The power of solar

Most people think that utilizing the power of the sun is a relatively novel idea. That could not be further from the truth. The methods to utilize the power of the sun have been around for ages. In fact, the first solar panel was invented in the year 1883 by Charles Fritts using selenium. At the time it was able achieve only 1% energy conversion.

The power of solar

Fast forward to the 21^st century now solar panels can achieve energy conversion close to 17-20% depending on the time of day. Typically, solar panels can generate energy for up to 6 hours a day depending on the location and the geography. On average a solar panel can generate about 300-400W per hour, which equates to 1800-2400W per day. Also, climate and weather play a key role in how much energy is being generated as they can influence the efficiency of the panels.

How solar panels work?

Solar panels utilize the power of the sun, but how do they function? Solar panels are made using photovoltaic cells, which allow for the conversion of the sun’s rays into energy. Each layer within the solar panel has different electric properties, which generate electric charges, and these charges move inside the panel. This process generates electricity, which is consequently passed to the converter, which allow it to go into the grid.

The benefit of solar panels is that they are relatively easy to install, do not create any noise, and are very safe as most are made predominantly using silicon.

Current state

From its’ humble beginning solar energy generation has exploded and has become one of the fastest growing markets of the green-energy transition. Globally, solar panels now account for 4.5% of all energy generation, and 38% of that figure is attributed to one country – China.

Countries by solar energy generation:

China - has been projected to have close to 500GW at the end 2023; and have 1000GW by end of 2026
European Union - has reached close to 260GW by end of 2023
USA - has around 131GW by end of 2023

Globally China is the leader in the sector with increasing capacity as well as the largest existing solar polar farms and it wants to become the dominant force in the field. According to the latest 5-year plan (published in 2022) China would like to achieve 33% of its’ electricity from renewable sources, with 18% coming from wind and solar projects. The development of new projects is gathering great pace in the USA, where thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) with estimates that by 2028 energy generation could reach 375GW. Also, the European Union not to fall behind has published some very ambitious goals of getting 45% of its’ electricity from renewable sources - with solar accounting for just about half of the 1236GW planned capacity.

The IEA has a very interesting report on the global developments in solar panel production and energy generation and I encourage you to take a peak - https://www.iea.org/reports/solar-pv-global-supply-chains/executive-summary

The largest solar power plants in the world are:

Golmud Solar Park, China - generates 2.8GW of energy
Bhadla Solar Park, India - generates 2.7GW of energy
Pavagada Solar Park, India - generates 2.05GW of energy

Not only that but almost all the major new projects that are currently being constructed are taking place in Asia.

The European Union is also undertaking huge investments in solar with one of the largest projects currently being built in Portugal. With an estimated completion date in 2025 the solar power plant would utilize 2 million solar panels capable of generating 1.2GW of energy, which would power 430,000 homes annually.

Conclusion

Solar panels have come a long way since its’ early days in the 19^th century. Now, they are being used across the globe and are poised to become the energy source for billions of people in the coming years. Thanks to increased investments, interest, and government support solar panels are poised to become one of the dominant renewable energy sources.

Photo by James Guetschow: https://www.pexels.com/photo/aerial-view-of-solar-farm-14096751/

Sources used(not an exhaustive list):

The 15 Largest Solar Farms in the World 2024 | Eco Experts

List of the 3 largest solar parks in Europe [2023] - Renewables.Digital

20 Biggest Solar Projects in Europe by 2021 - SolarFeeds Magazine

How Much Electricity Does a Solar Panel Produce?

How Much Energy Does A Solar Panel Produce? – Forbes Home

How much energy do solar panels produce for your home | YES Energy Solutions

Photovoltaic Energy Factsheet | Center for Sustainable Systems

How Does Solar Work? | Department of Energy

How does solar power work? | Solar energy explained | National Grid Group

Photovoltaics and electricity - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)