Zuva Energy: The Future of Solar Energy – A Review
Solar power has been around for hundreds of years but has only become a widespread part of our daily lives in the past decade. The cost of solar panels has decreased by more than 90% in the same time period, making it more accessible to average consumers. Mobile phones, tablet computers, and other electronic devices use solar power to their benefit, often charging themselves when connected to a solar panel. These electronic devices become more accessible as the electricity needed to power them becomes cheaper thanks to the growing presence of solar energy.
While the future of solar power looks extremely positive, there are still some uncertainties surrounding its long-term growth. We take a closer look at these uncertainties in this article and dive into the potentials and pitfalls that the industry may face in the near future.
The Growing Need For Electricity
Thanks to the growing presence of solar power and renewable energy sources such as wind and water, electricity demand is on the rise. In 2017, worldwide electricity consumption was 4.9 trillion kilowatt hours, and this number is expected to hit 6.3 trillion kWh by 2030. As the world becomes more digital, more people will rely on electronics and devices to get their daily dose of information. This means that more electricity will be needed to power these devices.
Alongside this increase in demand, there is also considerable uncertainty surrounding the future of electricity supply. While there are a number of proven technologies that generate electricity from renewable sources, these sources are highly dependant on the weather and can fluctuate drastically.
For example, solar energy production can drop by as much as 20% in the event of a cloudy day or when the sun is not directly overhead. This can cause significant problems for power stations that rely heavily on solar energy to generate their supply. In the face of such uncertainty, it is important to examine the role that electricity plays in our lives and the growing demand for such power. To do this, we will take a closer look at some of the devices that rely on electricity for their operation, starting with mobile phones.
The Rise Of The Electric Car
The global market for electric cars, scooters, and motorcycles is forecasted to grow from 795,500 units in 2017 to more than 12 million vehicles by 2025. This represents a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 14.1%.
Even older generations are getting in on the action and are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. In 2015, more than 500,000 vehicles were sold in the UK alone, with nearly a quarter of these being electric vehicles. This is expected to rise to more than 2.5 million in 2025.
The benefits of driving electric are well-documented – from cleaner air to reduced noise and vibration – and with battery technology improving all the time, the efficiency and usability of these cars is set to increase.
The Growth Of Electric Lighting
Incandescent light bulbs failed to make a significant impact in the 20th century; however, that may be changing as LED (light emitting diode) bulbs grow in popularity. In 2025, 40% of the light bulbs sold worldwide will be LED, and this proportion is expected to grow to nearly 60% by 2035. This makes lighting a more efficient and eco-friendly option, considering that these bulbs have a significantly reduced impact on the environment compared to traditional incandescent bulbs (which contain lead and need to be replaced every 3-7 years).
Alongside this rise in demand for lighting is increased interest in energy saving measures. In the UK, there have been government-backed initiatives to improve energy efficiency across all sectors, resulting in a 25% reduction in carbon emissions since 2010. This drive has culminated in 2020 with the publication of the National Energy Strategy, which calls for a 33% reduction in energy consumption by 2025 compared to 2005 levels.
The Growth Of Robot Help
Robot help is set to increase in demand as the population ages and more people rely on technology to perform simple tasks. In 2025, 7.1 million American households will have some form of robot helper, and this number is expected to reach 13.9 million by 2035. This is a 66% increase in the past five years.
Similarly, the worldwide market for household robotics is set to grow from $6.9 billion in 2021 to over $12.6 billion by 2027, an increase of 77%. This is good news for anyone who wants to keep an eye on their house while on the go. From mailboxes to lawn mowers and snow blowers, even oil drilling platforms have started to take advantage of this technology, replacing human labor with robots to make their jobs more efficient.
If the future of renewable energy looks promising, it’s because of the many benefits that these sources provide. However, this growing appetite for electricity presents several challenges. To ensure that these technologies can continue to provide us with the power we need, we need to ensure that the industry continues to develop and expand, while also dealing with the issue of global warming. This means finding a way to generate more energy from renewable sources and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels – especially given that oil prices are expected to rise in the coming years.
Fortunately, there are several approaches that industry can take to ensure the long-term growth of solar energy. From government incentives to improve the efficiency of solar cells and devices to innovations that allow electronics to be powered by solar energy, the industry is taking steps to ensure that this abundant source continues to provide us with power when we need it.