The year 2021 marked a significant milestone in the energy sector, with solar power making substantial strides in transforming global energy infrastructures. “Why the world’s oldest energy source is poised to power our future” is a topic that has gained increased relevance as countries strive for sustainable energy solutions. From China breaking records in solar capacity to the European Union relying heavily on solar for their electricity, solar power has emerged as a mainstay in the global energy industry, and the future looks even brighter.
The Revolutionary Rise of Solar Power
Barely a decade ago, solar power was a minor player in the global energy landscape. However, recent years have seen a remarkable shift. For instance, China’s solar capacity surpassed 1,000 gigawatts between January and May, becoming the first country to achieve this feat. Moreover, solar and wind were generating a quarter of the country’s electricity by April. In the European Union, solar became the primary source of electricity for the first time during the summer. Globally, solar now supplies 10 times more electricity than a decade ago.
Unleashing Solar’s Potential
Bill McKibben, a renowned American journalist and environmental activist, recently published “Here Comes the Sun,” a chronicle of the significant strides solar power has made. According to McKibben and other energy experts, solar power has the potential to transform everything from geopolitics to economies, and is our last, best hope for averting a climate catastrophe.
A Historical Perspective on Solar Energy
Solar energy is not a new concept. In fact, it has been used for over 6,000 years, with Bronze Age China using it for lighting fires and ancient Rome using it for heating bathhouses. The first photovoltaic cell was created by American inventor Charles Fritts in 1883. However, it was not until the late 70s that solar power began to be more widely used, with President Jimmy Carter installing 32 solar panels on the White House roof in 1979. The cost and efficiency of solar power have improved significantly since then, and it is now on track to become the dominant form of electricity generation by 2050.
Technological Innovation in Solar Power
Technological advancements have been instrumental in the rise of solar power. According to a report published by MIT, there have been 81 separate innovations in solar panel technology since 1970. These have resulted in a more than 99% reduction in the cost of solar technology. From hardware improvements to systemic changes, the solar industry has benefited from, and incorporated, innovations in other fields. The improvement in battery capacity for storing solar energy is another factor contributing to the rise of solar power.
The Role of Germany in Promoting Solar Power
Germany has played a pivotal role in creating a market for solar power. In 2000, Germany’s “red-green” coalition government passed the Renewable Energy Act, which mandated public utilities to purchase electricity generated by wind and solar. This led to a significant decrease in the cost of renewables, and by 2024, renewables represented 60% of Germany’s electricity mix.
China: The Global Leader in Solar Power
China has emerged as the global leader in solar power, both in terms of its own market and in powering the energy transition in the rest of the world. China is now supplying large emerging markets such as Brazil, India, and Pakistan, and as of July, the country was building 74% of all solar and wind projects. President Xi Jinping has announced that the country will cut its carbon emissions by 7% to 10% by 2035 through an expansion of wind and solar capacity.
The Future of Solar Power in Canada
While solar power has made significant strides globally, its adoption in Canada has been relatively slow. However, with the cost of solar energy now being so low and its growth so relentless, experts argue that Canada will inevitably have to increase its use of this renewable energy source.
The author Jason McBride is a technology writer for MaRS, a company that highlights innovation in Canadian companies. Torstar, the parent company of the Toronto Star, has partnered with MaRS to focus on the growth of Canadian innovation.
