19 Solar Energy Facts You Probably Didn't Know

Although solar energy is becoming increasingly popular, it’s still a relatively new phenomenon for the average energy consumer. So, in our latest blog, we’re sharing 19 solar energy facts you probably didn’t know. Whether solar energy is entirely new to you or you consider yourself a renewable energy fanatic, these facts about solar are sure to surprise you. So, let’s get into it!

19 Solar Energy Facts

Solar Energy Has Been Used for Over 2,700 Years

That’s right, for thousands of years, the sun has been an essential resource to humanity. From heating and cooking to warming our homes, the power of solar energy is like no other. Ancient civilizations used mirrors and reflective surfaces to concentrate sunlight for various purposes, proving that solar energy isn't just a modern invention.

The First Commercially Viable Solar Cell Was Developed in 1954

Despite being around for a long time, solar energy technology didn’t have its time to shine until 1954. It wasn’t until then that Bell Laboratories created the first commercially viable solar cell; the rest is history. This breakthrough paved the way for the solar panels we use today.

Solar Power Is Earth’s Most Abundant Energy Source

The scale of the solar power opportunity is insane. In fact, there’s enough sunlight hitting the Earth every hour to meet the entire world’s power needs for a year. If the Mojave Desert – which is 124,000 km² – was covered with solar panels, they would generate over twice the amount of electricity used in the United States every year.

Solar Panel Costs Have Been Reduced by 99% Since 1977

It cost a staggering £65 per watt for a simple solar cell back in 1977. Today, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association, the cost of a solar cell is just £0.18, falling by 99% in the past 45 years. This dramatic drop in price has made solar energy more accessible than ever before.

Solar Energy Is a Free Energy Source

Guess what? Access to sunlight is entirely free, abundant, and accessible to everyone. In less than 10 minutes, light can travel an astonishing 90 million miles to Earth from the sun, and it happens all day, every day. This means that once you install solar panels, your energy costs can be significantly reduced.

Solar Power Produces Zero Pollution

Minus minimal pollution produced during the manufacturing process, solar power is undoubtedly one of the world’s most sustainable and cleanest energy sources. Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy doesn’t emit harmful greenhouse gases or pollutants, making it a key player in the fight against climate change.

Solar Power Can Save You Money

As we tackle rising energy costs and inflation, solar power could save you as much as £300 annually on your energy bill, according to the treasury. Furthermore, any excess energy from your solar installation can be sold to the National Grid and will earn you money.

The Lifespan of a Solar Power Plant Is 40 Years or More

Generally, a new solar power plant is backed by a power purchase agreement with a customer for a duration of 20 to 25 years. However, that doesn’t render the power plants worthless after this period. The infrastructure surrounding a solar power plant boasts plenty of potential. For example, old solar panels could be replaced with new modules at a relatively low cost. Therefore, developing a solar power plant is a long-term and highly efficient investment.

Solar Power Is the Popular Form of New Electricity Generation in the World

Thanks to increased efficiency and decreased cost, solar power has quickly become the preferred form of new electricity across the globe. According to PV Magazine, solar contributed 28% of the U.K.’s total renewable energy generation in 2021, as growth in renewable energy solutions has increased by 6.9% since 2010 to a new record high.

Solar Is the Quickest Energy Source to Deploy

No other electricity source can be repaired or built as quickly as solar if disaster strikes. We’ve seen it first-hand after Puerto Rico was devastated by Hurricane Maria in 2017. As reported by BBC News, Tesla and others built a small solar power plant complete with energy storage within a matter of weeks. Other renewable energy sources and fossil-fuel power plants would take considerably longer to develop.

Solar Panels Can Boost the Value of Your Home

Over the years, studies have shown that investing in a solar panel installation can increase the resale value of your home. Of course, the figure is often dependent on location, but generally speaking, you can expect a solar set-up to add a couple of thousand pounds to the value of your home.

Solar Panels Are a Long-Term Investment

When maintained, you can expect your solar panels to last for decades, with many providers offering an impressive 25-year warranty. This makes solar not only an eco-friendly choice but also a financially sound one.

Space Missions Utilise Solar Energy

Perhaps one of the more surprising facts on this list is that the space industry adopted solar technology in the early 1950s. For more than 50 years, solar has been used to provide power for spacecraft. The Vanguard 1 was the first satellite to use solar cells to generate power. Today, the Vanguard 1 remains the oldest manmade satellite currently still orbiting, racking up over six billion miles.

Airplanes Can Run Entirely Off Solar Energy

While many people know solar energy can power electric vehicles (EVs), trains and more transport, you may not know that it can also power planes. Solar-powered planes can fly around the world using purely solar energy. In 2016, Swiss explorer and pilot Bertrand Piccard departed from Abu Dhabi on Solar Impulse II, a solar-powered aircraft. Powered entirely by solar power, Bertrand successfully completed a global flight.

Solar Power Is the Primary Energy Source for Temporary Use

Thanks to the ease of installation and an abundance of light, solar power is a go-to source for temporary use. Over the years, the Olympic games, mining sites and more have transported and installed solar panels at various temporary locations for a reliable and accessible energy source.

Solar Energy Provides Round-the-Clock Power

Thanks to solar storage systems, you can use solar power even when it’s dark, overcast, or cloudy. By attaching a battery to your solar panel system, you can store energy for later use. Because of this, you can power your home 24/7, meaning you’ll enjoy reduced reliance on the grid.

Solar Panels Will Cut Your Emissions Significantly

With environmental pressures rising each year, installing solar panels means you can power your home without contributing to harmful emissions and greenhouse gases – two significant contributors to global warming. The Energy Saving Trust shared that a typical household solar panel system could save around 1.3 to 1.6 tonnes of carbon every year, depending on your location in the U.K.

VAT on Solar Panels in the U.K. Has Been Scrapped Until March 2027

In April 2022, the U.K. Government announced that the reduced VAT rate of 5% on solar panels had been scrapped. The good news? The rate has been further reduced to 0% to support households to boost their energy efficiency and reduce costs. The VAT-free period will run until March 2027 before returning to 5%.

Solar Panels Mean Your Home Will Be Less Reliant on the Grid

As mentioned previously, when you’re generating and storing your own power, you’ll reduce your reliance on the National Grid to power your home. As a result, you’ll enjoy less reliance on the national grid, reducing your energy bills.

If you’re ready to get started on your solar power journey, contact us today, and the team will be in touch. In the meantime, you can find out everything else you need to know about solar panels on our blog here.