6 Interesting Solar Energy Facts You Probably Didn’t Know
The solar energy industry is booming and there’s plenty of interesting facts that you may not be aware of. This renewable energy source has been improving every year, and one day, it could even be the premiere way homes are powered.
Here are some of the most interesting solar energy facts, you probably didn’t know.
Interesting Solar Energy Facts
1. The Most Abundant Energy Source In the World
Without a doubt, solar energy is the most abundant in the world with 173,000 terawatts continuously. To put this another way, there is 10,000 times the world’s energy demand reaching the earth at any given moment.
Currently, the world can’t even capture 1% of that. Talk about potential growth, though.
And if we ever run out of solar energy, the planet has much bigger problems than simply trying to turn on the lights.
2. Solar Panels in the United States Face South
The direction that your solar panel faces is extremely important. It directly affects the amount of energy it can produce, which is why in the United States, solar panels almost always face south. And this is because solar panels produce the most energy at this angle.
And in the southern hemisphere, solar panels face north.
3. On Average, Homeowners Break Even in 8 Years
Solar panels are a big investment for most homeowners. And in the past, it would take much longer to earn back those initial costs. However, modern panels are much more efficient at generating electricity. Today, you can break even in just 8 years.
And considering that most panels come with a 25-year warranty, it’s an amazing investment.
4. The Fastest Energy Source to Set Up in Emergency
When disaster strikes, getting the power back on is the top priority. However, if there is extreme damage to power lines and power plants, alternative sources must be looked at. And there is no better candidate than solar energy.
A great example of this was during the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.
5. A Plane Powered By Solar Pannels Flew Around the World
This did not get nearly enough of the coverage it deserved, which is why you’ve probably never heard of it. In 2016, the Solar Impulse 2 successfully flew around the world in just 550 hours. Many believed that this was an impossible challenge.
Perhaps solar energy will help the airline industry tackle their colossal emissions problem.
6. Space-Based Solar Panels Can Send energy Anywhere on the Planet
Believe it or not, research is underway to test the efficiency of space-based solar panels (SBSP), and so far it has been a huge success. The technology has the potential to collect sunlight before it reaches Earth and send it anywhere on the planet.
While this may sound futuristic or something out of a movie, it’s real and is currently in development.
It’s Got A Bright Future
Here’s a fact that everyone knows, solar energy is here to stay and it’s going to continue growing. The energy sector is undergoing a green transition that will take several decades to complete.
Renewable sources like solar, wind, hydropower, biomass and even non-renewable sources like nuclear that does not produce carbon will play a major part in decarbonization.
Here’s to a brighter future.
Robert has been following and writing about environmental stories for years at GreenGeeks. He believes that highlighting environmentally friendly practices can help promote change in every household.