Did you know that solar energy is the most abundant form of energy on Earth?! Solar power is a viable and sustainable solution for energy needs and is becoming more and more popular as people become more aware of the benefits. With all that in mind, let’s get into eight quick facts about solar in Australia that you may not have known.
HOW SOLAR PANELS WORK
Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity. Solar photovoltaic (PV) cells are made of silicon semiconductor materials. When the PV cells are exposed to sunlight, the photons knock electrons loose from the atoms.
As the electrons flow through the cell, they generate an electric current. Finally, the current flows out of the cell into metal conductors that form a circuit. The current can then be used for electrical power devices or recharge batteries.
SOLAR IS THE MOST ABUNDANT ENERGY SOURCE ON EARTH
Solar energy is the most abundant form of energy on Earth. Solar photovoltaic (PV) cells convert sunlight into electricity.
SOLAR PANELS DON’T NEED DIRECT SUNLIGHT TO GENERATE ELECTRICITY
Solar panels can generate electricity even on cloudy days. Although the solar panels won’t be working at their maximum capacity, they don’t need direct sunlight to generate electricity – they can still produce energy when the sun is behind clouds.
SOLAR IS A RENEWABLE RESOURCE
Solar power is a renewable resource, meaning it won’t run out like fossil fuels will eventually. In addition, solar panels have a relatively low environmental impact compared to other forms of energy generation such as coal or natural gas.
SOLAR IS THE FASTEST FORM OF NEW ELECTRICITY GENERATION
As of 12 years ago, solar energy represented only 0.06% of the energy mix worldwide. Since then, it has increased up to 1.11%. Solar now also makes up the largest proportion of growth in the renewable energy sector, where it grew from 0.8% in 2010 to 10.3% in 2019. In 2020 alone global solar power rose by a whopping 22% as installations experienced a boom.
SOLAR HAS LESS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT THAN TRADITIONAL POWER GENERATION
Solar panels have a relatively low environmental impact compared to other forms of energy generation such as coal or natural gas. Solar PV systems don’t produce greenhouse gases or other pollutants when generating electricity.
CHINA IS THE WORLD LEADER IN SOLAR ENERGY
China is the world’s leading producer of solar panels and installer of solar PV systems. In addition, the country has a Solar Photovoltaic Five Year Plan that sets ambitious targets for solar PV deployment.
USA IS THE LARGEST SOLAR ENERGY MARKET
Although China may be the world leader in solar energy, the United States is the largest solar energy market. Solar PV systems installed in the U.S. totaled 12,327 megawatts (MW) at the end of 2016, enough to power about two million homes.
There are many reasons why home and business owners choose to go solar. We’ve listed a few quick facts about solar, but we want to encourage you to do your research and speak to someone who can give you all of the information specific to your requirements.
The team at EFS can help you from your first enquiry through to the installation and aftercare. Contact us today on 1300 911 736 and make sure you’re keeping up with the team on Instagram and Facebook.
