Fun facts, big truths, and how you can make it work for your home.
Renewable energy is one of the fastest-growing sources of power in the world, and the UK is right in the thick of it. From wind turbines and solar panels to hydro plants and bioenergy, it’s clean, clever, and here to stay.
The UK has committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050, with a major part of that strategy focused on building a 100% carbon-free electricity system. Renewable energy, from wind, solar, hydro, and more, is expected to play a central role in powering this shift.
And it’s not just the UK. As the world becomes increasingly aware of the need for clean, sustainable energy, more countries are setting their own green goals and investing in renewable infrastructure. It’s a global movement, and one that’s picking up pace.
But renewable energy isn’t just for governments and utility companies. It’s something we can tap into at home, on our roofs, and in our batteries.
Whether you’re just curious or considering going green, here are 10 things you should know about renewable energy — some serious, some surprising, all worth learning.
1. What is renewable energy?
In simple terms, it’s energy that comes from natural sources that can replenish themselves — like sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and even plant matter. Unlike fossil fuels, they don’t run out or release carbon when used.
2. The UK is getting greener, fast
As of 2023, around 51% of the UK’s electricity came from zero-carbon power sources (including renewables and nuclear), with wind and solar leading the charge. The UK is the European leader in offshore wind, and solar is booming thanks to falling installation costs and rising energy bills.
3. Solar energy still works in cloudy Britain
Don’t let grey skies fool you, solar panels work using daylight, not heat. Even on overcast days, solar systems in the UK can generate a surprising amount of electricity.
4. Renewables aren’t just better for the planet, they’re cheaper too
It’s a common myth that renewable energy is more expensive. In fact, renewables are now the cheapest source of new power generation globally, according to the International Energy Agency.For homeowners, it means lower energy bills, resilience to grid failures and energy tariff increases, especially when combined with smart tech and storage.
5. Wind power is our strongest suit
Believe it or not, the UK is one of the windiest countries in Europe, and wind turbines generate more than a quarter of our electricity. Offshore wind farms in the North Sea are some of the biggest in the world.
6. You can store your own renewable energy
One of the smartest things you can do? Capture and store your excess solar energy using a home battery system. With a GivEnergy Stackable Battery (scales up to 81.2kWh), you can save power for when you need it most — at night, during power cuts, or when grid prices spike.
7. You don’t have to go fully off-grid to go renewable
Many households use a hybrid setup, generating their own solar power during the day and pulling from the grid when needed. With a GivEnergy Hybrid Inverter, you can balance between solar, battery, and grid energy to maximise savings and minimise reliance.
8. Hydropower and bioenergy also counts
While solar and wind grab the headlines, hydropower, tidal, and bioenergy are also renewable sources. In fact, biomass (burning organic matter) still provides a significant chunk of the UK’s green electricity.
9. It’s not just about electricity generation, heat counts too
Renewables don’t stop at your plug socket. Technologies like air source heat pumps and solar thermal panels provide clean heating and hot water, reducing gas use and cutting your carbon footprint.
10. Every home can make a difference
Even if you don’t have solar panels (yet), you can still choose a green energy tariff, reduce your consumption, or support community renewables. But if you do generate your own electricity, pairing it with battery storage and smart control is how you take things to the next level.
Conclusion: Renewable energy is the future, and it starts at home
Renewable energy is no longer a futuristic idea. It’s real, it’s reliable, and it’s ready for your home.
By generating your own solar power, and storing it with GivEnergy’s Hybrid Inverters and Stackable Batteries, you can protect yourself from rising energy costs, reduce your reliance on the grid, and move toward true energy independence.
Afterall, the smartest energy is the energy you control.
