Solar Energy Surpasses 1 TW of Installed Power Worldwide! Discover the 10 Main Facts About This Source That Many People Are Unaware Of

With the surge in energy rates and global warming, investing in solar energy can be an excellent measure to save and contribute to greater sustainability of the planet!

Although the use of solar energy has grown substantially in recent years, and surpassed the mark of 1 terawatt (TW) of installed capacity on the planet, according to a study by Solar Europe, many people still do not know exactly how the source works and its particularities.

Check out below a top 10 with the main curiosities of solar energy prepared by SolarVolt Energia, the largest solar integrator in Minas Gerais and one of the main ones in Brazil

• They Work at Night and on Cloudy Days: The photovoltaic panels work normally all day long and also on cloudy days, considering that solar modules need solar radiation (light) to generate energy. Additionally, at the moment of energy generation, we can store it in batteries to be used during the night.
• Not Generated by Heat: Erroneously, many people think that solar energy works because of the heat generated by the sun, but, in fact,  light  and solar radiation in the atmosphere are the main responsible for the production of photovoltaic energy.
• They Can Last Over 25 Years: After installing the photovoltaic panels, the equipment for generating solar energy can last over 25 years and likely with 80% of its performance.
• Cheaper Electricity Bill: Amid the constant increases in energy rates and changes in tariff bands, installing a photovoltaic solar system is an alternative that can bring significant savings on the electricity bill, reaching up to 95% discount on rates.
• China is the Country with the Largest Installed Capacity of Solar Energy in the World: According to 2021 data from Absolar, the Asian country is the largest producer of photovoltaic energy in the world, with an annual installed capacity of 253.8 GW, followed by the United States (73.8 GW) and Japan (68.6 GW). Brazil ranks 15th in the ranking, with over 10 GW of capacity.
• Solar-Powered Vehicles are Already a Reality: Studies and prototypes prove that there is the possibility of solar-powered vehicles, and what was once theory is now starting to become reality.  For several years, major brands have created prototypes of cars powered by photovoltaic panels to participate in the famous World Solar Challenge held in Australia to push the limits of clean technology.  Ford, in fact, is one of the manufacturers competing in the challenge.
• Furthermore, SolarVolt Energia points out that there is another way for photovoltaic energy to act for those with electric cars. According to the Minas Gerais integrator, through solar infrastructure for electric vehicle charging or the installation of wall-mounted Wallbox chargers, it is possible to power vehicles from anywhere.
• Internet Monitoring: Another great curiosity about solar energy is that some equipment allows connection to the internet and can provide information about the performance and production of the system via mobile, tablet, or computer from anywhere in the world with a Wi-Fi connection.
• Easy Installation: Installing photovoltaic systems does not require complex construction or materials that demand significant changes to the structure of the location, especially when done on roofs. In most cases, only solar panels, connection cables, and a central device, known as a voltage inverter, are needed. 
• Simple Maintenance: The structure of solar panels is very simple and does not have moving parts or flexible fittings that require regular maintenance. Care is straightforward, limited to cleaning the panels to avoid loss of efficiency. Usually, when there is a lot of dirt, the installation’s inclination and rainwater typically ensure the job. If that’s not the case, cleaning can be done every six months or once a year.
• NASA Uses Solar Energy in Space: A significant curiosity about solar energy is that NASA itself uses the system in space at one of its stations because it is considered the best alternative for generating electricity in that location. Moreover, it is also very common to see solar panels around satellites, whether in geospatial images or films related to the subject.

“Solar energy is the source of the future. Besides its advantages over other sources regarding price and ease of installation, it has a quick return on investments and greater ease in obtaining financing. With the increases in energy rates over the past few years and global warming, investing in a photovoltaic system can be an excellent measure to save and contribute to greater sustainability of the planet,” comments Gabriel Guimarães, co-founder and Commercial Director of SolarVolt.