Top Solar Energy Facts Everyone Should Know

Solar energy is a renewable and sustainable power source that can generate clean electricity without adding to the greenhouse emissions and toxic pollutants. With the clock ticking towards a critical tipping point for global temperature rise, the need for transitioning to renewable energy, particularly solar, has never been pronounced.

Despite being a viable renewable energy option, a lack of awareness among the general public is slowing down the widespread adoption of solar systems across various industries.

In this blog, we have listed the popular solar energy facts that will help in evaluating the potential of solar energy and the benefits of adopting it.

Interesting Solar Energy Facts

Here are some interesting solar energy facts which you should know about:

1. Solar energy causes zero pollution in electricity generation

Solar energy is a sustainable and emission-free power source with an exceptionally low carbon footprint. This makes it an excellent alternative to traditional methods of generating electricity.

2. Solar is the most abundant source of energy on Earth

Solar energy is the utilization of light and heat radiation emitted by the sun to produce electricity. As we implement technologies on a global scale to capture and transform solar energy, it’s essential to recognize that the Earth receives an abundant supply of it. The energy reaching the planet’s surface in just an hour and a half has the capacity to fulfill the entirety of humanity’s energy needs for an entire year. WIth the sun’s enduring presence, we possess the capability and technology to rely entirely on solar energy, thereby, putting an end to the worldwide reliance on and consumption of fossil fuels.

3. Solar is the most popular and fastest form of generating new electricity

In 2010, solar energy constituted a mere 0.06% of the global energy composition. In just nine years, its share increased up to 1.11%. Furthermore, solar emerged as the predominant driver of expansion within the renewable energy spectrum, escalating from 0.8% in 2010 to 10.3% in 2019. Concurrently, the solar power capacity is experiencing rapid growth, signifying the increasing amount of electricity it can generate from captured energy. The global solar power capacity witnessed a remarkable 22% increase in 2020, fueled by a flourishing trend in installations. When combined with wind power, the overall output from renewable sources has more than doubled since 2015.

4. Solar energy systems increase the value of your home

Implementing a solar energy system not only helps generate power for the grid and saves money over time but also enhances the value of homes or buildings. EcoWatch reports that each kilowatt capacity adds around $6000 to the home’s value, allowing homeowners to capitalize on the boosted property value when selling.

5. Solar PV contributes to 3% of global electricity generation

In 2020, solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation experienced an unprecedented growth, rising by 156 terawatt-hours (TWh to achieve a total of 921 TWh. This signifies a remarkable 23% increase from the previous year and contributes to 3.1% the global electricity generation. Notably, China, a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounted for a substantial 75% of the rise in annual installations of solar PV systems from 2019 to 2020.

6. Solar power plants have a lifespan of 40 years or more

As per the World Energy Outlook 2021, a publication by the International Energy Agency (IEA), solar energy stands out as a highly cost-effective and widely available energy source. More technological advancements in the coming years suggest that the installation of solar systems in residential settings is expected to become even more economical.

7. Space missions rely heavily on solar energy

Solar energy plays a pivotal role in sustaining the operations of space missions and equipment, such as satellites, rovers, cameras, telescope systems, and more. Leveraging this abundant energy source has empowered scientists to create compact, sophisticated, and advanced systems capable of seamless, continuous operation in outer space, eliminating the need for extensive fuel reserves.

8. Solar energy is the most cost-effective forms of energy

As per the World Energy Outlook 2021, an IEA publication, solar energy stands out as a cost-effective and readily available energy source. Anticipated technological advancements in the coming years suggest a further reduction in the cost of installing solar systems in households.

9. Airplanes can fly entirely on solar power

Solar energy has the capability to not just fuel our automobiles, space stations, and trains, but it can also be harnessed to propel airplanes for extensive journeys. In 2016, Swiss pilot and explorer Bertrand Piccard embarked on a global flight from Abu Dhabi using his solar-powered aircraft, the Solar Impulse II, demonstrating the feasibility of long-distance travel solely powered by solar energy.

10. Solar power does impact the environment in some way

As per the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), a solar power plant needs 32 acres of land to generate electricity for 1,000 homes. To fulfill the energy demands of the United States, approximately 18,734,500 acres would be needed for solar plants, constituting 0.8% of the entire nation’s land. Beyond land considerations, solar thermal power plants involve water usage, and improper disposal of hazardous materials can pose risks.

11. The solar panel costs have reduced by 99% since 1977

Thanks to the progress in solar energy technology, the expenses associated with solar panels have consistently declined over the last few decades. The current cost of a solar cell is $0.21 per watt, a significant drop from the $77 per watt price tag in 1977. Anticipations suggest that these costs will further decrease in the imminent future.

12. Solar energy will become cheaper by 2024

One noteworthy fact about solar energy is the anticipated significant reduction in solar costs in the coming years. Industry experts foresee a doubling of solar installations in the US to four million by 2023, while global adoption is expected to rise as more nations embrace solar energy to achieve their climate objectives.

In 2021, Australia set a record by installing over 3,000MW of rooftop solar panels, with nearly one-third of Australian households having solar panels—the highest rate globally. The positive trend in adoption is poised to drive down solar costs due to increased accessibility. Projections suggest a potential decline of 15% to 35% by 2024, fostering further growth throughout the latter half of the decade.

13. India aims to be a global leader in generation of solar energy

As a component of India’s 2070 net zero emissions strategy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has committed to raising the share of renewable energy to 50% by the close of 2030. One objective is the installation of 100GW of grid-connected solar power plants by 2022. Another overarching aim is the decentralization of solar power, widely distributing it to address the country’s requirements for cooking, lighting, and other energy needs. However, the progress of many project constructions has been hampered by pandemic lockdowns and supply chain issues. Consequently, the installation of solar PV capacity in 2020 amounted to less than 4GW, nearly 60% lower than the capacity installed in 2019.

14. Solar panels require low maintenance

Solar panels demand little to no upkeep and boast a lifespan spanning decades. With the exception of straightforward cleaning and routine system inspections, there are no significant ongoing expenses, monthly fees, or fuel charges associated with solar systems.

Conclusion

Solar energy is definitely one of the most viable, efficient, and abundant energy sources available for human use. To replace heavy dependency and usage of fossil fuels for generating energy, solar power can be the perfect option that we can rely on.