what solar can do for you

How solar energy works

Solar energy is produced by converting sunlight into electricity. This energy is usually done through two main types of technologies: 

• Solar photovoltaics (PV) 
• Concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP).  

Photovoltaics are the example you’re probably most familiar with, since this technology is used in solar panels.  

However, new technologies that generate high-temperature solar process heat from concentrated sunlight have been developed and are currently being applied on an industrial scale.  

Solar process heat can be used to produce alternative, more sustainable fuels. This means that industries that have heavily relied on fossil fuels can now use solar energy and solar process heat for a cleaner, more sustainable fuel alternative. 

The construction sector is one industry that has seen many benefits from using solar power. In particular, the cement industry has been eager to reduce its carbon footprint in recent years, and solar energy is just one of the answers to this challenge. But before we get into specifics, here are some interesting facts about solar energy that we think you should know!

Interesting facts about solar energy

It’s the cheapest energy

With the recent rise in energy prices around the world, cheap clean energy alternatives are in high demand! The good news is that solar energy prices have significantly dropped in the last decade and are now 33% cheaper than gas power in the U.S. 

The efficiency of solar energy

Most solar panels have an energy efficiency rating between 11-15%, which translates to the percentage of energy that can be converted into electricity. However, there are different types of solar panels and efficiency varies based on each model.  

Panels produce energy without direct sunlight

What if it’s a cloudy day or raining? This is one of the biggest doubts most people have, but even with bad weather electricity can be produced by solar power.  

On average, solar panels generate 30%-50% and 10%-20% of their full potential on cloudy days and days with heavy rain, respectively.

Panels can last up to 30 years

Solar panels usually operate at a high efficiency for the first 25-30 years, but you can already begin to see a return on your investment and savings around 6 years after installation. After this 30-year period, performance will degrade, but your panels will never completely stop converting sunlight into solar energy.  

It is the most abundant energy on earth

Solar is the most abundant energy resource on our planet and the amount of sunlight that hits the earth’s surface in just 90 minutes is enough to power energy consumption around the world for an entire year!  

Moreover, solar energy dominates all other renewable resources combined (e.g., wind, hydropower, geothermal), and uses relatively little space or resources to produce power.  

Countries investing the most in solar energy

As of summer 2022, China, the European Union, the U.S., Vietnam and Japan were the biggest producers of solar energy in the world.  

China currently leads the list as the top producer of solar energy, which is promising considering it boasts the largest population and carbon footprint globally. Within the European Union, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain stand out as key markets with a significant investment in solar energy.  

Solar energy was discovered almost 200 years ago

The science behind solar energy was discovered almost 200 years ago by the French physicist, Edmond Becquerel. Fun fact: his discovery was made during an experiment about photography at only 19 years old!

How much energy a solar panel produces

The electrical energy that is generated through solar is expressed in kilowatt hours (kWh), which is a measure of electrical power equal to the consumption of 1000 watts for one hour.  

To calculate how much energy is produced in a day, multiply the average number of watts produced an hour by the number of peak hours. This results in about 1.6kWh per day or 54KWh of electricity per month.  

This energy helps to reduce climate change

Solar energy tops the list of renewable energy sources as being the cleanest of the bunch. Electricity generated from sunlight consumes no electricity and produces no emissions or pollution in the process, which is why the construction industry is taking note of this valuable resource! 

There are solar cities

Solar Cities is an initiative that seeks to boost solar energy projects around the world and encourage citizen involvement in the energy transition. The project seeks to push mayors around the world to adopt solar power in urban cent and has already been signed by government officials in Croatia, Ukraine, and Georgia!

How solar energy has improved the construction industry

Solar energy is one of the fastest-growing industries around the world and is increasingly intertwined with the construction industry. Solar energy developments will continue to impact our built environment and in the future our sector will need to be prepared to build infrastructure that accommodates and prioritises new and existing solar technologies. Solar energy is already a fundamental component of sustainable buildings and construction practices and is expected to become more mainstream in the future.