Five fascinating facts about solar energy: what you need to know about power plants

Solar energy is quickly becoming a formidable competitor to fossil fuels. SSPDaily has prepared five facts that show that the future belongs to clean energy.

An unlimited source of energy

Although renewable energy sources such as wind, water, geothermal energy, and biofuels are vital, solar energy has a number of unique advantages:

• Minimal environmental impact when placing solar panels
• Availability of sunlight in all parts of the world
• Efficiency of solar to electricity converters even on cloudy days
• Reliability of forecasting the availability of solar electricity

Unlike wind, the sun shines constantly, making it the largest and most inexhaustible source of energy.

China is a leader in the production and implementation of solar energy

Chinese solar power plants occupy a dominant position. The Chinese market accounts for 33% of the total number of installations in the world. However, in 2017, China's market share was 51%. In addition, the country intends to initiate the construction of an orbital solar power plant capable of transmitting energy to the Earth.

A pioneer in the field of aerial solar energy

In 2009, the Solar Impulse project successfully built and flew an airplane powered exclusively by solar energy. Receiving electricity during the day and using it from reserve reserves for night flights, the solar-powered aircraft flew continuously for 26 hours. In 2015-2016, the improved Solar Impulse 2 made a historic flight around the world.

Utilizing the energy potential of the Sahara

If only 1% of the Sahara Desert were covered with solar panels, the current energy needs of the entire world's population could be met. This seemingly inhospitable desert is a promising environmental solution. The use of abundant solar radiation in this region can replace hydrocarbons and nuclear reactions for electricity generation.

Solar energy is becoming economically viable in developing countries.

For residents of developing countries, solar energy has already become more affordable than traditional fuels. Since 1975, the cost of one watt of electricity has decreased by more than 200 times.

Surprisingly, the price of solar panels has fallen by 70% since 2010. Thus, their installation is driven not only by environmental concerns but also by economic benefits.