Solar energy is growing rapidly. It is produced by sunlight to generate electricity. It is inexhaustible and renewable and is obtained by means of solar panels. It is undoubtedly one of the great revolutions that will mark the future of the planet, as it is one of the cheapest ways of producing electricity.
THE COUNTRIES THAT PRODUCE THE MOST SOLAR ENERGY
At the top of the solar energy production ranking is China, which is the undisputed leader. Although the Asian country is still the world’s largest emitter of CO2, it is committed to solar energy not so much for the sake of the environment but because of the need to generate energy quickly as the economy grows and the demands of its citizens increase. In just two years, China has managed to double its solar capacity and this is also due to the fact that it is the world’s largest manufacturer of solar panels.
In second place in the ranking is the United States. Since 1983, when construction of the SEGS thermal power plant began, it has produced more than 17 million megawatt-hours (MWh). Undoubtedly, this country has the technology, the talent and the environmental conditions required for large-scale deployment of solar energy. In addition, the United States is home to many of the world’s largest solar installations, including Gemini, Poplar, Topaciom Desert Sunlight and Misae 2.
Leading the third position would be Japan, which has been at the forefront of solar energy technology since the late 1990s. The Japanese government has prioritised solar energy, adapting its policies and offering subsidies and grants for installation, making panels more attractive and affordable. Japan continues to innovate in the sector with the goal of solar energy covering 10% of the country’s energy demand by 2050.
On the other hand, we have Germany, a country that has been one of the world’s leading generators of solar energy for several years. And what is its goal? That by 2050 the country should obtain at least 80% of its energy from renewable sources as part of its campaign to reduce carbon emissions.
Finally, in fifth place is India, which has set a goal of 450 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), solar power is expected to account for 31% of the country’s energy mix by 2040. A very ambitious goal for the country! Since solar energy prices are particularly low in the country, the government is cancelling construction projects for several coal-fired power plants.
Turning to solar energy sources has never been as environmentally friendly and cost-effective as it is today.