also contribute heavily to emissions from their demand on energy-hungry data centres.

Waste from productions is also a notable environmental issue. Single use sets and props are often discarded after filming and even on-site catering has been noted as source of unnecessary landfill with many productions lacking effective recycling programs. Despite some efforts towards prop repurposing, initiatives to reduce and reuse are not common.

To help address its sustainability challenges, there are several initiatives that are directing the UK film and television industry towards a greener future with BAFTA’s albert program most prominent among them. According to the most current albert reporting, with its carbon calculator, sustainable production certification, and Studio Sustainability Standard, the albert initiative tracked over 3,000 carbon footprints and certified 2,451 productions in 2023 alone.

The albert program has also introduced tools to embed sustainability into day-to-day operations and content. The Green Rider, a prototype employment agreement, allows cast and crew to formally request low-impact catering, sustainable travel options and the use of renewable energy on set. The Planet Placement initiative encourages creators to integrate environmental themes into their stories and scripts.

Other innovations are also helping to drive change. Virtual production technologies such as giant LED display walls and real-time rendering are reducing the need for international travel and physical construction. Industry estimates suggest that more than a 50% reduction in emissions is possible using battery powered rigs and digital sets. Further, the Ecotricity Creative Energy Scheme is making 100% renewable energy and carbon-neutralised gas available to creative production projects at an accessible rate.

Beyond good practice, environmentally responsibility and sustainability reporting in the media production industry are becoming business imperatives. Major UK broadcasters and funders including BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky, STV, Channel 5, Netflix UK and others have made albert certification mandatory. Despite some initial costs and potential changes to production workflows, this requirement is bound to have a significant influence on UK media creation resulting in lowered carbon emissions and more sustainable production practices.

As other businesses prove their commitments to sustainable practices through more transparent ESG reporting, the time seems right for the UK film and television production industry to follow suit. The actions that have been taken by broadcasters to demand environmental accountability and the sustainable production initiatives that have been spearheaded by BAFTA are well positioned to help reverse the pattern of increasing carbon emissions seen in the industry and set a course for a more sustainable future for media production in the UK.

Additional Information:

BAFTA – albert
https://wearealbert.org/

https://wearealbert.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/BAFTA-albert-2023-Annual-Review.pdf

Production Emissions Sources
https://time.com/6767943/sustainable-film-and-tv-production/

https://www.ulster.ac.uk/news/2023/november/virtual-production-can-achieve-net-zero-emissions-in-screen-industries

Commitment to Sustainability
https://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/sustainability

https://www.bbc.co.uk/delivery/sustainable-productions

https://xrstories.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/60589_Environmental-Sustainability-Industry-Briefing_HR-1.pdf

https://kidscreen.com/2025/02/06/feature-going-carbon-neutral/#:~:text=All%20major%20British%20broadcasters%20now,actions%20taken%20towards%20this%20end.

The post Greening the Screen: Tackling ESG Challenges in the UK Film and TV Industry first appeared on ESG Foundation.

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