The future of solar energy looks bright, according to a recent article from the Harvard School of Public Health. The article details how advancements in technology and decreasing costs are making solar energy more accessible and desirable for consumers and businesses alike.
In the article, they explain that the sun produces enough energy every second to provide the entire Earth with two hours of electricity. However, up until 2018, less than 2% of the world’s energy was solar. This has to do with the fact that, although the sun has been producing energy since it started shining, people didn’t know how to properly use it and take advantage of it.
In the last few years, new technologies have been developed and now going solar is more efficient and cost-effective than ever, which has led to a potential increase in the industry. In fact, the article highlights that the amount of energy collected from solar power increased over 300-fold from 2000 to 2019. And it’s predicted that solar energy will continue to grow and expand in the near future.
Solar Cells Materials: Cost and Efficiency
The article discusses the advancements being made in solar cell technology, including the development of new materials and improved efficiency.
Traditionally, solar cells have been made from silicon, which is a durable and reliable material but can be expensive to produce and less efficient than other materials. However, new developments in materials science have led to the creation of perovskite solar cells, which are significantly more efficient and cheaper to produce than traditional silicon cells.
Perovskite cells are made from a type of mineral crystal that can be processed into a thin film used in solar cells. These cells have the potential to be more efficient at converting sunlight into energy than silicon cells, and they have the added benefit of being lightweight and flexible. This makes them particularly useful for off-grid and mobile applications, such as in powering portable devices or satellites.
In terms of cost, perovskite solar cells are still more expensive than silicon cells because they are a relatively new technology, and there are still some challenges to be resolved in terms of scaling up production. However, the cost is expected to decrease in the coming years as production processes become more streamlined and demand for the technology increases.
Overall, the development of new materials and technologies in the solar industry, such as perovskite solar cells, is driving significant improvements in efficiency and affordability, making solar energy a more accessible and viable alternative to fossil fuels.
The Future of Solar Energy: What to Expect
One area that the article highlights is the rise of community solar projects. These projects allow individuals and businesses to invest in solar energy even if they are not able to install solar panels on their own property. Instead, they can purchase or lease a portion of a larger solar project and receive credit for the energy generated by their portion of the project. This makes solar energy more accessible to a wider range of people and helps to drive demand for renewable energy sources.
Summit Energy is committed to the movement towards clean renewable energy. Solar panels are an excellent technology, and we are thrilled to see an increasing number of homes and businesses making the switch to this sustainable energy source. As a company, we take pride in providing reliable and cost-effective solar energy to residents and businesses in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine, and surrounding areas. We have witnessed firsthand the positive impact that solar energy has on people’s lives, and we are passionate about continuing to drive change in this industry.
Switching to solar panels is a smart and sustainable choice that offers numerous benefits for both residential and commercial businesses. As advocates for renewable energy our team is always available to assist and support you through every step of the process of going solar. Let us help you make the transition to a brighter, cleaner, and more sustainable future.