19 Solar Energy Facts You Probably Didn't Know

While solar energy is gaining popularity, it’s still relatively new to the average consumer. In our latest blog post, we’re sharing 19 fascinating solar energy facts that might surprise you. Whether you're new to solar power or a seasoned advocate for renewable energy, these insights are bound to intrigue you. Let's dive in!

 

19 Solar Energy Facts You Need to Know

Solar Energy Has Been Around for Over 2,700 Years

Believe it or not, humans have been harnessing the power of the sun for millennia. From ancient civilizations using sunlight for warmth and cooking to modern-day solar panels, the sun has always been a vital resource for humanity.

 

The First Commercially Viable Solar Cell Was Developed in 1954

Though solar energy has been around for centuries, it took until 1954 for Bell Laboratories to create the first commercially viable solar cell. This breakthrough marked the beginning of solar energy’s journey to prominence.

 

Solar Power Is Earth’s Most Abundant Energy Source

The potential of solar power is immense. In just one hour, the Earth receives enough sunlight to fulfill the global energy demand for an entire year. If the Mojave Desert, covering 124,000 square kilometers, were covered with solar panels, it could produce more than double the electricity consumed annually in the United States.

 

Solar Panel Costs Have Fallen by 99% Since 1977

Back in 1977, a single solar cell cost a staggering £65 per watt. Fast forward to today, and thanks to advancements in technology, the cost has plummeted to just £0.18 per watt, representing a 99% reduction over the past 45 years.

 

Solar Energy Is Free and Accessible

Sunlight is a free and abundant resource available to everyone. In under ten minutes, sunlight travels approximately 93 million miles from the sun to Earth, providing continuous energy throughout the day.

 

Solar Power Produces Zero Pollution

Apart from minor pollution generated during manufacturing, solar power is one of the cleanest and most sustainable energy sources available. It doesn’t emit harmful pollutants or contribute to climate change.

 

Solar Power Can Save You Money

As energy costs rise globally, solar power can help you save up to £300 annually on your energy bills, according to recent studies. Additionally, any surplus energy generated by your solar panels can be sold back to the National Grid, earning you extra income.

 

The Lifespan of a Solar Power Plant Exceeds 40 Years

Most solar power plants come with a 20- to 25-year power purchase agreement, but their usefulness doesn’t end there. The infrastructure can be upgraded with newer, more efficient solar panels at a fraction of the initial cost. Investing in solar power is a smart, long-term financial decision.

 

Solar Power Is the Leading Form of New Electricity Generation

Due to improved efficiency and decreasing costs, solar power has become the preferred choice for new electricity generation worldwide. In 2021, solar energy accounted for 28% of the UK’s total renewable energy production, marking a 6.9% growth since 2010.

 

Solar Power Is the Fastest to Deploy

Solar power stands out for its speed of deployment. When disasters strike, no other energy source can be installed or repaired as quickly. After Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in 2017, Tesla and other companies constructed a small solar power plant with energy storage in just a few weeks. Other energy sources would take significantly longer to implement.

 

Solar Panels Increase Home Value

Research shows that installing solar panels can boost your home’s resale value. While the exact amount varies depending on location, a solar setup typically adds a few thousand pounds to the property’s value.

 

Solar Panels Are a Long-Term Investment

With proper maintenance, solar panels can last for decades. Many manufacturers offer warranties of up to 25 years, ensuring long-term reliability and performance.

 

Solar Energy Powers Space Missions

One of the more unexpected facts is that solar technology has been used in space exploration since the early 1950s. For over five decades, solar power has provided energy for satellites and spacecraft. The Vanguard 1, launched in 1958, was the first satellite to use solar cells for power. Today, it remains the oldest functioning man-made satellite, having traveled over six billion miles.

 

Solar-Powered Aircraft Exist

While many know that solar energy powers electric cars and trains, it’s lesser-known that it can also fuel airplanes. Solar-powered planes can circumnavigate the globe using only solar energy. In 2016, Bertrand Piccard, a Swiss explorer and pilot, embarked on a global flight aboard the Solar Impulse II, a solar-powered aircraft. He completed the journey entirely on solar energy.

 

Solar Power Is Ideal for Temporary Use

Solar power’s ease of installation and reliance on sunlight make it ideal for temporary applications. Over the years, events like the Olympics, mining sites, and other temporary installations have utilized solar panels to provide reliable and accessible energy.

 

Solar Power Offers Round-the-Clock Energy

With solar storage systems, you can access solar power even during cloudy days or at night. By connecting a battery to your solar panel system, you can store excess energy for later use. This ensures you can power your home 24/7, reducing dependence on the grid.

 

Solar Panels Significantly Reduce Emissions

As concerns about climate change grow, solar panels offer a way to power your home without contributing to harmful emissions or greenhouse gases. According to the Energy Saving Trust, a typical household solar panel system can save around 1.3 to 1.6 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, depending on your location in the UK.

 

VAT on Solar Panels in the UK Is Temporarily Zero

In April 2022, the UK government temporarily eliminated VAT on solar panels, reducing it to 0% from the previous 5%. This initiative aims to encourage households to improve energy efficiency and lower costs. The zero-VAT period will continue until March 2027 before reverting to 5%.

 

Solar Panels Reduce Dependence on the Grid

Generating and storing your own solar energy reduces your reliance on the National Grid. This not only helps lower energy bills but also ensures you have a reliable energy source, especially during power outages.

 

Ready to start your solar energy journey? Contact us today, and our team will reach out to guide you through the process. Meanwhile, check out our blog for more information on solar panels and how they can benefit you.