Stanford University has published some research in Environmental Science and Technology revealing that the solar power industry is probably generating more energy than it is actually taking to manufacture solar panels.
That is a huge achievement but why? Well, only five years ago, the
solar panel industry was actually using about 75 per cent more energy
than it was generating.
The solar power industry appeared to have an excellent year in 2012. Based on statistics from the Solar Energy Industries Association the solar market in the United States of America grew by an incredible 76 per cent. We have previously commented in an earlier article about the fact that in March 2013 Australia saw its 1 millionth solar panel system installed.
Since 2010, solar power capacity has increased by a commendable 100 per cent in both concentrated and photovoltaic format. That statistic represents a huge reduction in carbon emissions.
What is also interesting and is good to hear is that if solar panel installations continue as they are doing the liability in respect of carbon and energy usage required to produce the solar panels may be paid off by 2015 but definitely by 2020. By 2020, a mere 2 per cent of the electricity produced internationally will be needed to ensure the growth of the solar power industry.
Reasons for this are due to improved ways of manufacturing that need a lower level of energy to make and install solar photovoltaic units plus a better quality of solar panel is now being made. In addition, solar cells are proving to be much more efficient when it comes to doing the job that they are intended for – the conversion of energy that emanates from the sun into electricity.
Interestingly, it is Germany that accounts for around 40 per cent of the world’s installed solar power yet they do not exactly benefit from a great deal of sunshine. In the case of Saudi Arabia, it is forecast to have 20 gigawatts by 2010 and 41 GW by 2032.
Let us hope that the solar panel industry continues to flourish although it will be interesting to see if the issues between China, USA and the EU will have a negative impact.
http://www.solarpanelsuk.co.uk/news/?p=1677
Stanford University has produced some interesting solar power research
(image credit: Sandip Bhattacharya)
(image credit: Sandip Bhattacharya)
The solar power industry appeared to have an excellent year in 2012. Based on statistics from the Solar Energy Industries Association the solar market in the United States of America grew by an incredible 76 per cent. We have previously commented in an earlier article about the fact that in March 2013 Australia saw its 1 millionth solar panel system installed.
Since 2010, solar power capacity has increased by a commendable 100 per cent in both concentrated and photovoltaic format. That statistic represents a huge reduction in carbon emissions.
What is also interesting and is good to hear is that if solar panel installations continue as they are doing the liability in respect of carbon and energy usage required to produce the solar panels may be paid off by 2015 but definitely by 2020. By 2020, a mere 2 per cent of the electricity produced internationally will be needed to ensure the growth of the solar power industry.
Reasons for this are due to improved ways of manufacturing that need a lower level of energy to make and install solar photovoltaic units plus a better quality of solar panel is now being made. In addition, solar cells are proving to be much more efficient when it comes to doing the job that they are intended for – the conversion of energy that emanates from the sun into electricity.
Interestingly, it is Germany that accounts for around 40 per cent of the world’s installed solar power yet they do not exactly benefit from a great deal of sunshine. In the case of Saudi Arabia, it is forecast to have 20 gigawatts by 2010 and 41 GW by 2032.
Let us hope that the solar panel industry continues to flourish although it will be interesting to see if the issues between China, USA and the EU will have a negative impact.
http://www.solarpanelsuk.co.uk/news/?p=1677