Solar is the future

Solar energy is perhaps the most elegant solution to our energy needs. The sun shines on our planet’s surface with more than enough power to keep us going forever and ever. It is estimated that the Earth receives over 173,000 terawatts of energy every year, which is more than 10,000 times what humanity needs.

The challenge has always been collecting that energy. Even though most people are aware of photovoltaic cells, solar panels have been expensive enough to keep them firmly in the luxury bracket. For years the low efficiency of solar panels and the high costs per square inch of these panels made solar power economically unviable.

However, the most encouraging change that has happened in the last five years is that the cost of solar panels fell by over 50 percent. The prediction is that the price will drop another 40 percent. Researchers in the field of solar energy is also taken back by surprise as to how quick solar adoption is growing. It is estimated that the prices will fall fast enough to allow solar to contribute 20% of worlds energy consumption by 2027.  This scenario would have been challenging to imagine a decade back.

Sharing here with an article published in khaleejtimes UAE, on the ambitious plan drawn up for Dubai by 2030.

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/nation/Sheikh-Mohammed-launches-solar-project-to-power-270k-homes-

Some of the highlights of this project are

? Dh14 billion is the total investment

? 270,000 homes are expected to get clean energy

? 1.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions will be reduced annually

? The world's largest investment in a Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) project based on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) Model.

? It will include the world's tallest solar tower measuring 260 metres

? It will have the world's largest thermal storage capacity

? Levelised cost of electricity of 7.3 cents per kilowatt hour

? Covers a total area of 43 square kilometres.