Solar power or solar energy has gained much popularity in the past two or three decades. Though it was not easily accepted at the start nearly 40 years ago. However, after years of debates and efforts, it has now been widely accepted and implemented in various industries and both at residential and commercial levels as well.
Solar energy is a renewable, clean, and effective source of energy as compared to other energy sources like gas, oil, fossil fuels, etc. Sun is the main producer of solar power. The radiation from the sun is utilized and converted into solar energy which is then used to perform different tasks. We use it to produce electricity mainly.
We know that electricity costs have risen a lot in the past few decades. Therefore, it is now necessary to switch to some other more reliable and less expensive alternative and solar is the only solution right now. Countries that have a suitable climate and resources are fully taking advantage of this renewable energy resource.
Facts about Solar Energy and Solar Systems
Solar energy and solar systems are not new concepts now. Nearly everyone now knows and fully understands what is solar lower and what are solar systems. However, there are still many facts related to this that are unknown to many people. We have gathered a list of useful and interesting facts about solar power and systems for your understanding and use.
1. Solar Energy is the most plentiful Energy on Earth
We know that solar energy is the heat and light from the sun. We get the radiation, convert it into electricity and use it to perform various functions. The solar energy we receive from the sun in half an hour is enough to fulfill the needs of all humans on earth for an entire year. The sun is not going anywhere so we can easily make use of this energy with the help of technology to fulfill various needs. We can depend on solar systems and prevent the use of harmful fossil fuels and gases for energy production.
2. Fewer Carbon Emissions and Fewer Greenhouse Gases
No greenhouse gases are produced during the solar power generation process but in other related processes, some minimal gases are produced. For example, in the production of solar panel materials (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, silicon,) and solar cells, some greenhouse gases are emitted. According to some estimates, 0.07 to 0.18 pounds of carbon dioxide is produced during the production of 1 kilowatt of solar power in 1 hour.
3. Costs Have Decreased A Lot
Most people have still the view that solar power is very expensive. However, the reality is the opposite. The costs of solar systems have decreased to nearly 99% since 1977. In 1977, the cost of a simple solar cell was $77. According to research in 2017, the cost of a solar cell is now $0.21 only. Therefore, we do not agree with a handful of people who claim that solar energy systems are expensive. Moreover, they are the best possible investment you can do in the current world scenario.
4. Less Expensive than Fossil Fuels
Another interesting fact is that solar power is far less expensive as compared to energy sources produced from fossil fuels. The cheapest form of fossil fuel is natural gas which costs nearly between 4.2 and 7.8 cents per kWh. However, solar energy costs nearly 4.3 cents per kWh. Therefore, it has been anticipated that solar energy will sweep away all other energy production sources like natural gas, coal, diesel, etc.
5. China is the World Leader in Solar Energy Production
China is the greatest producer of solar energy right now. The USA is also trying to level up its game but still, they are not in a position to compete with China. China has nearly quadrupled its solar energy production in the past 5 years. They have a solar power capacity of 323 gigawatts which is 1/3rd of the total solar production around the globe.
6. Long Life Span
Solar systems if built and installed correctly, have a long life span of between 25 to 40 years or even more with better maintenance. This does not mean that the system will be useless after the given lifespan. The infrastructure once built, can be modified from time to time with upgraded products like new panels and cells, etc. in this way, the system will keep on working effectively for a very long time.
7. Anticipated to be cheaper till 2024
Due to the gain in popularity and advanced technologies, it has been anticipated that solar energy will be much cheaper by 2024 than now. Many developed countries are focusing more on the development of new solar power plants to meet the increasing demand for solar energy. More production means the costs will significantly drop in the next few years.
8. Solar is Becoming More Efficient
The advancements in technology and research in the solar power field have resulted in an increased rate of growth in the solar industry. According to many research studies, the solar industry is growing at a rate of 40% in the past 8 years. Panels have become 15% to 20% more efficient. This means that the panels are able to convert 15% to 20% of the radiation absorbed from the sun into energy. The technology has also made it possible to overcome the weather or climate-dependability of solar systems. Now solar systems can even work in colder climates.
Final Words
Solar power or solar energy is the future of our world. All other energy-producing resources are very harmful to our environment as compared to solar. That is why it is the only safe choice we have right now if we want to save our environment.