8 Facts About Solar Panels
Solar Panels are some of the best ways to produce renewable energy in the world, pioneering a brand new method of reliable power without the need for fossil fuels and carbon dioxide. This technology has been revolutionary in helping the fight against climate change.
While there is still a long way to go before we are completely non-reliant on fossil fuels, having a great alternative that will continue to evolve and improve is something that environmental activists like ourselves can look forward to.
With this explosion in popularity in recent years, there are plenty of great facts that you may like to know about the world of solar panels! This is what we will be discussing throughout the rest of this blog post.
1. Solar Panels Do Not Need Direct Sunlight
One of the most important things you need to know about solar panels is that they do not require direct sunlight to generate electricity. They can produce energy anywhere there is daylight, not necessarily directly onto the panels. Even on cloudy days, solar panels can still generate power, although their efficiency is reduced compared to sunny conditions.
The technology inside solar panels uses photons, which are present in both direct and indirect sunlight, to produce electricity. However, optimal performance is achieved under direct sunlight conditions.
While it would still be ideal to place your solar panels in an area that is hit by the most direct sunlight, it is a good thing to know that they do not need to always be in direct sunlight all the time.
2. The First Solar Panel Was Created in 1883
The first solar panel was created in 1883 by American inventor Charles Fritts. He constructed the first selenium solar cell, which converted sunlight into electricity, although it was very inefficient compared to modern standards.
Since solar power feels like such a new invention that has been used to combat rapid climate change, it can be hard to believe that the first solar panel was invented so many years ago, in the height of the second industrial revolution – the event that led to much of the environmental issues we face today, including our reliance on fossil fuels.
3. Solar Panels Are Projected to Produce 25% of the World’s Energy by 2050
Solar energy is predicted to have a substantial impact on the worldwide energy mix by 2050. Solar panels are projected to provide up to 25% of the world’s energy demands by that time.
This rise is being driven by advances in solar technology, lower costs, and a growing awareness of the need for renewable energy sources to address climate change.
Improved battery storage technologies, such as lithium-ion and developing solid-state batteries, allow for more consistent energy storage, making solar power available even when the sun isn’t shining.
Solar energy systems are being connected more often with smart grids, allowing for better control of electricity supply and demand, hence improving the dependability and stability of solar power.
4. The Solar Energy Industry Has Grown 200x Since 2006
According to Forbes, The solar energy industry has experienced exponential growth since 2006, expanding by 200 times. This rapid growth is attributed to technological advancements, decreasing costs of solar panels, and supportive government policies and incentives aimed at promoting renewable energy adoption.
5. Solar Panel Efficiency Continues To Rise
The efficiency of solar panels has steadily improved over the years. Modern solar panels are now capable of converting a higher percentage of sunlight into usable electricity compared to earlier models.
This rise in efficiency is the result of continued research and development in solar technology, which includes novel materials and unique designs. As efficiency continues to rise, technology like battery storage systems makes solar panels much more usable every day.
6. In 2021, Solar Panels Accounted For 4% of the UK’s Total Energy Production
In 2021, solar panels contributed to 4% of the United Kingdom’s total energy production. This figure highlights the growing importance of solar energy in the UK’s energy mix, driven by national policies aimed at increasing the use of renewable energy sources.
As part of its commitment to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and battle climate change, the UK government has set ambitious objectives for increasing renewable energy’s proportion of the total energy mix. This covers regulations that encourage the installation of solar panels on residential, commercial, and public structures.
Financial incentives, such as feed-in tariffs (FITs) and the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), have helped increase solar technology use. These incentives make solar arrays more economically viable by paying for power generated or exported to the grid.
7. Over 1.4 Million Systems Have Been Installed Across the UK
As of recent reports, over 1.4 million solar panel systems have been installed across the United Kingdom. This widespread adoption reflects the increasing popularity and accessibility of solar energy for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
This figure is expected to rise significantly in the next years with the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicting that worldwide solar capacity will treble by 2030. This figure is very encouraging to hear as we look to tackle climate change as quickly as possible.
8. Solar Panel Costs Have Shrunk by Around 82% in the Last Decade
The cost of solar panels has decreased dramatically, shrinking by approximately 82% over the past decade. This significant cost reduction has made solar energy more affordable and accessible to a broader range of consumers, further driving the adoption of solar technology worldwide.
Making solar panels more affordable and accessible to everyone is a vital change that is encouraging to see. This is undoubtedly a necessary action if we want to see more people use solar energy in the future.