The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported a record 22% growth (exceeding 1000 TWh) in solar PV energy generation in 2021. This is an impressive figure showing significant progress in the industry.
Yet, even with 22% growth, solar power still only accounted for about 4% of global energy needs.
As we move towards global goals for lowering carbon emissions, such as the UN’s net-zero target for 2050, solar will need to increase its share of global energy needs.
In this article, we explore the current rise of solar power and suggest some areas of improvement that need to be addressed in order to achieve these ambitious global targets.
Research and development
Research and development in the solar power industry promises to help increase the efficiency of panels and storage, whilst developing the viability of solar as an alternative to fossil fuels.
There are already several exciting developments in this area. For example, research into tandem-cell solar panels promises to increase efficiency by 50-75%.
Other developments such as transparent solar panels that can be used as windows are making solar more viable across the board.
Reports suggest that investment into clean power sources, such as solar, is set to reach $1.7 trillion in 2023. This funneling of funds will help to establish better and wider arching research in solar.
As solar power continues to grow in popularity, businesses, governments, and organisations will need to invest more in technologies that promise to progress efficiency and viability.
Universities, research institutions, and industry will also need to collaborate to bring the best from each area together and find more innovative solutions to current solar challenges.
Incentives and policies
Many governments across the globe are already rolling out incentives and policies to support the growth of solar power.
For example, in the UK, the government passed legislation so businesses and individuals that install solar panels on their property must be offered a Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) by energy suppliers.
This scheme requires an offer of payment for surplus electricity exported to the grid by small-scale generators. This scheme helps make solar panels more affordable and potentially even profitable after a period of time.
However, this scheme replaced an earlier, more financially beneficial Feed in Tariff (FiT) scheme, which paid generators for power generated even if they use it themselves.
Although schemes like this make solar an attractive option, new schemes will be required for small and large-scale solar generators to help make solar a more financially viable option for a wider range of people and businesses.
This could include everything from tax credits to subsidies and grants. It may also include bringing back more lucrative schemes such as FiTs.
Education and awareness of solar power
The benefits of solar power are well established. Yet awareness of these benefits will need to grow to encourage the widespread acceptance required to make solar a viable replacement for fossil fuels.
There are already some campaigns to help educate people on solar power. For example, UK-based Solar for Schools works with educational organisations to help them install solar panels whilst educating pupils on their benefits and how they work.
The growth of schemes like this will help ensure the next generation of energy buyers are educated and aware of the benefits of solar power.
It will also help small-scale generators grow their understanding of getting the most from their panels such as how to maintain them and how to angle solar panels for maximum efficiency.
Integration and storage solutions
Solar power generation is only useful if that power can be used. Small-scale generators often benefit from being able to apply power generated directly to on-site electrical needs.
However, as the requirement for largest-scale solar installations grows, so too does the need for grid integration and storage solutions.
In smaller developed areas of the world such as the UK, grid integration is less of a concern, with only small connection cables being required to bring power into the grid. Yet in larger areas, grid connection remains a challenge and a considerable cost.
Storage is another major challenge. Again, small-scale generators can use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries such as those used in your phone and laptop (but larger). Whereas larger solar installations are faced with challenges when scaling this solution due to battery complexity and cost.
Substantial investment into more scalable storage solutions will be required as we see continued growth in solar power. The introduction of smart grids could also help better manage the flow and use of power generated by solar panels.
Monitoring and evaluation
Ultimately, the continued rise of solar power will require a proactive approach to monitoring and evaluation. Businesses and governments will need to continue creating ambitious targets for power generation and measuring progress against those goals.
For this to be made possible the industry will need to take a transparent approach. This will support progress tracking and the identification of areas of potential advancement.
Equally, governments need to consistently assess and review the success of incentives for small and large-scale solar power generators.
This will help them adjust these incentives to boost performance and increase the progress of solar rollout in their country.
The rise of solar power
Solar power has a clear and essential role in reaching global emission targets. We have found that solar power adoption is already on the rise with significant progress being made in recent years thanks to incentives, research, and widespread education.
However, we can also see that more needs to be done to make solar a viable replacement for fossil fuels. This includes progress in all areas from creating more efficient solar panels to increasing awareness of solar energy and its benefits for the planet.
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