Solar Energy To Account For 25% Of Energy Needs By 2050
Over the years, the average cost of a solar PV installation cost has decreased dramatically. With the advantages of solar energy becoming all too apparent and with government incentives and innovative group purchasing programs making solar energy more affordable for everyone, solar energy seems set to explode. Since mid-2008, solar PV modules’ prices have fallen by 40% and the average solar energy installation has dropped in price by 10% from 2008-2009. In its recent report, the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) indicated that the U.S. PV electricity market had an installed capacity of around 477 MW in 2009. The US percentage of the world market has dropped and the likes of Spain and Germany dominate. With the emergence of China and the US seemingly committed to green renewables the future looks very bright indeed for solar energy. Environment America has reported that 35-40% of homes nationwide could have PV installed on them. With 13% of Utilities providers believing that centralized electric generation will be obsolete by 2050 and with household solar energy installations growing faster than utility-scale solar, this seems a very real possibility. Environment America also reported that by 2020, 10% or more of total electricity consumption in the US could come from solar energy. Of course, clear policies to support solar energy need to be implemented as soon as possible in order to achieve these aims. IEA Executive Director Nobuo Tanaka said, “This decade is crucial for effective policies to enable the development of solar electricity. Long-term oriented, predictable solar-specific incentives are needed to sustain early deployment and bring both technologies to competitiveness in the most suitable locations and times.” The facts about solar energy are there to see. All it requires now is concerted support from governments around the world. Total Solar Energy Home Page
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