Solar energy has been a hot topic for several years in the energy sector and is considered to be the alternative source of energy whose utilization is expected to increase in the near future. With a potential to generate over 5,000 trillion kilowatts just in India, it has recently gained a lot of popularity and interest amongst both residential and commercial investors.
Consumption of non-renewable fuels is skyrocketing day by day and the need for replacing these fuels has become imperative now. According to OurWorldinData, fossil fuel consumption has increased from 94,314 terawatt-hours in 2000 to 136,761 terawatt-hours in 2019, which is a 31% increase in the last 19 years.
While solar energy seems to be a viable renewable energy option, there has been a lack of awareness amongst the general public which is slowing down the adoption of solar systems across different industries.
In this article, we will list the prominent solar energy facts that will help in assessing the potential of solar energy and the advantages of adopting it.
Fact (1/12) : Solar power is earth’s most abundant energy source
Solar energy is the most abundantly available and accessible source of power that can be harnessed and used for power generation. Every hour 430 quintillion Joules of energy from the sun hits the Earth and the total energy used by humans all around the year is just 410 quintillion Joules. So, in a nutshell, the amount of sunlight that strikes the earth's surface in an hour is enough to handle the entire world's energy consumption for a year.
Fact (2/12) : Solar energy has zero pollution in electricity generation
Solar power is an emission-free and sustainable energy source that has a very low carbon footprint. This enables solar power to be a very good alternative to conventional power generation methods.
Fact (3/12) : Solar energy systems increase the value of your home
Solar energy system implementation is not only beneficial in generating power at the grid source and saving money in the long run but also in increasing the value of the home or the building. According to EcoWatch, the value of a home increases by approximately $6,000 per kilowatt capacity enabling homeowners to leverage the increased book value while reselling their properties.
Fact (4/12) : Space missions heavily rely on solar power
Space missions and equipment including satellites, rovers, cameras, telescope systems, etc. make use of solar energy to power themselves on a day-to-day basis. This has enabled scientists to design compact, sophisticated and advanced systems that can run continuously on this abundantly available power source even in outer space without huge fuel reserves.
Fact (5/12) : Solar energy can be used in a variety of applications
Solar energy is a versatile and flexible power source that can be leveraged to power and run many applications including heating and cooling systems, power generation in homes, lighting in buildings, ventilation systems, cooking and baking devices, etc.
Fact (6/12) : Solar energy is one of the cheapest forms of energy
According to World Energy Outlook 2021, a report published by IEA, solar energy is one of the cheapest sources of energy that is accessible and available in abundance. With more advancements in technology in the near future, it is predicted that solar system installation in homes will become even more affordable.
Fact (7/12) : Solar energy is used in many daily devices
Solar power is used in many devices that we operate on a daily basis like calculators, watches, torches, emergency lights, electric cars, etc. The application of solar energy will become even wider in the future branching into other devices like mobile phones, GPS systems, etc.
Fact (8/12) : Airplanes can fly while running entirely on solar power
Solar power can not only run our cars, space stations and trains, but can also power airplanes to travel long distances. A Swiss pilot and explorer, Bertrand Piccard, once departed from Abu Dhabi in 2016 on his solar-powered aircraft known as the Solar Impulse II and completed a global flight entirely fueled by solar energy.
Fact (9/12) : Solar panels are very low maintenance
Solar panels require minimal to no maintenance and will last for decades. Apart from easy cleaning and regular system checkups, there are no major recurring costs, monthly tariffs or fuel charges involved with solar systems.
Fact (10/12) : Solar powered buses are used for public transportation
Many states in India have already understood the prominence of using solar energy in public transportation and how it can be a profitable investment in the long run. For example, solar powered buses are already rolled out by BMTC in Bengaluru for intercity transportation purposes.
Fact (11/12) : Cost of solar panels have reduce by 99% since 1977
With the advancement in solar energy devices, costs of solar panels have continuously been decreasing over the past few decades. The cost of a solar cell is now $0.21 per watt as compared to $77 per watt in 1977. In the near future, the costs are expected to come down even more.
Fact (12/12) : China is the world leader in solar energy sector
China is the largest producer of solar power in the world and is vested to increase the number of solar farms and generation to sustain at least 90% of the needs of the whole country by 2050. An article by CSIS unveils their plans for solar energy.
Conclusion:
Solar energy is undoubtedly one of the most efficient, viable and abundant sources of energy that is available for use. With the need to replace heavy dependency and usage of fossil fuels for energy generation, solar power can be the most suitable option that we can take a bet on.
India is already the 5th largest country invested in solar power deployment, and its usage has increased by more than 11 times in the last five years from 2.6 GW in March 2014 to 30 GW in July 2019.
With the advancement of technology, ease of usage, awareness amongst common people and the need for clean energy, solar power is here to stay and serve humankind in the long term.
How Enphase Energy is driving the change:
We are on a mission to bring solar energy to the next level, one where it’s ready to meet the energy demands of the entire globe. As we work towards our vision for a solar-powered planet, we never lose sight of the three commitments that have guided us from the beginning: innovation, quality, and responsibility.
Learn more about us - Energy Evolved
References
Ourworldindata
Lack of awareness a key challenge for renewable energy development
This incredible fact should get you psyched about solar power – Business Insider
Is solar energy the answer and solution to combat Climate Change?
Ecowatch - Do Solar Panels Increase Home Value?
World Energy Outlook 2021
Inside the First Solar-Powered Flight Around the World
Economic Times
Evolution of solar PV module cost by data source, 1970-2020
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
