Worldwide Solar Energy Facts

In order to make better and more informed decisions, we all need to learn some common solar energy facts. Solar energy is receiving more attention than ever before. It’s becoming more affordable, and more efficient all the time. With all of the concern about global warming and our carbon footprints, finding alternative sources of energy just makes sense and solar power is one of the most talked about and accepted methods.

Every day, enough sunlight hits this world in one hour to power the entire earth for a whole year. If we harnessed all that energy, we could eliminate the need for fossil fuels, and virtually eliminate carbon emissions from electric consumption. This has to be one of the most astonishing solar energy facts.

With all of the bare land that’s not being used, especially in desert areas where nobody wants to live anyway, we could build energy collectors large enough to power whole cities or countries and as technology advances, these collection areas would need less and less room to be efficient and effective.

The three leading countries in solar power production in 2007 were Germany, Japan, and the United States. Many countries in Europe are now following Germany’s lead and implementing solar power options and programs. In 2008, worldwide solar installations increased by 110%. Spain had the largest market in the world for solar energy, knocking Germany down to the second largest. The US market grew considerably; placing it third, while Japan was knocked all the way to number six by Korea and Italy.

Governments all over the world are implementing initiatives and incentive plans to encourage the use of solar power and making solar energy facts more widely available to their citizens. This could account for a large part of the rapid growth the industry is experiencing.

In Germany for instance, they have implemented several programs including the fees-in tariff which guarantees a higher than market price for solar photovoltaic generated electricity, providing security for investors. Then, there is the 1,000 roofs program, which expanded to the 100,000 roofs program where the German government provided subsidies to individuals to cover the cost of installing rooftop solar systems. These have contributed to the growth of solar power use in the country, making it a leader in the movement.

In the United States, solar power still constitutes a very small amount of the energy produced each year. California is the leader in trying to change this trend. They have several initiatives both at the state level and in individual counties and cities promoting the switch to renewable energy source. Other states have also provided incentives and programs but not on the scale California has.

As solar energy facts become more favorable for the homeowner, the demand for solar cells and panels continues to increase. Hundreds of thousands of jobs have become available thanks to solar technologies and the demand for production of the systems. Research, marketing, and production jobs are all on the rise. Do-it-yourselfers are looking for the kits that they can buy, creating more jobs in that market.

Homeowners and small businesses are seeing more advantages every year by switching. Solar energy facts are looking more promising all the time with the advanced technologies and falling costs of installation. Between the governmental incentives and the savings seen on electric bills each month, there is really no reason not to learn more about this wondrous form of energy.

Click here to leave Solar Energy Facts and return to Solar Energy