REC Group, the leading European brand for photovoltaic (PV) panels, stresses the need to explore viable solutions to realise net-zero energy or green buildings in order to attain a carbon-neutral future. The awareness for the added value of green buildings is increasing and becoming a hot topic worldwide.

 

The growing adoption of sustainable architecture for buildings is an important global trend for two reasons: roughly one third of a country's energy consumption is allotted to the building sector; rooftop solar installations do not require additional space; this makes zero-energy buildings a key driver for the reduction of greenhouse gasses.

 

Energy consumption is one of the most important factors contributing to the carbon footprint of a building. A switch to renewable energies, even partially, has therefore a huge impact on the overall carbon neutrality. Rapid urbanisation has meant that there is constant addition of new buildings creating a never-ending demand for energy consumption. This is especially the case in developing nations, creating a huge opportunity to install mass-scale solar rooftop solutions.

 

As a leading industry partner for the residential and commercial rooftop solar market, REC Group offers high performance and low carbon footprint products enabling companies to power their properties and business while contributing to the collective efforts on mitigating climate change and protecting the environment.

 

Many countries have already developed and adopted guidelines for minimum requirements for new and existing private and commercial buildings. For example, the European Union requires all new buildings to be nearly net-zero energy by the end of 2020, new public buildings by 2018, as outlined in its energy performance of buildings directive. In the United States, California targets all new residential constructions to be near net-zero energy buildings by 2020 as outlined in the statewide energy efficiency strategic plan.

 

In the Indian State of Rajasthan, which is the largest state area wise, the new norms mandate that hospitals, hotels, hostels, lodges, community centers and even residential buildings proposed on plots of more than 500 square meters will be required to make provision for solar infrastructure to light up public spaces and corridors.

 

"We will see solar panels not only at ground level or on rooftops, but also fully integrated into net-zero energy buildings, charging our vehicles and even floating on bodies of water," comments Steve O'Neil, CEO at REC Group. "To meet the regulations for green buildings and achieve LEED certification, the use of solar energy plays a significant role. During the past 40 years, each time the solar capacity has doubled, costs dropped by approximately 30%. Solar has become cheaper than retail electricity prices in around 50 countries worldwide. It is becoming part of a larger ecosystem, including storage, transport, buildings, power and infrastructure. Solar will be powering all our needs," O'Neil adds.