9 Awesome facts about: solar energy, photovoltaic panels,...
Photovoltaic panels ( pv panels) have been the subject of many news and discussions in recent years, especially when faced with the energy crisis in Europe. However, many aspects and capabilities of this source of energy have remained unknown.
Palmore international as a well known photovoltaic panel supplier and manufacturer in Oman has reviewed 9 awesome facts on solar that may be surprising for you.
1- Solar energy is the most abundant source of energy on earth
The solar energy that reaches the earth every hour is enough to meet the energy needs of everyone on the planet for the entire year .
If we could control even one hour of solar energy reaching the Earth each year, we could keep every ounce of oil, every piece of coal, and every cubic foot of natural gas in the ground.
For example, if the Mojave Desert is covered with photovoltaic panels, it will produce more than twice the electricity that the United States uses annually.
2- The price of solar panels has decreased by 99% since 1977!
A simple solar cell cost about $77 per watt in 1977. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association and GTM Research’s Solar Market Report published in the third quarter of 2017, the cost of a solar cell is now 21 cents per watt. The whole assembled module costs 39 cents per watt.
Read this article : What are the 3 Types of solar panels?
3- Solar energy is cheaper than fossil fuels!
According to an analysis by Lazard, unsubsidized solar costs 4.3 cents per kilowatt-hour, which is cheaper than almost any option for new fossil-fuel power plants. The cheapest fossil fuel option is natural gas, which costs between 4.2 and 7.8 cents per kilowatt hour.
Depending on the location, solar energy is cheaper than coal, diesel, nuclear, and in most cases, natural gas, especially in the South American countries. If the cost reduction pattern is taken into account, it won’t be long before solar power overtakes any form of fossil fuel.
4- Solar power plants can last 40 years or more!
When a solar plant is built, it is usually backed by a power purchase agreement from a customer that lasts 20 to 25 years, but that doesn’t mean the plant will be worthless two decades from now.
Not only do photovoltaic panels last 40 or 50 years, but the infrastructure of a solar power plant is very valuable. Photovoltaic panels may be replaced by newer, more efficient modules at a lower cost. In this way, they improve their performance, but once this base is established and the infrastructure is built, the solar power plant has a very long life.
Read this article : Advantages of solar energy
5- China is the biggest leader in solar energy
Solar energy is starting to get a lot of attention in the US, but it’s still very small compared to China. GTM Research estimated in 2017 that the US would install 12.4 gigawatts of new solar energy systems. China installed 24.4 GW of solar power capacity in the first half of this year alone, and will probably exceed 50 GW for the entire year.
6- Solar energy can improve world health
Pollution caused by the burning of fossil fuels has a negative effect on global health. With rooftop photovoltaic panels, it is possible to eliminate pollution by 100 tons of carbon dioxide per year for a 30 year period! As a result, everyone on this planet will be able to breathe cleaner air.
7- 39% of the new installed power generation capacity in 2016 was solar
39% of the new electricity capacity in 2016 was from solar energy, which shows a significant growth compared to 4% in 2010. As costs come down and more power plants look to solar equipment, the percentage of new installations is likely to increase.
8- Solar energy is the fastest source of energy to use
When disaster strikes, no power source can be built or repaired as quickly as solar, as was the case in Puerto Rico after this year’s hurricanes. Tesla and others managed to build small solar power plants with energy storage capability on the island within a few weeks. No fossil fuel sourced power plant or renewable energy facility can start up this quickly.
9- Airplanes can be powered by solar panels
There is still a chance for you to change your mind if you still think that solar energy is only a fad. In recent years, some of the world’s largest corporations have been investing large sums of money into the development of 100% solar-powered airplanes. The first person to jump out of a solar-powered airplane became famous on the internet after he became the first person to jump out of the plane in Switzerland.
If you consider buying and installing photovoltaic panels with the best price in Oman or you’re willing to get more info on it, feel free to contact Palmore International solar experts for free consultation.
Sources: moxiesolar.com
Ask Free Consultation
We are pleased to offer you free consultancy, contact us now!