50 Solar Power FUN Facts

1. SOLAR POWER IS THE EARTH’S MOST ABUNDANT ENERGY SOURCE 

More solar energy hits the Earth in a single hour than all humanity needs for an entire year. Solar panels harness this clean energy source via solar photovoltaic (PV) cells.

2. SOLAR ENERGY IS A FREE ENERGY SOURCE

Solar energy is cost-free, accessible and abundant. It takes less than 10 minutes for light to travel an astounding 90 million miles from the sun to the Earth, and this process happens nonstop every day.

3. YOU CAN USE SOLAR POWER TO RUN YOUR ENTIRE HOME

Solar power is one of the safest and greenest solutions to run your home’s key systems. A few examples are lighting, air conditioners, hot water heaters, thermal heating, ventilation fans and electric appliances.

[Related: Tips to Save on Energy Costs]

4. SOLAR ENERGY COMPRISES RADIANT HEAT AND LIGHT

Solar energy is any type of energy that the sun generates. It originates in the sun through nuclear fusion, which is when the protons in hydrogen atoms collide in the sun’s core and fuse to create a helium atom. This process generates radiant heat and light. 

5. PEOPLE FIRST USED SOLAR ENERGY IN THE 7TH CENTURY B.C.

In theory, humans first used solar energy as early as the 7th century B.C. by using magnifying glasses to spark fires with sunlight. In the 3rd century B.C., the Greeks and Romans began harnessing solar power with mirrors to light torches for religious gatherings. The Chinese documented the use of mirrors to light torches later, in 20 A.D.

6. SOLAR POWER WAS OFFICIALLY DISCOVERED IN 1839

Alexandre Edmond Becquerel discovered “the photovoltaic effect” in 1839, one year after an industry built the first coal-fired power plant. The PV effect is when an electrical current occurs in a conductor after the sun’s rays hit it.

7. SCIENTISTS CREATED SILICON SOLAR CELLS IN 1954

Bell Labs is responsible for the creation of modern silicon PV cells in 1954. Since then, the efficiency of these cells has increased more than four times, and the price has decreased significantly.

8. SOLAR IS THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR FORM OF NEW ELECTRICITY GENERATION

Solar power has quickly become the preferred form of new electricity because of solar panels’ lower cost and higher efficiency. Analysts expect solar power to account for almost half of new electricity generation in the U.S. in 2022. 

9. SOLAR POWER PRODUCES NO POLLUTION

Excepting the pollution produced during the manufacturing process, solar power is one of the cleanest, most sustainable energy resources in the world. 

However, not all panels are created equal. Maxeon (previously SunPower) solar panels are the only panels to achieve a Cradle to Cradle certification, meaning the company manufactures them as ethically and sustainably as possible.

10. SOLAR POWER IMPROVES WORLD HEALTH

Burning fossil fuels creates toxic pollution and hurts global health. Pollution affects as many people as HIV or malaria. It has particularly dangerous consequences for children, older adults and all living plants and animals. 

Solar power drastically reduces the amount of fossil fuels that industries use for power generation. That means less pollution goes into the air (and into our lungs).

14. YOU DON’T HAVE TO BUY SOLAR PANELS OUTRIGHT

You don’t have to pay cash outright to obtain a solar panel system. In fact, you can afford solar and reap its benefits in many other ways.

Low-interest loans and other financing options are available for solar system owners. Additionally, federal incentives (such as the solar tax credit) as well as state and local rebates and incentives help lower the cost of going solar.

15. THE EARTH GETS 174 PETAWATTS (PW) OF SOLAR RADIATION

The Earth receives about 174 PW of solar radiation daily: 1 PW equals 1 quadrillion watts. About 30% of the solar radiation that hits the Earth remains in its upper atmosphere and then reflects back into space. Clouds, oceans and land absorb the rest. 

16. SOLAR INSULATION PLAYS A ROLE IN THE WATER CYCLE

Because the Earth’s clouds, oceans and land absorb solar radiation, their temperatures rise. This process fuels the water cycle. 

Warm air rises from the oceans, which causes convection. This air then rises to high altitudes, and the condensation of water vapor forms clouds. These clouds cause rain and bring water back to the Earth’s surface, which completes the water cycle.

17. SOLAR ENERGY INDIRECTLY CREATES BIOMASS

Photosynthesis converts solar energy into chemical energy thanks to plants. This chemical energy eventually creates biomass (aka biofuel). Biomass is plant or animal material that eventually becomes fuel to produce heat or electricity. 

Wood, energy crops and organic waste (like from yards, farms and forests) are all examples of biomass. These gradually become fossil fuels after long periods of time. 

18. HORTICULTURE AND AGRICULTURE MAKE MAXIMUM USE OF SOLAR ENERGY

Using solar energy to its maximum potential includes mastering certain agricultural techniques. These methods include timing planting cycles and properly mixing plant varieties that need similar sunlight levels. 

Those in the horticulture and agriculture industries commonly use greenhouses because they convert solar radiation (light) into heat. In turn, this promotes year-round cultivation of particular crops. It seems knowing solar power facts helps far more than homeowners!

24. THERMAL STORAGE SYSTEMS CAN STORE SOLAR ENERGY

You can store solar energy in the form of heat in thermal storage systems by using material with high specific heat. These materials include stone, soil, water and even molten salts.

25. THE 1970S OIL CRISIS INDIRECTLY SPARKED SOLAR TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH

The oil crisis of the 1970s revealed how delicate fossil fuels are as an energy source. This resulted in research into alternative energy solutions, such as solar renewable energy technologies. During the decade, solar and wind energy began to gain momentum globally.

26. PEOPLE RECOGNIZE SOLAR ENERGY AS THE FUTURE OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Solar energy is nonpolluting, unlike fossil fuels, and helps combat climate change and the greenhouse gas effect. Many (if not most) people now recognize it as the future of alternative, renewable energy sourcing. And as more people learn solar power facts, that recognition level rises.

27. SPACE MISSIONS RELY ON SOLAR ENERGY

You might be surprised to learn that the space industry adopted solar technology in the early 1950s to power spacecraft. For example, the Vanguard 1 was the first satellite to generate power through solar cells. It remains the oldest humanmade satellite that’s still in orbit, logging more than 6 billion miles to date. 

Today, various countries also use solar energy to power spacecraft when they send them on missions. 

28. SOLAR ENERGY IS BECOMING MORE AFFORDABLE

Thanks to new advancements in scientific research and technology, solar energy is due to become more affordable in the future. Cost patterns are decreasing, and efficiency levels continue to rise. 

29. SOLAR POWER IS THE THIRD MOST-USED RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCE

Wind is currently the most prevalent source of renewable electricity in the U.S., but electricity from hydropower is a close second. Solar energy is the third most-prevalent source of renewable energy for electricity.

However, out of these solar power facts, this one’s bound to change soon. Home solar installation are proving to be a major source of electricity for homes. That’s because of their easy installation and long average life span. 

30. AIRPLANES CAN FLY WHILE RUNNING ENTIRELY ON SOLAR ENERGY 

You probably know solar energy can power electric vehicles (EVs), trains and even spacecraft. But you might not know about solar-powered planes that can fly around the world with no power source other than solar energy. 

In 2016, Swiss pilot and explorer Bertrand Piccard departed Abu Dhabi in his solar-powered aircraft, the Solar Impulse II. He was able to complete a global flight entirely fueled from solar power and return the following July.

31. THE LARGEST SOLAR POWER PLANT IN THE WORLD IS IN CHINA

China has the world’s largest solar energy fleet installation, which generates 205 gigawatts (GW) of power. This project reflects the country’s stance as the world’s largest solar energy market. It also represents China’s goal to neutralize its total carbon emissions by 2060.

32. SOLAR POWER IS THE TOP ENERGY SOURCE FOR TEMPORARY USE

Thanks to the abundance of sunlight and the easy solar system installation process, solar energy is the preferred temporary energy source. Mining sites, traveling fairs and even the Olympic Games transport and install solar panels at short-term locations. It’s one of the more surprising solar power facts, for sure.

33. SOLAR ENERGY CAN POWER CALCULATORS

You undoubtedly know solar energy has a range of uses, but you may not know that it can power calculators. Solar-powered calculators use PV cells to capture the sun’s rays, then convert them into an electric current. This electric current charges the calculator’s battery. 

Solar-powered calculators won’t work as quickly if it’s overcast or there’s little indoor sunlight. But if they’re sitting directly under the sun, they’ll collect solar energy regardless. And they take only an hour or so to go from 0% to 100% charge. 

34. SOLAR PANELS ARE VIRTUALLY MAINTENANCE-FREE

Solar panels require minimal to no maintenance and last for decades. Once you’ve installed them, there are no recurring costs. Plus, they’ll remain intact as long as no especially severe natural disasters occur. 

[Related: Can Solar Panels Withstand a Hurricane?]

35. SOLAR POWER IS FREE OF NOISE POLLUTION

Solar panel systems have no moving parts and don’t require fuel (other than sunlight) to produce power. That makes them absolutely free of noise pollution. 

36. SOLAR PANEL SYSTEMS HAVE FIVE COMPONENTS

A residential solar panel system comprises a varying number of solar panels, as well as an inverter, battery, charge regulator, wiring and other support materials. The solar panels absorb sunlight, which the inverter converts into electricity. The battery then stores the electricity. 

The charge regulator keeps the battery from overcharging, which could cause its life cycle to burn out faster. Wiring and other support materials protect and connect the entire system. 

[Related: What to Know Before Installing Solar Panels]

37. SOLAR BATTERIES CAN PROVIDE SOLAR POWER 24/7

Attaching a home battery backup to your solar panel system allows ongoing access to electricity. Many homes and businesses buy batteries to attach to their systems so they can use solar power throughout the day, including at night or when it’s cloudy or overcast. It’s one of the lesser-known solar power facts, but it packs big benefits.

38. WE MEASURE SOLAR ENERGY IN WATTS (W), KILOWATTS (KW) AND KILOWATT-HOURS (KWH)

People most commonly use W, KW and kWh as units for electricity: 1 KW equals 1,000 W. However, kWh doesn’t refer to the number of KW you use per hour.

For example, 1 kWh is the amount of energy you’d use if you kept a 1,000 W tool or appliance running for an hour.

39. SOLAR PV ENERGY GENERATES 26 TERAWATT-HOURS (TWH) IN THE U.S.

The highest increase in energy use throughout the U.S. was via renewable energy sources. Electricity generation using solar PV makes up a large portion, contributing 26 tWh of the total 98 tWh of renewable electricity generation in the U.S.

40. SOLAR PV ELECTRICITY GENERATION INCREASED 145 TWH GLOBALLY 

Between 2020 and 2021, global renewable electricity generation through solar PV increased 145 tWh. 

41. SOLAR ENERGY FUELS PUBLIC TRANSIT

Buses in particular are relying increasingly on solar power. Technicians don’t install solar panels on the buses themselves. Instead, they place panels on the tops of bus stations to absorb solar energy and generate electricity for later use. 

During transit schedule off-times, buses can plug into charging stations and charge their batteries. Traditional consumer EVs are adapting to solar-powered forms of charging, too. Many people are connecting their solar panel systems to their Level 1 chargers at their residences.

[Related: How Many Solar Panels Do You Need for EVs?]

42. CALIFORNIA GENERATES THE MOST SOLAR POWER IN THE U.S.

As of 2022, California remains in first place for state ranking in electricity generation using solar power. The state’s solar PV energy generation accounts for 32% of the country’s total electricity production through solar. 

43. SOLAR ENERGY USERS SAVE UP TO 35 TONS OF CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2) ANNUALLY

There’s a growing collective effort to rely on clean energy sources, one being through solar power. Solar energy users save about 35 tons of CO2 emissions and 75 million barrels of oil yearly. 

44. LAS VEGAS OPERATES ON 100% SOLAR POWER

The Las Vegas, Nevada, city government depends entirely on renewable energy through solar power production. 

45. POLLUTION PREVENTS THE SUN’S RAYS FROM REACHING EARTH’S SURFACE

Urban areas have a lot of smog and air pollution, and that harms solar power production. The sulfates in polluted air reflect radiation, preventing it from reaching Earth — and thus solar panels. 

For example, Delhi, India, sees around 12% less sun than it would if it had cleaner air. As a result, it’s a less-than-ideal place for ample solar production.

46. HOMEOWNERS BREAK EVEN ON THEIR SOLAR PANEL SYSTEMS IN UNDER 10 YEARS

Many financial plans can help people offset the cost of going solar. Most homeowners can break even on their system investment in under 10 years. 

Because solar panels last for several decades, most of the time you own a solar panel system will be virtually payment-free. Who knew solar power facts could be so thrifty?

[Related: Average Cost of Solar Panels and Installation]

47. A SOLAR PANEL ARRAY IN THE MOJAVE DESERT COULD GENERATE A YEAR’S WORTH OF U.S. ENERGY NEEDS IN ONE DAY

The Mojave Desert receives so much direct sunlight that if it had lines of solar panel arrays, it’d generate more energy in a single day than the U.S. needs for an entire year. 

In fact, the amount of potential solar energy generation in the Mojave Desert is twice the annual electricity usage in the U.S. 

48. THE COST OF SOLAR PANELS HAS DECREASED 99% SINCE 1977

Solar panels are essential for harvesting solar energy. The cost of a solar cell is now $0.21 per W, as compared to $77 per W in 1977. In recent years, an entire assembled module costs just $0.39 per W.

49. SOLAR ENERGY CAN COST AS LITTLE AS .06 CENTS PER KWH

Solar energy prices continue to decrease, costing $0.06 per kWh on unsubsidized terms. This makes solar power one of the cheapest alternatives to fossil fuels, which cost anywhere from $0.05 to $0.18 per kWh. When it comes to solar power facts, this one certainly has practical benefits!

50. THE AVERAGE SOLAR PANEL SYSTEM HAS A 20% EFFICIENCY RATE 

Solar panel efficiency ratings vary depending on the manufacturer and model you have. However, the average solar panel system has a rating of about 20% efficiency. That means your panels will convert 20% of the sunlight that hits them into electricity.

Standard-efficiency solar panels function at between 15% and 20% efficiency, and high-efficiency panels function at between 18% and 22%. Some Maxeon (previously SunPower) solar panels rate as high as 24% efficiency.