solar

Related content

The State of Natural Capital

This is the Natural Capital Committee’s (NCC) third report to Government, scheduled to be the last within the currently defined remit of the NCC. The report sets out a number of recommendations for achieving the Government’s vision, “to be the first generation to leave the natural environment in a better state than it inherited”. To deliver it, all interested parties (Government, business and civil society) will need to work together in new ways and with a much sharper focus. This report is about how to do this, with Government taking the lead.

Smurfit Kappa's €134m (£120m) investment in new technologies at its Nettingsdorf Paper Mill will significantly reduce emissions while increasing production output

In practice: Smurfit Kappa's £120m onsite sustainability drive

With one eye on a key carbon reduction goal for 2020, paper-based packaging company Smurfit Kappa recently undertook a multi-million-euro investment into new boiler and steam turbine systems at one of its major manufacturing facilities in Austria which will significantly reduce emissions.

The new solar PV system consists of 2,902 individual panels, each of which measures 1.6 m², which will supply 39% of the daytime electricity used in the mall areas of the centre

'The jewel in the crown': Landsec drives towards science-based target with Britain's biggest shopping centre solar installation

The UK's largest commercial property developer has today (11 August) flicked the switch on a giant rooftop solar system at a shopping centre in Leeds, kicking off a 12-month investment programme in onsite sustainability across its estate.

British Land’s energy efficiency programme has already delivered £13m of gross savings for its occupiers

British Land completes major retail rooftop solar project

Top property development firm British Land has completed the installation of one of the UK's largest retail rooftop solar projects, which will deliver 22% of the site's annual electricity demand during the summer months.

(L to R) Octopus Energy founder Greg Jackson, Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger and Chief Executive Officer Ivan Gazidis

Arsenal's Emirates Stadium inks deal to source 100% renewable energy

Arsenal Football Club's 60,000-seater stadium in North London has become the first Premier League stadium to source 100% of its electricity needs from renewables, after the club extended its supplier deal with Octopus Energy.

Bond financing will be launched on the company’s new crowdfunding platform Mongoose Crowd, which has already raised more than £1m for green energy projects in the UK since June

Mongoose Energy secures UK's biggest community energy deal

Mongoose Energy has finalised a deal to finance the UK's biggest community energy project, a 'solar plus battery' farm in Warwickshire.

Onsite generation can help businesses save money on energy bills and even generate income by selling surplus energy back into the grid

edie publishes free business guide to onsite energy generation

Organisations and professionals with an interest in producing and consuming energy at a particular location away from the grid now have access to a free, comprehensive 'edie explains' guide which answers all of the key questions surrounding onsite generation.

edie explains: Onsite generation

This edie explains business guide, produced in association with E.ON, provides an in- depth summary of onsite generation, which allows businesses to make and use their own energy at a particular location, rather than buying that energy through the grid.

The news is a timely boost for the solar industry, with project deployment at a seven-year low

Solar energy storage systems secure reduced VAT rate

Householders installing a storage system to integrate with a newly-purchased solar photovoltaic systems have been greeted with a reduced VAT of 5%, after the Solar Trade Association (STA) provided evidence to the HMRC.

A more sustainable energy system is being driven by the rapidly improving economics of renewable power, supported by cost-effective energy storage and the emergence of electric vehicles

Energy industry must embrace '3D transition' to sustainable future, say former Big Six bosses

Britain's 'Bix Six' utility companies must rapidly adapt and find a new role in an energy system which is undergoing the "3D transition" of decarbonisation, digitisation and decentralisation, a new report by industry experts has concluded.

The new home battery packs are priced from £3,000, with costs rising to £6,925 when combined with Ikea solar panels

Ikea offers home energy storage systems alongside solar panels

Ikea has partnered with renewable energy firm Solarcentury to launch a new domestic battery storage solution that could help to double the amount of solar energy used by UK households and reduce electricity bills by 70%.

Members of the European Investment Bank visit Welsh Water's Five Fords treatment site in Wrexham

Welsh Water secures £250m renewables loan and DONG Energy deal

The sixth largest regulated water and sewage company in England and Wales has secured a £250m loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to finance on-site renewable generation projects, alongside a clean energy purchasing agreement with providers DONG Energy.

250 kWp ground mount PV system designed and installed by HBS New Energies at the Coal Authority’s Deerplay Mine Water Treatment Scheme, Lancashire

UK Coal Authority turns to solar to offset water treatment costs

A regulatory body of the UK coal industry has named the latest contractor for a four-year renewable energy framework to offset the costs of its 75 mine water treatment sites.

The announcement marks a significant step in Aldi’s ambition to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30% by 2020

Aldi to install 96,000 solar panels across UK stores this year

German discount supermarket chain Aldi has today (5 July) announced it will install 96,000 solar panels across more than 50 UK stores by the end of 2017.

The microgrid provides WEB Aruba with real-time optimisation capabilities to forecast and cater for growing electricity demands on the island

Caribbean island turns to microgrids in quest to become fossil-fuel free

The island of Aruba is a step closer to becoming fossil-fuel free, after a new deal was signed to integrate an advanced microgrid into the operations of the island's main utilities provider to balance growing demand for electricity with increased renewable energy generation.

New consumer products like Tesla’s grid-connected home battery, along with small-scale solar, are becoming more popular, and are tipped to revolutionise the way power is stored

Storage 'not fundamentally needed' for future power grid, scientists say

The emergence of household batteries, along with small-scale solar photovoltaic and plug-in electric cars, is tipped to transform electricity storage, according to a new state-of-the-art report by European science academies. But experts claim storage is not actually fundamentally needed.

BNEF found that solar will account for 48% of the world’s installed capacity and 34% of electricity generation by 2040

'Unstoppable' renewables to reach new heights as costs tumble, report finds

Renewable energy sources will account for around three quarters of the expected $10trn global investment into power generating technologies between now and 2040, a new report from Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) has claimed.

Wind energy output peaked at 9.5GW on Wednesday 7 June

Windy weather brings new renewable energy record

Windy weather brought with it a new renewable record on Wednesday lunchtime as output from wind, solar, biomass and hydro peaked at 19.3GW - more than half of all demand.

2016 is the first year that the new solar capacity added to the energy mix has been greater than any other electricity-producing technology

'Spectacular' drop in renewable energy costs leads to record global boost

Renewable energy capacity around the world was boosted by a record amount in 2016 and delivered at a markedly lower cost, according to new global data - although the total financial investment in renewables actually fell.

Telefonica already sources 44% of its electricity from renewables, having doubled the percentage over the last 12 months

Telefonica joins RE100 to accelerate clean energy commitment

Multinational broadband and telecommunications provider Telefonica has signalled its commitment to decarbonising its operations, by joining the RE100 initiative to accelerate its plan to source 100% renewable energy.

Gorillaz are kicking off the E.ON partnership today (26 May) with the release of a new film for the track ‘We Got the Power’

Gorillaz dare to record new tracks in solar-powered studio

Virtual band Gorillaz will record new songs generated by renewable energy after teaming up with E.ON to establish a solar-powered music studio.

The company is also trialling onsite solar panels at its Chapelfield shopping estate

Shopping centre owners launch innovation lab after closing in on CSR targets

Shopping centre owner intu has launched a new Green Lab to identify new solutions to reduce environmental impacts, as outlined in a sustainability report that announced the firm had reached a zero-waste-to-landfill milestone.

The solar farm will save 3,800 tonnes of CO2 emissions at the CCEP factory in Wakefield - equal to taking more than 1,700 cars off the road

Coca-Cola bottler sourcing 100% renewable electricity

Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) has launched a new solar farm in Yorkshire to coincide with news that the firm is now sourcing 100% of its electricity from renewable energy.

Power Forward: How the largest US companies are capturing business value while addressing climate change

The largest US companies are increasing their clean energy and energy efficiency efforts while improving their bottom lines.

Join thousands of energy, sustainability, CSR and resource efficiency professionals at the UK's destination event for sustainable business

One month until edie Live 2017 - get your ticket now

With just one month to go until doors open for edie Live 2017 we take a look at why it is the destination event for sustainability and energy managers.

The thinktank insists that low-cost batteries, including those in EVs, mean many individual households and commercial buildings could operate off grid for months at a time by 2025

Green Alliance: UK energy system unprepared for EV and solar growth

The UK could suffer from an overloaded grid at peak times unless rapid action is taken to design a smarter power system, a new report from thinktank Green Alliance has found.

The industry body has set out a series of policy recommendations for ensuring emissions targets for the early 2030s are met

Energy UK joins calls to back 'pot one' technologies

Energy UK has called on ministers to support established renewable technologies, like onshore wind and solar, in order to provide a better deal for customers.

A Demand-Turn Up (DTU) is one of the tools and
services the National Grid is seeking to use to balance the system during the summer

National Grid encourages large businesses to boost power demand this summer

Energy-intensive businesses are being urged to voluntarily shift their energy usage in exchange for a payment in the coming months, as the National Grid anticipates a summer of low peak demands on the system.

Reading-based Anesco recently received recognition in the annual Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 league table for its fast-growing sales

Largest UK energy storage portfolio to come online in 2018

The largest portfolio of energy storage in the UK is set to be up and running by the end of next year, as renewable energy provider Anesco has announced proposals to bring 185MW of energy onto the grid.

Crookedstone is the largest solar energy connection to an airport in the UK and Ireland

Belfast International Airport solar farm savings soar above £100,000

Belfast International Airport has revealed it has achieved more than £100,000 in savings from a £5m off-site solar farm launched ten months ago.

Renewables have replaced 100m tonnes of oil equivalent electricity generation this decade, but will only need to replace 20m tonnes in the 10 years ahead, according to SolarPower Europe’s analysis

Renewables cut Europe's carbon emissions by 10% in 2015, says EEA

A surge in the use of wind and solar energy helped Europe to cut its fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by about 10% in 2015, an authoritative new report has found.

edie has analysed this latest batch of data to bring you 10 statistics that you probably didn’t know about global renewable energy capacity

The renewables revolution rolls on: 2016 in charts

New figures from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) have revealed that 2016 was the strongest year yet for renewable energy. Here, edie digs deep into the data to bring you 10 key statistics that chart a record-breaking year for the world's clean energy transformation.

Make sure you have your free pass to access content across all four dedicated content theatres, our one-to-one advice clinics, energy and water marketplace and more than 100 technology and service providers all helping you do business better

edie Live exhibitor focus: Flexitricity

Ahead of edie Live at the NEC on 23-24 May, we get up close and personal with some of our exhibitors to find out what visitors can expect to see from them at the show, what's new and how they can help in the drive towards sustainability targets.

Tesla has provided hundreds of Powerpacks to the Hawaiian island of Kauai, while Apple has encouraged a supplier to invest in a floating solar project

Tesla and Apple facilitate innovative solar projects

Apple and Tesla, two companies in the vanguard of the renewables revolution, have unveiled their links to new solar projects aimed at bringing clean energy that maximises land use in areas of Japan and the Hawaiian island of Kauai.

UK leads Europe for solar growth despite a drop in installations after government cut subsidies

Solar power growth leaps by 50% worldwide thanks to US and China

The amount of solar power added worldwide soared by some 50% last year because of a sun rush in the US and China, new figures show.

The end of 2016 saw Amazon exceed an incremental goal of sourcing 40% of its demand from renewable energy, and a new 50% target has been set for the end of 2017

Amazon expands renewables ambition with new solar rooftop pledge

Online retailer Amazon Web Services has pledged to deploy large-scale solar systems across 50 fulfillment and sortation centres globally by 2020, with deployments this year set to generate 41MW of renewable energy for the company.

Land Securities has installed the first hydrogen fuel cell at the BREEAM rated Walkie-Talkie skyscraper (left) in London, which also has roof-mounted solar panels

Land Securities is world's first property firm to have science-based targets approved

The UK's largest listed commercial real estate company has today (2 March) announced the approval of its science-based target to reduce emissions by 80% by 2050.

The project will assess the financial case for installing batteries at solar parks and the various ways this can be managed

Innovative battery system links solar park to the grid

A pioneering £1m battery storage system in Somerset will transfer power to the local electricity network after linking directly to a nearby 1.5MW solar park.

Solar costs have fallen by more than 80% in less than decade

Renewables reaching cost-parity with fossil fuels, research finds

Low-carbon technologies are now reaching cost-parity with fossil fuels, according to a new report which states that solar cell technology is likely to have a "major impact" in the near future.

$Despite Europe’s installed wind power capacity now standing at 153.7GW, it is still a relatively small fraction of the region’s 918.8GW of total power capacity$

Almost 90% of new power in Europe from renewable sources in 2016

Renewable energy sources made up nearly nine-tenths of new power added to Europe's electricity grids last year, in a sign of the continent's rapid shift away from fossil fuels.

The study predicts solar PV will become “materially cheaper than alternative power options globally” between 2030 and 2040

Low-carbon boom to stall fossil fuel demand by 2020, say researchers

The demand for coal and oil will peak in 2020 as low-carbon technology prices continue to tumble, a new report which examines the energy sector has claimed.

Ben Ainslie's Land Rover BAR team have set an ambitious goal to be the most sustainable sports team

Solar power to put wind in sails of Ben Ainslie Racing

UK-based renewable energy investment firm Low Carbon has today (1 February) unveiled a new project which will help reduce the carbon footprint of the Land Rover Ben Ainslie Racing (BAR) sailing team.

Bywaters expects the installation on the roof of its Bow facility to deliver a positive return on investment within six years

London's largest solar retrofit project delivers big carbon savings

A waste management firm has saved 361 tonnes of CO2 in nine months following the delivery of a 1000KW solar retrofit project at its plant in East London.

Fuel-cell vehicles can run up to five times longer than the all-EV counterparts, but the technlogy has struggled to leave an impression among consumers due to cost factors

Fuel for thought: Will 2017 be the year of the zero-emission fuel-cell vehicle?

Low-carbon energy and sustainable transport are becoming evermore intertwined as new green technologies emerge and become more affordable to the masses. But as the sectors move ahead with innovative battery and electrification plans, they could be missing out on a growing fuel cell market, writes Matt Mace.

One year on from COP21, host nation France is keen to lead the climate movement and has introduced measures to ensure that it leaves a lasting green legacy

From green bonds to solar roads: France's low-carbon revolution is taking shape

History was made in France a little over a year ago when national delegates from across the world agreed on a landmark climate deal. With the Paris Agreement now ratified, the host nation is introducing a plethora of fresh green legislation aimed at transforming the way it interacts with the environment.

The battery project will provide evidence on whether solar panels can supplement evening energy use and whether the technology can effectively reduce energy bills

London councils commence innovative solar battery project and LED retrofit

Councils across London are kick-starting the capital's 'smart city' transformation, with a new LED retrofit backed by the Green Investment Bank (GIB) and an innovative solar battery project set to commence.

edie explains: Water retail competition

This edie explains: Water retail competition guide provides an in-depth summary of the government-led strategy which will allow all non- domestic water users to switch suppliers of water retail services.

New Years Eve fireworks fill the Edinburgh skyline as part of the city's Hogmanay festival

Can Scotland continue its climate lead in 2017?

New figures show that Scotland is leading the UK in reducing the climate impact of electricity generation, but green groups are calling for the country to go further and "blaze the trail" for global pollution-free power by instilling a national 50% renewable energy target.

The thinktank’s analysis found that high carbon infrastructure, which it defines as fossil fuel power stations, airports and road building, was faring little better

Renewables investment in UK will fall 95% over next three years - study

Investment in windfarms will fall off a "cliff edge" over the next three years and put the UK's greenhouse gas reduction targets at risk, according to a new analysis.

The RHI consultation had attracted criticism for proposing to slash tariffs for biomass heat by 45%, which was projected by the Government to lead to a 98% drop in installations

Solar thermal remains part of renewable heat reforms

The Government has today (14 December) set out new proposals for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). All four currently-supported technologies will remain part of the scheme.

Oman said it had taken Google five years to reach the 100% target, set in 2012, because of the complexity involved with negotiating power purchase agreements

Google to be powered 100% by renewable energy from 2017

Google's data centres and the offices for its 60,000 staff will be powered entirely by renewable energy from next year, in what the company has called a "landmark moment".

It is feared that an increase in business rates could restrict future investment in commercial rooftop solar systems

Big brands call on UK Government to 'stop the solar tax hike'

More than 160 leading green businesses including Sainsbury's, Ikea and Kingfisher have today (5 December) called upon Chancellor Philip Hammond to scrap scheduled tax increases on solar PV.

The panels will be developed and by affiliate company SunPower – described by Total as a

Total to roll out solar arrays across 5,000 services stations

Multinational oil and gas company Total is launching a program to fit 5,000 of its service stations across the globe with solar PV panels within the next five years.

The farm will take Swindon Council to 80% of its target to install 200MW of renewable capacity by 2020, the equivalent of meeting the electricity requirements of every home in borough

UK's first green energy ISA attracts £1m funding pool

The UK's first green energy Individual Savings Account (ISA) has already received £1m of investment since its launch last week, with the expenditure set to fund a new community solar farm in Swindon.

A detailed new analysis from the STA argues that since most support for large-scale solar has been removed in the last year

STA calls for 'modest government intervention' for solar

New research has shown that the current financing for large scale solar PV schemes in the UK is no longer economically viable.

Musk claimed that the technology would be “strongly net positive”

Tesla's Model 3 to utilise solar roof technology

Tesla's recent foray into the solar market looks set to pay dividends for its highly anticipated Model 3, after the company's chief executive Elon Musk revealed that the recently launched solar roof panels would feature in some form on the new vehicle.

M&S launched M&S Energy in 2008 in collaboration with energy company SSE

M&S Energy funds 26 community energy projects

The energy arm of British retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) has today (31 October) announced the winners of a £350,000 Community Energy Fund which supports a range of projects looking to install on-site clean technology systems.

The rollout of the product is expected to commence next summer

Tesla unveils stunning solar roof tiles

Tesla's chief executive Elon Musk unveiled the company's much anticipated solar roof tiles earlier today (29 October), claiming that the success of the product and the new integrated Powerall would hinge on a mooted merger with SolarCity.

The letter warns that the Government would “struggle” to alleviate fuel poverty and reach a 12% renewable heat target for 2020 without the aid of solar thermal installations

Solar industry 'left in limbo' over delays to RHI decision

The Solar Trade Association (STA) and the Energy Saving Trust are among a group of 21 organisations that have penned a letter to the minister of state for energy and intellectual property Baroness Neville-Rolfe, calling on her to retain solar thermal within the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).

Alongside strong political support in some of the world’s largest economies, the uptake in renewables looks set to be boosted by tumbling installation costs

IEA significantly increases renewables forecast

Having previously been accused of "holding back the global energy transition" through "misleading" outlooks for the growth of clean energy, the International Energy Association (IEA) has today (25 October) increased its five-year growth forecast for renewables.

The partnership will run through to March 2017, at which point the $1,000 promotion on behalf of SolarCity will drop to $750

SolarCity and Airbnb offer cash incentives on solar installations

As Tesla begins to make waves in the autonomous driving sphere, its sister company SolarCity has also branched-out into a new domain - partnering with hospitality company Airbnb to offer cash rebates on solar array installations.

The company claims that the technology can boost cell output by around 30%, and hopes to use the latest investment to bring it one step closer to commercialisation

Oxford firm receives £8.7m investment on technology to improve solar efficiency

A company founded as a "spin-out" from the University of Oxford has received a new equity investment of £8.7m, as it aims to accelerate the commercialisation of a solar cell that could boost the performance of photovoltaics by 30%.

The letter suggests that the removal of current trade measures would “stimulate growth” in European manufacturing sectors

European businesses call for EU to cut 'ruinous' tariffs on chinese solar

Businesses across Europe, including more than 60 based in the UK, are calling on the European Union (EU) to remove trade measures on Chinese solar modules and cells that have had "unforeseen consequences" on the European solar value chain.

Octopus Energy will receive branding rights for all domestic fixtures played at the Emirates in an attempt to broaden the company’s reach

Arsenal signs up renewable experts as official energy partner

Arsenal Football Club has unveiled a new marque signing, as the UK's largest solar energy investor becomes the club's official UK energy partner in a move that will see the Emirates Stadium powered by renewable energy.

Panasonic is working with Schneider to develop a new energy management system for commercial buildings, and with Tesla to manufacture and produce solar PV cells in the US

Panasonic embraces the power of partnerships to drive green innovation

Japanese electronics firm Panasonic has ramped up its involvement in the low-carbon agenda, forming two new collaborative partnerships with automaker Tesla and energy management solutions provider Schneider electric to develop new solar PV cells and smart building technology.

The WWF has also called on politicians to continue to develop the county's

September an 'astonishing' month for Scottish renewable energy

Scotland has had an "astonishing" month for wind energy, managing to generate 100% of its energy needs through wind turbines alone for two full days.

The trend will not continue into winter because of solar’s seasonal nature, but the symbolic records reveal the dramatic impacts solar subsidies and penalties for coal have wrought

Solar outstrips coal in past six months of UK electricity generation

Electricity generated by solar panels on fields and homes outstripped Britain's ageing coal power stations over the past six months in a historic first.

GM's 2.2MW solar array at its Lordstown complex will soon be accompanied by a host of array-fitted facilities

General Motors joins RE100 pledge to source 100% renewables

Automotive giant General Motors (GM) has established new sustainability commitments to source all electricity across its global operations from 100% renewable sources by 2050, and will join the RE100 to mobilise the transition.

A Resourceful Future – Expanding the UK Economy

This report by SUEZ reveals that more than £9bn could be added to the UK economy by integrating circular economy principles into the country’s emerging industrial strategy.

Reports estimate that US utility-scale electrical generation from renewable sources hit an all-time high of nearly 17% of total domestic generation

UK solar deployment figures upgraded as US smashes renewables records

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has upgraded its solar deployment stats for the UK in the first half of 2016, whilst separate data for the US has revealed that renewable energy sources have set a series of domestic records for electrical generation during the same six-month period.

More than a million people are expected to visit Notting Hill Carnival over the Bank Holiday weekend. Photo: Notting Hill Carnival/Facebook

Carnival clean-up: Notting Hill waste to generate 100MWh of electricity

Westminster City Council is planning to collect all of the waste from Notting Hill Carnival and use it to generate electricity for the National Grid - all in time to have the streets clean for the Tuesday morning commute.

Tesla Motors has unveiled a new battery pack for the performance versions of its Model S and X cars that extends the range ramps up acceleration speeds

Tesla wins approval to buy SolarCity, unveils high-energy model S battery

It's been a good week for Tesla chief executive Elon Musk after the electric vehicle (EV) giant's merger with SolarCity was approved and the firm unveiled a new EV battery which makes the Model one of the fastest production cars in the world.

The first energy has been generated with a Contracts for Difference (CfD) subsidy at the Charity Farm solar project in Shropshire

Renewable energy developers pass Contracts for Difference subsidy milestone

The Low Carbon Contracts Company (LCCC) has confirmed that all 39 Contracts for Difference (CfD) renewable projects in the UK have past their delivery milestone requirements as part of the second round of CfD funding.

Musk stated that the company is working on “a solar roof

Elon Musk's SolarCity to begin selling roof made of solar panels

In the same month that Apple has been granted permission to sell energy generated by its solar farm in California, renowned cleantech innovator Elon Musk has revealed that his solar power company SolarCity plans to begin selling a fully-integrated "solar roof" that is entirely composed of PV panels.

The solar energy revolution has reached a point where PV panels and wind turbines are entering uncharted territory

From Chernobyl to Antarctica: 7 wonders of the world's renewable energy revolution

As well as seamlessly integrating into national energy mixes to the point where it is beginning to outshine fossil fuels, renewable energy is in the midst of a revolution that is now providing Antarctica, Chernobyl, The Outback and the Amazon basin with clean, reliable sources of energy.

Rio's 2016 Summer Games plays host to 42 Olympic sports from 5-21 August 2016

Rio 2016 Olympics: How sustainable is the greatest show on Earth?

It was dubbed a "green games for a blue planet" during the bidding process, but the event has since become shrouded in controversy, with venues contaminated with waste, waters infected with superbugs, and the host city's air quality remaining at deadly levels. So, just how 'sustainable' is the Rio 2016 Olympics?

First solar farm with contract for difference connected

A 12MW solar farm in Shropshire has become the first solar project in the UK with a contract for difference (CfD) to be connected to the gridm

Due to the stadium’s size and activities, all of the electricity generated from the rooftop solar system is expected to be used on site

Bristol's solar revolution continues with innovative stadium PV partnership

Bristol Sport's Ashton Gate Stadium, home to Bristol Football Club and Bristol Rugby, has partnered with Bristol City Council to install solar PV panels on one of its stands as part of a major refurbishment of the ground.

The Solar Impulse 2 journey has seen the plane pass over China, the US and Pacific and Atlantic Oceans

Solar Impulse 2 completes record-breaking round-the-world trip

A solar-powered plane, equipped with 17,248 solar cells, completed the final leg of its record-breaking circumnavigation journey around the world last night (25 July).

The analysis highlighted that the Renewables Obligation – which closed to solar in 2015 – and the delayed Contract for Difference auctions are increasing frustration in the sector

'Damaged' solar sector hit by job losses and deployment slowdown

Solar deployment for 2016 is expected to shrink from the 1GW UK average of the last five years to less than 300MW, as firms within the industry reveal that employment levels have fallen by 32%.

The aircraft will help to open the opportunities of the internet to people in underconnected regions. Photo: Facebook

Facebook's unmanned solar-powered internet drone takes flight

Facebook has announced the successful first flight of its unmanned solar-power internet drone, which will eventually aim to break the world-record for the longest unmanned aircraft flight.

It is estimated that the UK now has almost 12GW of solar PV across homes, offices, schools, warehouses and on solar farms

Solar sector celebrates Independence Day with record monthly output

New analysis has revealed that the UK solar industry reached an energy generation record-high last month by producing 23.9% of the country's electricity demand, on the same day that the industry celebrates its third Solar Independence Day (4 July).

Step-by-step approach: the construction and operation of the built environment currently accounts for more than 60% of UK materials consumption and one third of all waste

Building Revolutions: Designing a circular economy for the built environment

The circular economy makes complete sense for short-lived consumer products, but can it really work for something as enduring and complex as a building? David Cheshire, sustainability director at engineering firm AECOM, provides an answer.

Ikea's chief sustainability officer Steve Howard told delegates at the Business and Climate Summit that an 'all-in' mindset will be required to drive low-carbon, transformational change

Ikea chief: Business and governments must go all in for a carbon-free 21st century

The chief sustainability officer of the world's biggest furniture retailer has called on global governments to galvanise the low-carbon movement, primarily through carbon pricing, to enable companies to unlock the "tremendous" business opportunities that lie ahead.

Average annual solar energy capacity additions will need to more than double for the next 14 years for the 13% target to be reached

Solar could provide up to 13% of global electricity by 2030, reports reveal

Off the back of a year of record growth for the solar sector, a flurry of new reports this week have illustrated how a "booming" industry has paved way for a cost-leading power generation technology which could dramatically increase in capacity in the near future.

The system will comprise 50 Solarworld 260 panels on both the 41st and 42nd floor, making it one of the highest solar installations in the UK

London's South Bank Tower to generate electricity from solar rooftop system

London's South Bank Tower is expected to save around 11,850 kg of C02 after a 100-panel, 26 kilowatt-peak (kWp) solar PV system was installed on the roof of the newly-developed skyscraper.

This year's event features mini gyms that create their own energy and solar arrays that power Attenborough documentaries ©Kris Williams

Glastonbury 2016: 10 reasons this is the most sustainable festival yet

As the rain falls and the gates open at Worthy Farm for this year's Glastonbury festival, edie rounds up the green initiatives being introduced to ensure that, even if the fields don't remain green, the festival certainly will.

Owning SolarCity is part of a move to “complete the picture” for the motor company by aligning with the Tesla Energy subsidiary

Tesla takes 'first steps' to form clean energy dynasty with bid to acquire SolarCity

Disruptive automotive manufacturers Tesla has submitted a bid to purchase sister company Solar City as part of a move to "complete the picture" and establish a holistic and "vertically integrated" clean energy empire.

IRENA’s report suggests that PV-specific waste regulations would help to address growing solar PV waste and promote ongoing innovation in panel waste management

Solar PV recycling value could exceed $15bn by 2050

End-of-life solar PV material recovery could be worth $15bn by 2050, if fully invested back into the economy, according to a report released today (20 June) by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

Members should receive investment returns at an annual rate of 5% for the first three years

M&S invites customers to invest in community solar project

Marks & Spencer (M&S) has launched a unique collaborative initiative designed to generate renewable electricity from solar panels installed on the retailer's stores.

Located high in the Austrian mountains, the traditional Göss brewery is now powered entirely by renewable and re-usable energy sources. (Scroll down to play video)

VIDEO: Inside Göss - the world's first major carbon-neutral brewery

Fancy a beer with a net-zero carbon footprint? Join edie editor Luke Nicholls high up in the Austrian mountains for a behind-the-scenes video tour of the first large-scale carbon-neutral brewery in the world.

Because Apple is still making inroads into the country’s energy market it has little sway in regards to market prices and could therefore sell directly to end-users at retail value

Apple quietly forms new energy company to sell excess renewable electricity

In a bid to stabilise its ongoing commitment to sourcing renewable energy, tech giant Apple has quietly formed its own energy subsidiary which could see the company sell excess electricity to end-users across the US.

The cost of energy generation from onshore wind and solar will fall by 41% and 60% respectively, but more investment in renewables will be needed to reach long-term climate goals

Why the world's energy system WON'T achieve the 2C climate change target without serious investment

By the year 2040, renewables will finally have won the global energy race. The prices of coal and gas will have dropped significantly, but this will not derail the decarbonisation of our energy systems - with zero-emission energy sources making up 60% of installed capacity.

Britain has in recent years installed up to 10GW of solar power – enough to power more than three million homes

More than half of jobs in UK solar industry lost in wake of subsidy cuts

The solar power industry says it has seen the loss of more than half its 35,000 jobs due to recent changes in government energy policy, just at a time when solar power has eclipsed coal as a major generator of Britain's electricity.

Nissan began integrating renewable energy sources in Sunderland in 2005 when the company installed its first wind turbines on site

Nissan switches on solar farm at largest European plant in Sunderland

Japanese carmaker and leading electric vehicle (EV) producer Nissan has completed the installation of a 4.75MW solar farm in Sunderland - its biggest manufacturing plant in Europe - which along with other renewable sources will generate enough power to build more than 31,000 cars every year.

Bezos hopes to ignite the space race, which rival billionaire Elon Musk has also expressed an interest in, through the development of low-cost reusable rockets

Energy generation in space will 'save' the world, says Jeff Bezos

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has outlined the future for his ongoing space exploration ambitions, which could see Earth "saved" by building around-the-clock solar factories in space that would replace energy-intensive manufacturing sectors.

IRENA estimates that employment levels could reach 24 million by 2030

10 things you probably didn't know about green energy jobs

With new figures from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) revealing that employment in the renewables industry rose by 5% over the past 12 months, to pass 8.1 million, edie dissects the data to bring you 10 fascinating facts about clean energy employment.

Jude Hughes (centre) collects her E&E Award from host Andrew Ryan (far left) and the Energy Institute's Sarah Beacock

Meet the E&E Award-winner: Energy Manager of the Year - Jude Hughes, NIBSC

Over the past seven years in her role as energy manager at NIBSC, Jude Hughes has achieved the following headline figures for this large and energy-intensive government research centre: a 17% reduction in carbon footprint, a 12% reduction in electricity consumption, a 20% reduction in gas consumption, and utilities cost savings amounting to £746,000. Meet the Energy Manager of the Year...

The university plans to instigate further sustainability upgrades in 2017 when it consolidates its three campuses into one

London Metropolitan lights up carbon reduction rankings with new LED project

London Metropolitan University has been named as England's number one university for carbon reduction, after using a new LED light installation as part of a wider scheme that has seen carbon emissions slashed by 47%.

The green supplier plans to improve the biodiversity across each project, by creating species-rich grassland and planting native hedgerows in the local area

Ecotricity gains planning permission for 'future of energy' hybrid parks

Green energy provider Ecotricity has gained planning permission to create some of the first hybrid energy parks in Britain, by combining current wind farms with two new "sun parks" in Devon and Leicestershire respectively.