- Solar energy is the free energy source from the sun’s radiation which takes about 10 mins to reach earth, traveling about 90 million miles.
- It will require 191,000 square miles of solar panels to power the whole planet.
- China has been leading the world in terms of solar installations since as early as 2013. In 2015, it was noted as the world’s largest producer of photovoltaic power.
- Solar Energy is the future of green energy and can contribute significantly to minimizing Green House Gases (GHGs) emissions and global warming impacts.
Solar energy is one of the most trending topics today. The world is moving quickly towards greener energy. Every day we hear about solar-powered devices, houses, airplanes (Yes, you heard us: airplanes!), and much more.
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Mind-Blowing Solar Energy Facts
With this, you might also be a little curious about the new star in the energy business. Well, worry no longer! We have gathered the top 35 facts about solar energy for you.
11 Warm Solar Energy Facts
- Solar energy is the free energy source from the sun’s radiation which takes about 10 mins to reach earth, traveling about 90 million miles.
- The energy comprises radiations from our solar head, the sun, where the rays are collected via various concepts and used as electrical and thermal outputs.
- There are two core concepts for harnessing solar energy systems Active and Passive. Active solar harnessing uses photovoltaic cells to convert radiation into electricity. Passive solar power systems use radiation for air circulation and orient sunlight abundance spaces.
- The thermal solar power plant is used to generate thermal energy from solar radiation.
- Plants use solar energy for the process of photosynthesis. The green chemical created by plants further aids in converting biomass into fossil fuels.
- Horticulture and agriculture depend entirely on solar energy for the timing of seedlings, saplings, and rearings.
- Our planet receives 174 petawatts of solar radiation in the upper atmosphere, in which 30% hitting the earth is reflected in space (albedo effect) and land masses and oceans absorb others.
- There is a vital relationship between solar insulation and the water cycle. The solar radiation increases the earth’s temperature, and via evaporation and condensation, the rains later cool down the planet, maintaining the adjustable temperature.
- Solar energy is the 3rd most used renewable energy source.
- Solar energy is completely free of noise and air pollution.
- Common solar faqs include can we power the entire planet using solar and if yes, how many solar panels are required? Well, It will require 191,000 square miles of solar panels to power the whole planet.
4 History of Solar Energy
- The concept of solar energy dates back to the 7th century as the concept of magnifying the sun’s rays to create fire dates.
- The first solar cell was invented in 1954 and made up of silicon built by Bell Laboratories.
- The severe oil crisis back in 1970 helped solar energy grow even more popular choice of energy source.
- The solar energy installation cost dropped from $8/watt to $3/watt in 1977. With new technologies and policy reformation, this price is continuously being minimized.
7 Solar Energy Power Plants Facts
- Solar Energy Plants Can Last 25-40 Years with no fuel requirements and low maintenance.
- The concentrated solar energy systems accumulated all the radiations in a particular spot using lenses and generated a considerable amount of electricity.
- The largest solar power plant is in India, with a capacity of 2245 MW.
- The top concern with solar energy is usually about what happens on cloudy days or how efficient these lights can be during the night. However, with capable battery backup, this energy can be stored excellently. Moreover, these solar panels can still collect solar energy on cloudy days.
- These panels are built to last many years and only require occasional cleaning. The batteries don’t need to be replaced or serviced and can serve you for a long time.
- The average efficiency of solar panels is about 20%.
- The number of solar panels installed in the US is more than 2.5 million.
5 Solar Energy and Nations Facts
- China has been leading the world in terms of solar installations since as early as 2013. In 2015, it was noted as the world’s largest producer of photovoltaic power. Similarly, in 2018, China held the world record for the most significant operational solar project with its 1547 MW capacity.
- It took the solar industry nearly of USA 40 years to get to 1 million installations. But the following million milestones were reached within just the next three years. Currently, it aims to hit 4 million installations by 2023.
- California is home to the largest solar power plant in the world, the Ivanpah Solar Power Facility, covering over 1000 acres. This plant has been active since 2014 and has a gross capacity of 392 megawatts (MW). In 2017 alone, the state generated 20,163 MW of solar energy.
- The country trailing China in solar energy production are the EU, the united state, Vietnam, and Japan.
- Las Vegas, the city of lights, entirely operates on solar energy 24/7.
9 Innovation in Solar Energy Facts
- We can now find solar-powered water heaters, floodlights, motion detectors, solar lights, attic fans, pool covers, solar pond pumps, and much more. As solar energy grows more versatile, we can now find a solar-powered version of nearly every electrical appliance.
- Creating Salt from Seawater is one of the Oldest Uses of Solar Energy.
- Solar energy has been utilized in space stations since as early as 1950. The space industry has been harnessing solar energy to power its spaceships. The first artificial earth satellite, Vanguard 1, remained the oldest artificial satellite in orbit and was powered by solar cells.
- In early 2016, the Solar Impulse 2 flew a plane powered solely by solar energy worldwide. A Swiss pilot Bertrand Piccard took flight from Abu Dhabi and made headlines regarding the potential of solar energy.
- In 2019 the concept of community solar power began. The idea is to install massive solar farms in one location to benefit an entire community. This idea has been popular in four states: California, Colorado, Minnesota, and Massachusetts.
- The initial investment is always a point of concern for potential buyers. However, when the overall lifespan of a solar panel is considered that too with next to no operational costs, solar energy pays for itself.
- The average electricity bill in an American household is around $1300 annually. This bill can be reduced to nearly negligible with a full implementation of solar power. Moreover, there are many incentives that different states provide to encourage home solar energy usage, such as a 30% solar tax credit break.
- Until five years ago, solar panels boasted a 17-18% efficiency. But as of 2019, companies like Tesla, SunPower, and Panasonic have started offering up to 23% efficiency solar panels.
- The typical house requires 20-24 home solar panels to power 100% of the house appliances.
4 Halting Climate Change Facts
- Solar Energy is the future of green energy and can contribute greatly to minimizing Green House Gases (GHGs) emissions and global warming impacts.
- According to the International Energy Agency report, continuous growth in the field of solar energy is necessary to limit global warming to 2°C.
- A fully Solar-Powered Home can Reduce 100 Tons of carbon dioxide emissions Within Just 30 Years.
- Solar energy consumption is much cheaper than fossil fuels as an energy generator.
The essential fact of solar energy is that we need clean solar energy to save the planet. Harnessing and adequately utilizing is efficient as technological innovation is being uplifted. Commercial solar uses to produce power saves money and preserve the environment.
