It’s a common question: How long has solar energy been around? While there’s no exact answer to this, there are some pretty reliable statistics that can help give an idea of solar’s presence in this world. Let’s take a quick look at them!
History Of Solar
The first solar cell was invented in 1836, but it wasn’t until the 20th century that solar technology started becoming a big deal. That’s when large-scale solar power started becoming feasible, and businesses and governments started realizing the advantages of using non-renewable sources of energy. Since then, solar power has been on the rise.
Solar energy isn’t a new invention though. The Sun has been providing us with free and abundant energy for millennia. It was only a matter of time before we started taking advantage of that fact.
Cost Of Solar
The cost of solar power has been declining steadily, and solar is now a widely available and affordable energy option for homes and businesses worldwide. That’s largely thanks to government subsidies and market-driven policies like the Investment Tax Credit and the Production Tax Credit provided by the U.S. government, which encourage solar power investment and manufacturing, respectively.
The cost of solar power is also impacted by the cost of the equipment used to collect it. However, since roof-mounted solar panels have become so commonplace, the initial investment cost has become negligible. Just like any other appliance or equipment, the cost of solar power will continue to decline as long as market demands exist for its products.
Global Installations
If you’re wondering how long has solar energy been around, simply look at the worldwide installations of photovoltaic (PV) technology. According to the research firm Global Market Insights, there were 269 megawatts (MW) of solar power installations around the world in 2016. That’s up from 240 MW in 2015 and 229 MW in 2014. Furthermore, there were over 54,000 megawatts of solar power generation capacity worldwide as of 2016.
Solar energy isn’t just a fad; it’s here to stay. Just look at all the industries and businesses that have shifted to solar energy in the last few years.
Many large-scale solar power plants are built with factories that span multiple states to reduce the cost of raw material and shipping. The industry also takes a lot of time to plan and build, so if you’re looking for a quick and easy solution, solar could be a viable option. However, if you want to save money in the long term, shifting to solar wouldn’t be the best choice. In the end, it’s all about finding the right balance between cost and benefit.
Energy Diversification
Depending on where you are located and what resources you have available, energy diversification is an essential. With fossil fuels being more expensive and more prone to catastrophes like the ones we’ve seen in the news recently, it’s no secret that we’re nearing the end of the road for some industries. This is particularly important for those located in coal-reliant regions. If you’re one of them, diversifying your energy sources is an absolute must.
Thankfully, there are plenty of opportunities to do just that. If you want to generate your own solar power and reduce your dependence on the electric company, consider going solar. Not only is it a low-cost option that provides you with clean energy, it also provides you with an additional source of income. Furthermore, depending on how large your roof is, you may be able to generate enough energy to meet your household’s needs. Not only that, but you can also use the energy you generate to pump water for your garden.
If you live in a region that gets a lot of sunlight and you don’t have access to renewable energy, you could also look into investing in a water heater that relies on solar power. These heaters use the energy of the Sun to heat the water, so you don’t have to rely on your electric company for heat as well. Not only is it a cost-effective solution, it also provides you with an additional layer of security in terms of energy supply. For these reasons and more, solar power is a viable option for anyone looking to reduce their energy dependence.
It’s a common question: How long has solar energy been around? While there’s no exact answer to this, there are some pretty reliable statistics that can help give an idea of solar’s presence in this world. Let’s take a quick look at them!