Solar energy is rapidly transforming our world, as a growing number of homeowners and businesses install solar panels to harness the sun’s power. But what does the future hold for solar energy? How will it evolve over the next decade, and what might it mean for our everyday lives? To understand where we’re headed, let’s first look at why solar energy has become so essential.
The importance of solar energy
Solar energy offers a powerful way to generate electricity while protecting the environment. By capturing energy from the sun, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and cut down on air pollution. This means cleaner air, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and a healthier planet for future generations. Beyond that, advancements in solar technology, like energy storage in batteries and smart-grid systems, make it easier than ever to maintain a steady power supply even on cloudy days or after the sun sets. This reliability and resilience make solar an attractive, sustainable option for both individual users and large-scale energy networks.
How much will the solar industry grow?
The number of people choosing solar energy has surged over the years, and it’s only expected to keep rising. Solar power stands out among renewable energy sources because it’s both cost-effective and accessible to most of Australia. By reducing electricity bills and providing a sustainable energy source, solar has become a popular choice for both homes and businesses across the country.
Professor Renate Egan, Executive Director of the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics, highlights this trend with recent data, noting, “We just had the 2023 numbers come in for Australia, and we’re close to 20 per cent of our electricity being met by solar. By 2030, the targets are to be at over 80 per cent renewables and we would expect 40 per cent to come from solar. By 2050 we will be looking at 100 per cent renewables and we would expect over 50 per cent of that to come from solar.” With such ambitious goals, it’s clear that solar will play a major role in Australia’s energy landscape over the next few decades. As more people recognise the benefits, we’ll likely see a growing demand for solar installations across the country.
Solar power has come a long way since its beginnings. Back in 1881, New York inventor Charles Fritts created the first solar cell by coating selenium with a thin layer of gold, allowing it to convert sunlight into electricity. Though groundbreaking at the time, his cell had an energy conversion efficiency of just 1 to 2%. In comparison, today’s solar panels operate at around 20% efficiency, thanks to advancements in photovoltaic technology. This leap forward has not only made solar power more effective but also more practical for everyday use. Currently, a fund is helping researchers develop new generations of solar cells with up to 30% efficiency, aiming to bring these advancements to mass production.
Solar power isn’t just here to stay—it’s set to improve dramatically as research and funding continue to accelerate innovation. With support for manufacturing more efficient solar cells and increasing infrastructure, solar energy will undoubtedly become an even more powerful force in the global push toward renewable energy. The future is bright for solar, and it’s only going to get better as technology and accessibility continue to expand.
Your Solar & Electrical Experts
Established in 2020, Tropical Solar and Electrical Services is a locally owned and operated company servicing homes and businesses throughout Mackay and surrounding areas including Moranbah, Sarina, Proserpine and Rockhampton. Whether it’s power on the roof or within the property, we’ll ensure it’s running as it should. Get in touch with our electrical experts today for a free quote. We’re available 24/7 for your convenience.
