Is solar energy a future energy resource?

The utilization of renewable energy as a future energy resource is drawing significant attention worldwide. The contribution of solar energy (including concentrating solar power (CSP) and solar photovoltaic (PV) power) to global electricity production, as one form of renewable energy sources, is generally still low, at 3.6%.

What are the disadvantages of solar energy?

Solar energy aligns with many policy objectives (clean air, poverty alleviation, energy security 54 ). It also has disadvantages for some of the players involved, as it leads to rapid economic and industrial change. Solar and wind power have a low energy density compared to alternatives.

What is the future of solar energy?

The Future of Solar Energy considers only the two widely recognized classes of technologies for converting solar energy into electricity — photovoltaics (PV) and concentrated solar power (CSP), sometimes called solar thermal) — in their current and plausible future forms.

How does solar energy impact the environment?

Solar energy investments can meet energy targets and environmental protection by reducing carbon emissions while having no detrimental influence on the country’s development [32, 34]. In countries located in the ‘Sunbelt’, there is huge potential for solar energy, where there is a year-round abundance of solar global horizontal irradiation.

Are solar energy uptake rates underestimated?

Historical projections of energy generation have consistently underestimated uptake rates of solar energy 16, 17. For example, only a year after the publication of the 2020 World Energy Outlook (WEO), the IEA’s “Stated policies scenario” has been revised strongly in favour of solar energy.

How can solar energy be used worldwide?

Installation capacity of solar energy worldwide . Energy can be obtained directly from the Sun—so-called solar energy. Globally, there has been growth in solar energy applications, as it can be used to generate electricity, desalinate water and generate heat, etc.