Discover more about the ever-increasing use of solar power – now one of the world’s leading sources of renewable energy
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With ever-increasing energy demands – and the lower cost of solar power compared to its nuclear and fossil fuel counterparts – harnessing energy from the sun is becoming more popular than ever.
In 2022, solar power (PV) took the post to become the third largest renewable electricity source, after hydropower and wind. And by the end of 2023, a 64 per cent global increase in solar builds was reported – the biggest uptick in mainland China, which in 2023 commissioned as much solar PV as the entire world did in 2022.
How does it work?
There are two broad types of solar technology: photovoltaic (PV) cells and solar thermal plants (CSP). PV cells are those found within solar panels. Usually made of silicon, solar panels are fitted into a metal panel frame encased in glass. When the silicon or other similar material is exposed to sunlight, it releases electrons which in turn produce electric charge and a subsequent current. Converting this current means it can then be used within households, allowing plug-in appliances to work.
For large-scale power plants, concentrating solar-thermal power systems are used. By utilising mirrors to reflect sunlight onto receivers, solar energy is captured and then converted to heat. This is either stored or converted to electrical energy.
Contrary to popular belief, solar power doesn’t need full daylight to work. Only some daylight is needed – although having more direct sunlight and an increased number of solar panels in use is the most efficient way of producing solar power and renewable energy. Amid the cost of living crisis and rising energy bills, Britons have turned to renewable energy, with more than 50,000 households installing arrays between January and March 2023, the highest since 2015.
The benefits of solar power
One of the biggest advantages of solar power compared to fossil fuels and other non-renewable energy sources is its low emissions. Renewable energy sources such as solar power produce little to no global greenhouse gas emissions – compared to fossil fuels which contribute to more than 75 per cent of the world’s total greenhouse gases.
Additionally, the rapidly lowering cost of electricity from solar power is another benefit. Between 2010 and 2020, the price fell by 85 per cent – making electricity from solar power a more financially feasible option for businesses and individuals across the world. The renewable energy source additionally boasts a plentiful supply that other sources, such as nuclear and fossil fuels, are unable to match. In just an hour and a half, the Earth’s surface is hit with enough sunlight to power the entire world’s energy consumption for an entire year.
The benefits of solar power extend beyond its sustainable supply, cost and emissions. A 2022 study led by Solar Energy UK, alongside Lancaster University, also found that solar farms can increase biodiversity and nature restoration. Analysing 87 solar sites across the UK, the study found that vulnerable and red-listed species – such as skylarks, linnets and yellowhammers – were present. Such research demonstrates the multi-faceted importance of solar energy, and its cultivation of a better environment for both humans and wildlife.
The potential environmental impacts
Although renewable energy sources are far more environmentally clean than their non-renewable counterparts, concern still exists regarding the vast quantities of land required for larger-scale solar power plants to operate.
Solar power plants take up a considerable amount of land – ranging from 3.5 to 16.5 acres per megawatt – which often cannot be shared with agricultural uses. To meet US energy consumption requirements, almost 19 million acres of land – equivalent to 0.8% of the country – would be needed. Land degradation on such a vast scale may pose an impact to surrounding wildlife and vegetation. However, by considering alternative sites to build large-scale plants on – such as repurposing salt-affected or contaminated land – both the goals of clean energy and land preservation can be met.
Ensuring that waste is also disposed of safely is paramount to the long-term success of utilising solar energy. It is estimated that by 2050, solar energy systems could contribute to up to 78 million tonnes of solar panel waste – namely materials such as metals and glass needed to build these cells, panels and other infrastructure.
The solar power frontier & and its future
Although currently, solar farms are the predominant way in which solar power is harnessed on a large scale, scientists at Oxford University have made a breakthrough to suggest otherwise.
Their development of a new, ultra-thin solar cell coating which can generate electricity when applied to any surface revolutionises the current solar technology. Affixing it to backpacks, cars and even buildings, researchers found that the energy efficiency of this coating was the same as solar panels. It is hoped that development, combined with substantial investment and support by governments, will allow the cost of solar energy to be reduced even more to make it the most sustainable renewable resource in the world.
