Discover Solar
Solar power is experiencing rapid global growth and has become a prominent energy source. In 2020, more than one-third of newly installed power plants were solar-based, demonstrating its increasing popularity. Moreover, Europe achieved a new record for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations in 2021, making it a remarkable year in the history of European solar power. The cost of solar energy has significantly reduced due to impressive technological advancements, with a staggering 90% decrease since 2009. As a result, solar power has emerged as the most cost-effective energy source available today. Conservative estimates even suggest that solar power will dominate Europe's energy landscape by 2050. By exploring the fundamentals of solar power, one can gain an understanding of this environmentally friendly technology that is improving the lives, businesses, and ecosystems across Europe.
Key Numbers &
solar facts
0.16% - With just 0.16% of the Earth's land surface, solar power has the potential to meet the world's energy needs.
90% - The cost of solar energy has experienced an impressive reduction of 90% since 2009, marking it as the most significant cost decrease among all energy technologies.
4,000,000 - During the construction phase, the solar industry generates 2-6 times more employment opportunities compared to other energy sectors. In 2020, solar power created 4.7 million jobs globally.
96% - Solar energy produces significantly lower carbon emissions, with a reduction of 96% compared to coal and 93% compared to gas, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
How does solar energy work?
Solar energy operates by harnessing the power of sunlight and converting it into electricity through the use of photovoltaic (PV) panels.
When sunlight reaches a solar panel, the PV cells within the panel absorb the light energy.Â
This absorption initiates a process where electrical charges are generated and move within the cells in response to an internal electrical field. As a result, an electric current is produced.
The electricity generated by the PV panels is in the form of direct current (DC). To make it usable for various applications, such as powering homes, cars, or feeding into the electricity grid, the DC electricity is sent to an inverter. The inverter then converts the DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is the type of electricity commonly used in homes and businesses.
The AC electricity can be utilized immediately to power electrical devices or can be fed into the electricity grid to contribute to the overall energy supply. This process enables solar energy to provide a clean and renewable source of electricity for a variety of purposes.
The advantages of solar energy
Solar energy brings forth a multitude of benefits across various aspects.
Environmental:
Solar power is environmentally friendly, as it produces no air pollution or greenhouse gases. Compared to coal, it reduces GHG emissions by 96%, and compared to gas, it reduces emissions by 93%. Additionally, solar energy offers versatility in land use, helping to preserve reservoirs, restore biodiversity to fallow land, conserve water resources, and protect crops from extreme temperatures.
Social:
Solar power is highly accessible and provides electricity to millions of people worldwide who lack access to grid infrastructure. In Europe, solar installations have proven particularly beneficial during energy price crises, shielding households from exorbitant bills. Homes equipped with solar systems have saved up to 60% on their monthly electricity costs.
Economic:
Solar energy is a significant generator of employment opportunities. With appropriate policy support, it has the potential to create 1.1 million clean and sustainable jobs in the European Union by 2030. The growth of solar power can effectively transition workers from coal-dependent industries, ensuring that no communities are left behind in the transition to clean energy. Furthermore, solar development in Europe will strengthen the continent's energy supply resilience by rebuilding photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing and reducing dependence on external geopolitical factors and supply chain disruptions.