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Top Arizona solar energy facts of 2024 no one talks about
Solar energy is a game-changer in the quest for sustainable electricity. Unlike traditional sources, solar power produces no harmful emissions of pollutants, making it a key player in combating climate change. With the world on the brink of surpassing the 1.5°C threshold, the shift to renewables like solar has never been more urgent. Arizona, with its scorching sun and abundant open land, is a natural leader in the solar energy revolution. As we move through 2024, the state continues to make significant strides in solar adoption, boasting impressive statistics and exciting developments.
Let’s delve into some of the top solar energy facts currently making Arizona shine and how Sunny Energy, a leading Arizona solar company, can help you.
Harnessing the immense potential of solar energy, we unlock a boundless source of light and heat radiation from the sun to fuel our world. With advancements in technology, we’re expanding the reach of solar capture globally. In just 90 minutes, the energy that touches the Earth’s surface could power humanity for an entire year. With the sun as our eternal ally, we possess the means and innovation to transition entirely to solar power, eliminating the need for fossil fuels on a global scale. In addition, Arizona boasts an impressive 8.23% of its electricity generation comes from solar power, placing it among the top solar-producing states in the nation. This percentage is expected to rise steadily in the coming years as solar continues to gain traction.
Solar energy has skyrocketed to become the fastest-growing and most popular form of new electricity generation. Just a decade ago, solar accounted for a mere 0.06% of the global energy mix, but by 2019, it had soared to an impressive 1.11%. This growth is even more remarkable in the context of renewable energy, where solar’s share surged from 0.8% in 2010 to a substantial 10.3% in 2019. The capacity of solar power installations is expanding rapidly, enabling the capture of more energy and thus generating more electricity. In 2020 alone, global solar power capacity increased by a staggering 22%, indicating a booming trend in installations. When combined with wind power, renewable energy output has more than doubled since 2015, underlining the pivotal role of solar in the global energy transition.
Solar power generation is renowned for its minimal greenhouse gas emissions throughout its life cycle. While the actual generation of solar power itself emits no greenhouse gases, there are some emissions associated with other stages of the life cycle. These emissions primarily occur during the manufacturing of solar cell and panel materials, which are typically made of monocrystalline, polycrystalline, or thin film silicon. Other stages, such as transportation, installation, maintenance, and decommissioning, also contribute, but these emissions are minimal.
Estimates suggest that the life-cycle emissions for photovoltaic (PV) solar cell systems range from 0.07 to 0.18 pounds of carbon dioxide equivalent per kilowatt-hour, showcasing the environmentally friendly nature of solar energy.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) power has surged to account for 3.1% of global electricity generation, a remarkable feat achieved through record growth. In 2020 alone, solar PV generation increased by an astounding 156 TWh, reaching a total of 921 TWh. This growth represents a remarkable 23% increase from the previous year, highlighting the rapid adoption of solar energy worldwide.
Solar power plants offer a sustainable energy solution with impressive longevity, often exceeding 40 years of reliable operation. Unlike traditional power plants, solar infrastructure can be easily updated and maintained by replacing outdated panels with newer, more efficient modules. This adaptability ensures that solar power plants remain efficient and cost-effective throughout their extended lifespan.