MIT Researchers Find That Solar Panels Can Power the World

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology recently released a report stating that the solar panels used today have the ability to supply the world with power, with the capacity to produce terawatts of energy by 2050. One terawatt of energy is equal to one million megawatts, and the world population currently consumes 15 terawatts of energy.

Battery technology is seen as key to assisting in the switch to solar energy, because of the ability for a battery to store electricity during peak production and then dispense it when there is little or no sunlight.

Germany is seen as a successful example of solar energy use. In 1991, a Feed-in Tariff rebate plan was created to encourage production of solar panels and other low carbon energy sources. In 2013, Germany was producing 27 percent of the world’s solar energy.

With scientists already capable of harnessing the sun’s energy, the writers of the study believe investment will be the biggest setback in transferring to solar power. The United States uses 26 percent of the world’s power, but there is very little federal support for solar energy which will not likely change until carbon dioxide emissions become too costly. The study emphasizes a need for this support, as well as more research.

Solar Solutions Inc. has helped countless customers power their home or business with solar panels, providing them with an avenue to reduce their energy bills and their environmental footprint.

For more information about the numerous benefits of solar energy, please contact us today.