Check out 20 fascinating facts about solar energy, covering everything from its benefits to its innovative uses in today's world.
From powering homes to fueling spaceships, solar energy is a fascinating energy resource. Discover more about this clean and abundant energy source with these 20 fascinating facts about solar energy.
Fun facts about solar energy
MET Group is deeply committed to sustainable and green energy sources, including solar energy, one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly renewable resources. This dedication is reflected in our investments in multiple solar plants across Hungary and Spain, as well as the extensive coverage on our website, including:
- Why are solar panels good for the environment?
- Solar collector vs. solar panel: what is the difference?
- 5 ways to make sure your solar panels operate at their optimum
- Solar vs. wind energy: which is better?
This article focuses on 20 surprising and interesting facts about solar energy, which will help you think differently about this powerful energy source.
20 surprising and interesting facts about solar energy:
- In 1839, French physicist Edmond Becquerel made a groundbreaking discovery while studying the solar spectrum. He discovered the photovoltaic effect, which explains how electricity can be generated from sunlight. Becquerel is credited with discovering the principle behind solar energy.
- The first silicon solar cell, which paved the way for all solar-powered devices, was developed by Bell Laboratories in 1954. The breakthrough garnered significant attention from mainstream media, with The New York Times calling it “the beginning of a new era".
- Solar energy is the Earth's most abundant resource, with 173,000 TW striking the planet continuously. To put that into perspective, it is over 10,000 times the world's total energy consumption. In other words, the amount of solar energy hitting the Earth in just one hour exceeds the total global energy needs for an entire year.
- Before the invention of modern solar panels, people were already harnessing solar energy using simpler technologies. One early example is the primitive greenhouses used during Roman times to grow cucumbers year-round for the Roman Emperor Tiberius.
- Many famous historical figures, including Leonardo da Vinci and Thomas Edison, predicted the use of solar energy. Edison is often quoted as saying, "I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don’t have to wait till oil and coal run out before we tackle that. I wish I had more years left!" However, this quote has not been verified.
- The distance between the Sun and Earth is approximately 151.95 million kilometers, meaning sunlight takes about 8 minutes to travel from the Sun to the Earth's surface.
- Just 0.335% of the Earth's total surface area (approximately 494,687 square kilometers) would be sufficient to power the entire planet with solar panels.
- The International Space Station (ISS), a large space station in low Earth orbit, is fully powered by solar energy.
- Solar panels require minimal maintenance and can last for up to 30+ years.
- While the contribution of solar energy is steadily increasing, it accounted for only 4,264 TWh in 2023, which is just 2.32% of the total global energy consumption.
- In 2023, China led in solar energy production with 584 TWh, followed by the United States, India, and Japan.
- China has a solar panel farm designed in the shape of a panda bear.
- The Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan, India, covers 56 square kilometers and has a capacity of 2,245 megawatts, making it the largest solar park in the world in 2023.
- The cost of solar panels has been steadily decreasing, dropping by 80% since 2008.
- Currently, solar energy is one of the cheapest sources of power, costing less than natural gas or coal.
- Modern solar panels have become significantly more efficient. Compared to the technology of the 1980s, today’s panels are nearly twice as efficient, meaning they can produce twice the amount of energy.
- Solar energy is one of the greenest energy sources available. Although there are greenhouse gas emissions associated with its manufacturing process, these are offset within a few years of operation. Over its lifetime, solar panels have around 12 times fewer emissions than natural gas and 20 times fewer than coal.
- Solar panels do not emit air or water pollution after the manufacturing process, making them extremely environmentally friendly and beneficial for public health.
- Lightyear, a Dutch company, is developing a solar car powered by only solar energy.
- According to forecasts from the International Energy Agency, renewable energy sources are expected to account for over 42% of global electricity generation by 2028.
Conclusion
Solar energy supplies electricity to homes and businesses. It is a safe and sustainable energy source that helps to reduce our ecological footprint. For more information on energy, explore our articles.