5% of global electricity is generated from Solar

Solar energy is a form of renewable energy derived directly from the sun. This radiant energy is captured and converted into electricity or thermal energy and is widely used across the globe in many different ways. Solar energy generation is a crucial part of ensuring a low-carbon future, contributing clean, sustainable and green power on a large scale. Truly unlimited, solar energy is captured using multiple technologies, including solar panels, solar water heating, and, on a large scale, concentrated solar power systems.

The use of solar energy for generating electricity primarily involves solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. These panels are composed of cells made from semiconducting materials, typically silicon, which absorb sunlight and produce a flow of electricity. When sunlight strikes a solar cell, photons from the light trigger the release of electrons from the cell, creating an electric current. This current can be captured and utilized for electricity generation. With the right infrastructure in place, solar energy can feed directly into the electricity grid, powering homes, businesses, and even communities.

One of the key advantages of solar energy is its low carbon intensity. Solar energy emits an average of 45 gCO2eq/kWh, a significantly lower figure when compared to fossil fuels such as coal and gas, which produce 820 gCO2eq/kWh and 490 gCO2eq/kWh respectively. This means solar energy production results in substantially fewer greenhouse gas emissions, contributing significantly less to climate change and air pollution than conventional fossil fuel energy sources.

Solar energy also makes a significant contribution to global electricity generation. As of current statistics, solar energy is responsible for generating 4.51% of all electricity consumed globally. This takes into account all forms of solar energy generation, from home rooftop solar panels to large-scale solar farms. This global figure underscores the worldwide acceptance and implementation of solar energy solutions for electricity generation.

The use and generation of solar power is even more impressive in specific countries, highlighting the potential for its increased uptake. For instance, in Australia, solar represents 13% of electricity generation. In the Netherlands and Germany, solar accounts for 15% and 10% of electricity generation respectively. Similar achievements have been recorded in Japan (10%) and Chile (17%). These countries stand as proof of the potential for solar energy to deliver clean, low-carbon electricity on a substantial scale.

In conclusion, the benefits of solar energy, including its low carbon intensity, the global contribution to electricity production, and its significant contribution to energy generation in countries such as Australia, the Netherlands, Germany, Japan, and Chile, demonstrate that solar is a key player in the shift toward low-carbon energy solutions. This, along with other low-carbon sources such as wind and nuclear power, show great promise in our collective effort to address the challenges of climate change and air pollution.