How solar became the cheapest form of energy in the world
Here are four reasons solar energy has seen a meteoric rise in recent years
Solar energy has surged in recent years, becoming the cheapest form of electricity globally. In 1979, U.S. President Jimmy Carter installed solar panels at the White House to showcase conservation and alternative energy, arguing that it would not pollute the air or water and would never run short. Today, solar energy is both cost-effective and efficient, making it a global powerhouse.
Advances in technology and production have driven down costs, making solar panels much more practical and affordable. With their efficiency and low production costs, solar panels now generate electricity in a year or two, compared to the initial 1979 model which took 47 years. Furthermore, the Chinese solar industry is highly integrated and efficient, producing enough modules in one year to generate 1,405 gigawatts of energy.
These factors combined have made solar power an inexpensive way to power the world, even in places where government support is weak or has declined.
Written by urgent.news from Scientific American's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
