5% of global electricity is generated from Solar

Solar energy harnesses power from the sun's radiation, one of the most abundant and readily available energy sources on Earth. Through the use of photovoltaic (PV) cells or solar thermal systems, sunlight is converted into electricity or heat, facilitating numerous applications from household electricity supply to large-scale power generation. As a form of clean energy, solar power stands out for its capability to generate electricity without emitting greenhouse gases during its operation, making it a sustainable solution for mitigating climate change.

To generate electricity, solar photovoltaics employ semiconductor materials, typically silicon, that absorb photons from sunlight, causing electrons to become excited and generate an electric current. The process involves solar panels capturing sunlight and converting it into direct current (DC) electricity. This DC is then converted into alternating current (AC) electricity using inverters, which can be used to power homes, businesses, and grid systems. Additionally, solar thermal systems use mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight and generate heat, which is then used to produce steam that drives electricity-generating turbines.

Solar energy presents numerous advantages, key among them being its low carbon intensity. With an average carbon intensity of just 45 gCO2eq/kWh, solar power compares favorably with traditional fossil fuel sources such as coal, which emits around 820 gCO2eq/kWh, and natural gas at 490 gCO2eq/kWh. This low carbon footprint aligns solar with other low-carbon energy technologies such as wind (11 gCO2eq/kWh) and nuclear (12 gCO2eq/kWh), collectively offering crucial pathways for reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.

Globally, solar energy has been steadily increasing its share in electricity generation. Currently, it accounts for more than 5% of all electricity consumed worldwide. This global uptake reflects a broader recognition of the advantages of clean energy technologies. Solar is particularly prominent in countries like Australia, where it provides 16% of the national electricity supply. Similar statistics are observed in Europe, with the Netherlands, Malta, Spain, and Greece each generating 17% of their electricity from solar power. These impressive figures highlight the potential of solar energy to substantially contribute to national energy grids and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

The adoption of low-carbon technologies like solar, wind, and nuclear is crucial for a sustainable energy future. These sources share the advantage of minimal greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels, contributing substantially to the global effort to tackle climate change and reduce air pollution. Wind and solar are intermittent sources, yet can be balanced with the consistent base-load power provided by nuclear energy, creating a diverse and robust low-carbon energy portfolio. Together, these technologies pave the way for cleaner, greener electricity generation worldwide.