This article originate from my contributions to Energiris, a Belgian citizens’ cooperative committed to accelerating the energy transition. As part of our mission to inform and raise awareness among both co-owners and the general public, we regularly publish educational content on topics related to sustainable energy.
The original article was published in French and Dutch, reflecting the multilingual context of our cooperative. By sharing them here in English, I also wish to reflect my personal commitment to a more sustainable and better-informed society.
Originally published on the Energiris website – 11 october 2024
In a world where energy transition has become a priority, solar energy stands out as a sustainable and effective solution for reducing our carbon footprint and achieving substantial savings. Whether for households, communities, public buildings or businesses, this renewable resource offers a multitude of possibilities for more responsible and economically advantageous energy consumption. This article explores the various applications of solar energy, its advantages and disadvantages, and its integration into Belgian and European legislation on climate and energy transition.
What is Solar Energy?
Solar energy is the energy produced by the sun in the form of light and heat. This energy can be captured and converted into electricity or usable heat using technologies such as photovoltaic panels and solar thermal panels. Photovoltaic panels convert sunlight into electricity, while solar thermal panels use the sun’s heat to heat water or spaces.
The use of Solar Energy …
Solar energy offers a multitude of possibilities for households, communities, businesses and public buildings. For households, installing photovoltaic panels on roofs allows them to generate electricity, thereby reducing their dependence on traditional electricity grids and lowering their energy bills. These panels convert sunlight into electricity that can be used to power household appliances, heating systems and even electric vehicles. We invite you to (re)read our article explaining how solar panels work: ‘How electricity is produced with photovoltaic panels’. (The same article has also been reproduced on my personal website, which can be accessed by clicking here).
Solar thermal panels, on the other hand, use solar energy to heat domestic water, thereby reducing water heating costs.
Communities and condominiums can also take advantage of solar energy through community solar projects. These initiatives allow residents to collectively invest in solar installations and share the benefits of the energy produced, reducing initial costs and maximising the use of available space, such as building roofs or common areas.
Businesses and public buildings, such as schools and hospitals, can install photovoltaic panels to reduce their energy costs and improve their sustainability image. By generating their own electricity, they can not only reduce their energy bills, but also protect themselves against energy price fluctuations. In addition, solar heating systems can be used to heat premises or for industrial processes requiring heat, thereby reducing fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
… and also for heating and mobility
Solar energy also offers solutions for heating and mobility. Solar thermal panels can be used to heat domestic water or for central heating systems, thereby reducing fossil fuel consumption. By capturing the sun’s heat, these systems provide a renewable and efficient source of energy for daily hot water and heating needs. By combining photovoltaic solar panels with heat pumps, it is possible to generate electricity to power the heating system, thereby reducing energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
For mobility, solar panels can recharge electric vehicles at home or at solar charging stations, reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Installing solar charging stations for electric vehicles maximises the use of solar energy for mobility, contributing to a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions.
By using solar energy to power electric vehicles, households and businesses can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to the transition towards more sustainable mobility.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Power
The electricity produced by photovoltaic panels has many advantages. It is sustainable, as already mentioned above, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Once installed, solar systems can significantly reduce energy bills and offer greater energy independence. What’s more, solar energy is an inexhaustible resource (at least as long as our sun is still shining… which should give us a few more years), available everywhere in the world, making it a reliable and sustainable energy solution.
However, installing solar systems may require a significant initial investment.
The costs of purchasing and installing solar panels can be high, although these costs are often offset by savings on energy bills in the long term, making these investments profitable in the long run. By producing their own electricity, households and businesses can significantly reduce their energy bills. In addition, solar systems provide protection against energy price fluctuations, offering long-term financial stability.
Financial incentives and subsidies available in Belgium and the European Union for the installation of solar systems also help to reduce the initial costs. These financial incentives make solar energy more accessible and encourage its widespread adoption. In addition, businesses that invest in solar energy can benefit from tax advantages and improve their brand image in terms of sustainability, which can attract environmentally conscious customers.
However, it is not all good news: solar energy production depends on sunlight, which can vary depending on the season and weather conditions. In regions with limited sunshine, solar energy production may be less efficient. Finally, solar panels require space for installation, which can be a constraint for some buildings, particularly in densely populated urban areas.
Involvement in an Energy Community
Another significant advantage of solar power is involvement in an energy community. Community solar projects allow residents, businesses, and institutions to collaborate to invest in shared solar installations. This collective approach reduces the initial costs for each participant and maximises the use of available resources. In addition, it fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility for the environment. By participating in an energy community, members can benefit from lower energy rates, greater energy resilience, and mutual support in managing energy resources.
Belgian and European legislation
Belgium and the European Union have introduced several pieces of legislation to encourage the use of renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The European Green Deal aims to make Europe the first carbon-neutral continent by 2050, with interim targets of a 55% reduction in emissions by 2030. In Belgium, financial incentives and subsidies are available to encourage the installation of solar systems and other renewable technologies. These measures aim to facilitate the energy transition and promote the large-scale adoption of renewable energy.
How Energiris Can Help
Energiris is a citizen cooperative that plays a crucial role in the energy transition in Belgium, particularly in Brussels. Founded in 2014, Energiris now has more than 550 members who invest in sustainable energy projects. To date, the cooperative has financed 63 projects, representing a total investment of €8.6 million.
Energiris offers several services for businesses, co-ownerships, communities and public buildings. The cooperative can help finance the installation of solar systems and other renewable technologies, thereby reducing initial costs. It also offers technical expertise for the design and implementation of sustainable energy projects, as well as administrative support to navigate the process and obtain available subsidies. Finally, Energiris organises workshops and information sessions to raise awareness among citizens and businesses about the benefits of renewable energy.
In conclusion, solar energy offers a sustainable and effective solution for reducing the carbon footprint of households, communities, public buildings and businesses. Thanks to initiatives such as those of Energiris, the transition to greener and more sustainable energy is within reach for everyone. By adopting solar energy, we can not only reduce our environmental impact, but also contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future for generations to come.
Beyond my role at Energiris, I place great importance on sharing knowledge. I have always considered education to be an essential tool for helping everyone better understand energy issues and the concrete solutions available to us. Sharing what I discover and making complex topics accessible to others is also my way of contributing to a fairer, more inclusive transition.