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Article Contents

Introduction, 1 installed capacity and application of solar energy worldwide, 2 the role of solar energy in sustainable development, 3 the perspective of solar energy, 4 conclusions, conflict of interest statement.

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Solar energy technology and its roles in sustainable development

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Ali O M Maka, Jamal M Alabid, Solar energy technology and its roles in sustainable development, Clean Energy , Volume 6, Issue 3, June 2022, Pages 476–483, https://doi.org/10.1093/ce/zkac023

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Solar energy is environmentally friendly technology, a great energy supply and one of the most significant renewable and green energy sources. It plays a substantial role in achieving sustainable development energy solutions. Therefore, the massive amount of solar energy attainable daily makes it a very attractive resource for generating electricity. Both technologies, applications of concentrated solar power or solar photovoltaics, are always under continuous development to fulfil our energy needs. Hence, a large installed capacity of solar energy applications worldwide, in the same context, supports the energy sector and meets the employment market to gain sufficient development. This paper highlights solar energy applications and their role in sustainable development and considers renewable energy’s overall employment potential. Thus, it provides insights and analysis on solar energy sustainability, including environmental and economic development. Furthermore, it has identified the contributions of solar energy applications in sustainable development by providing energy needs, creating jobs opportunities and enhancing environmental protection. Finally, the perspective of solar energy technology is drawn up in the application of the energy sector and affords a vision of future development in this domain.

With reference to the recommendations of the UN, the Climate Change Conference, COP26, was held in Glasgow , UK, in 2021. They reached an agreement through the representatives of the 197 countries, where they concurred to move towards reducing dependency on coal and fossil-fuel sources. Furthermore, the conference stated ‘the various opportunities for governments to prioritize health and equity in the international climate movement and sustainable development agenda’. Also, one of the testaments is the necessity to ‘create energy systems that protect and improve climate and health’ [ 1 , 2 ].

The Paris Climate Accords is a worldwide agreement on climate change signed in 2015, which addressed the mitigation of climate change, adaptation and finance. Consequently, the representatives of 196 countries concurred to decrease their greenhouse gas emissions [ 3 ]. The Paris Agreement is essential for present and future generations to attain a more secure and stable environment. In essence, the Paris Agreement has been about safeguarding people from such an uncertain and progressively dangerous environment and ensuring everyone can have the right to live in a healthy, pollutant-free environment without the negative impacts of climate change [ 3 , 4 ].

In recent decades, there has been an increase in demand for cleaner energy resources. Based on that, decision-makers of all countries have drawn up plans that depend on renewable sources through a long-term strategy. Thus, such plans reduce the reliance of dependence on traditional energy sources and substitute traditional energy sources with alternative energy technology. As a result, the global community is starting to shift towards utilizing sustainable energy sources and reducing dependence on traditional fossil fuels as a source of energy [ 5 , 6 ].

In 2015, the UN adopted the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and recognized them as international legislation, which demands a global effort to end poverty, safeguard the environment and guarantee that by 2030, humanity lives in prosperity and peace. Consequently, progress needs to be balanced among economic, social and environmental sustainability models [ 7 ].

Many national and international regulations have been established to control the gas emissions and pollutants that impact the environment [ 8 ]. However, the negative effects of increased carbon in the atmosphere have grown in the last 10 years. Production and use of fossil fuels emit methane (CH 4 ), carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and carbon monoxide (CO), which are the most significant contributors to environmental emissions on our planet. Additionally, coal and oil, including gasoline, coal, oil and methane, are commonly used in energy for transport or for generating electricity. Therefore, burning these fossil fuel s is deemed the largest emitter when used for electricity generation, transport, etc. However, these energy resources are considered depleted energy sources being consumed to an unsustainable degree [ 9–11 ].

Energy is an essential need for the existence and growth of human communities. Consequently, the need for energy has increased gradually as human civilization has progressed. Additionally, in the past few decades, the rapid rise of the world’s population and its reliance on technological developments have increased energy demands. Furthermore, green technology sources play an important role in sustainably providing energy supplies, especially in mitigating climate change [ 5 , 6 , 8 ].

Currently, fossil fuels remain dominant and will continue to be the primary source of large-scale energy for the foreseeable future; however, renewable energy should play a vital role in the future of global energy. The global energy system is undergoing a movement towards more sustainable sources of energy [ 12 , 13 ].

Power generation by fossil-fuel resources has peaked, whilst solar energy is predicted to be at the vanguard of energy generation in the near future. Moreover, it is predicted that by 2050, the generation of solar energy will have increased to 48% due to economic and industrial growth [ 13 , 14 ].

In recent years, it has become increasingly obvious that the globe must decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, ideally towards net zero, if we are to fulfil the Paris Agreement’s goal to reduce global temperature increases [ 3 , 4 ]. The net-zero emissions complement the scenario of sustainable development assessment by 2050. According to the agreed scenario of sustainable development, many industrialized economies must achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. However, the net-zero emissions 2050 brought the first detailed International Energy Agency (IEA) modelling of what strategy will be required over the next 10 years to achieve net-zero carbon emissions worldwide by 2050 [ 15–17 ].

The global statistics of greenhouse gas emissions have been identified; in 2019, there was a 1% decrease in CO 2 emissions from the power industry; that figure dropped by 7% in 2020 due to the COVID-19 crisis, thus indicating a drop in coal-fired energy generation that is being squeezed by decreasing energy needs, growth of renewables and the shift away from fossil fuels. As a result, in 2020, the energy industry was expected to generate ~13 Gt CO 2 , representing ~40% of total world energy sector emissions related to CO 2 . The annual electricity generation stepped back to pre-crisis levels by 2021, although due to a changing ‘fuel mix’, the CO 2 emissions in the power sector will grow just a little before remaining roughly steady until 2030 [ 15 ].

Therefore, based on the information mentioned above, the advantages of solar energy technology are a renewable and clean energy source that is plentiful, cheaper costs, less maintenance and environmentally friendly, to name but a few. The significance of this paper is to highlight solar energy applications to ensure sustainable development; thus, it is vital to researchers, engineers and customers alike. The article’s primary aim is to raise public awareness and disseminate the culture of solar energy usage in daily life, since moving forward, it is the best. The scope of this paper is as follows. Section 1 represents a summary of the introduction. Section 2 represents a summary of installed capacity and the application of solar energy worldwide. Section 3 presents the role of solar energy in the sustainable development and employment of renewable energy. Section 4 represents the perspective of solar energy. Finally, Section 5 outlines the conclusions and recommendations for future work.

1.1 Installed capacity of solar energy

The history of solar energy can be traced back to the seventh century when mirrors with solar power were used. In 1893, the photovoltaic (PV) effect was discovered; after many decades, scientists developed this technology for electricity generation [ 18 ]. Based on that, after many years of research and development from scientists worldwide, solar energy technology is classified into two key applications: solar thermal and solar PV.

PV systems convert the Sun’s energy into electricity by utilizing solar panels. These PV devices have quickly become the cheapest option for new electricity generation in numerous world locations due to their ubiquitous deployment. For example, during the period from 2010 to 2018, the cost of generating electricity by solar PV plants decreased by 77%. However, solar PV installed capacity progress expanded 100-fold between 2005 and 2018. Consequently, solar PV has emerged as a key component in the low-carbon sustainable energy system required to provide access to affordable and dependable electricity, assisting in fulfilling the Paris climate agreement and in achieving the 2030 SDG targets [ 19 ].

The installed capacity of solar energy worldwide has been rapidly increased to meet energy demands. The installed capacity of PV technology from 2010 to 2020 increased from 40 334 to 709 674 MW, whereas the installed capacity of concentrated solar power (CSP) applications, which was 1266 MW in 2010, after 10 years had increased to 6479 MW. Therefore, solar PV technology has more deployed installations than CSP applications. So, the stand-alone solar PV and large-scale grid-connected PV plants are widely used worldwide and used in space applications. Fig. 1 represents the installation of solar energy worldwide.

Installation capacity of solar energy worldwide [ 20 ].

1.2 Application of solar energy

Energy can be obtained directly from the Sun—so-called solar energy. Globally, there has been growth in solar energy applications, as it can be used to generate electricity, desalinate water and generate heat, etc. The taxonomy of applications of solar energy is as follows: (i) PVs and (ii) CSP. Fig. 2 details the taxonomy of solar energy applications.

The taxonomy of solar energy applications.

Solar cells are devices that convert sunlight directly into electricity; typical semiconductor materials are utilized to form a PV solar cell device. These materials’ characteristics are based on atoms with four electrons in their outer orbit or shell. Semiconductor materials are from the periodic table’s group ‘IV’ or a mixture of groups ‘IV’ and ‘II’, the latter known as ‘II–VI’ semiconductors [ 21 ]. Additionally, a periodic table mixture of elements from groups ‘III’ and ‘V’ can create ‘III–V’ materials [ 22 ].

PV devices, sometimes called solar cells, are electronic devices that convert sunlight into electrical power. PVs are also one of the rapidly growing renewable-energy technologies of today. It is therefore anticipated to play a significant role in the long-term world electricity-generating mixture moving forward.

Solar PV systems can be incorporated to supply electricity on a commercial level or installed in smaller clusters for mini-grids or individual usage. Utilizing PV modules to power mini-grids is a great way to offer electricity to those who do not live close to power-transmission lines, especially in developing countries with abundant solar energy resources. In the most recent decade, the cost of producing PV modules has dropped drastically, giving them not only accessibility but sometimes making them the least expensive energy form. PV arrays have a 30-year lifetime and come in various shades based on the type of material utilized in their production.

The most typical method for solar PV desalination technology that is used for desalinating sea or salty water is electrodialysis (ED). Therefore, solar PV modules are directly connected to the desalination process. This technique employs the direct-current electricity to remove salt from the sea or salty water.

The technology of PV–thermal (PV–T) comprises conventional solar PV modules coupled with a thermal collector mounted on the rear side of the PV module to pre-heat domestic hot water. Accordingly, this enables a larger portion of the incident solar energy on the collector to be converted into beneficial electrical and thermal energy.

A zero-energy building is a building that is designed for zero net energy emissions and emits no carbon dioxide. Building-integrated PV (BIPV) technology is coupled with solar energy sources and devices in buildings that are utilized to supply energy needs. Thus, building-integrated PVs utilizing thermal energy (BIPV/T) incorporate creative technologies such as solar cooling [ 23 ].

A PV water-pumping system is typically used to pump water in rural, isolated and desert areas. The system consists of PV modules to power a water pump to the location of water need. The water-pumping rate depends on many factors such as pumping head, solar intensity, etc.

A PV-powered cathodic protection (CP) system is designed to supply a CP system to control the corrosion of a metal surface. This technique is based on the impressive current acquired from PV solar energy systems and is utilized for burying pipelines, tanks, concrete structures, etc.

Concentrated PV (CPV) technology uses either the refractive or the reflective concentrators to increase sunlight to PV cells [ 24 , 25 ]. High-efficiency solar cells are usually used, consisting of many layers of semiconductor materials that stack on top of each other. This technology has an efficiency of >47%. In addition, the devices produce electricity and the heat can be used for other purposes [ 26 , 27 ].

For CSP systems, the solar rays are concentrated using mirrors in this application. These rays will heat a fluid, resulting in steam used to power a turbine and generate electricity. Large-scale power stations employ CSP to generate electricity. A field of mirrors typically redirect rays to a tall thin tower in a CSP power station. Thus, numerous large flat heliostats (mirrors) are used to track the Sun and concentrate its light onto a receiver in power tower systems, sometimes known as central receivers. The hot fluid could be utilized right away to produce steam or stored for later usage. Another of the great benefits of a CSP power station is that it may be built with molten salts to store heat and generate electricity outside of daylight hours.

Mirrored dishes are used in dish engine systems to focus and concentrate sunlight onto a receiver. The dish assembly tracks the Sun’s movement to capture as much solar energy as possible. The engine includes thin tubes that work outside the four-piston cylinders and it opens into the cylinders containing hydrogen or helium gas. The pistons are driven by the expanding gas. Finally, the pistons drive an electric generator by turning a crankshaft.

A further water-treatment technique, using reverse osmosis, depends on the solar-thermal and using solar concentrated power through the parabolic trough technique. The desalination employs CSP technology that utilizes hybrid integration and thermal storage allows continuous operation and is a cost-effective solution. Solar thermal can be used for domestic purposes such as a dryer. In some countries or societies, the so-called food dehydration is traditionally used to preserve some food materials such as meats, fruits and vegetables.

Sustainable energy development is defined as the development of the energy sector in terms of energy generating, distributing and utilizing that are based on sustainability rules [ 28 ]. Energy systems will significantly impact the environment in both developed and developing countries. Consequently, the global sustainable energy system must optimize efficiency and reduce emissions [ 29 ].

The sustainable development scenario is built based on the economic perspective. It also examines what activities will be required to meet shared long-term climate benefits, clean air and energy access targets. The short-term details are based on the IEA’s sustainable recovery strategy, which aims to promote economies and employment through developing a cleaner and more reliable energy infrastructure [ 15 ]. In addition, sustainable development includes utilizing renewable-energy applications, smart-grid technologies, energy security, and energy pricing, and having a sound energy policy [ 29 ].

The demand-side response can help meet the flexibility requirements in electricity systems by moving demand over time. As a result, the integration of renewable technologies for helping facilitate the peak demand is reduced, system stability is maintained, and total costs and CO 2 emissions are reduced. The demand-side response is currently used mostly in Europe and North America, where it is primarily aimed at huge commercial and industrial electricity customers [ 15 ].

International standards are an essential component of high-quality infrastructure. Establishing legislative convergence, increasing competition and supporting innovation will allow participants to take part in a global world PV market [ 30 ]. Numerous additional countries might benefit from more actively engaging in developing global solar PV standards. The leading countries in solar PV manufacturing and deployment have embraced global standards for PV systems and highly contributed to clean-energy development. Additional assistance and capacity-building to enhance quality infrastructure in developing economies might also help support wider implementation and compliance with international solar PV standards. Thus, support can bring legal requirements and frameworks into consistency and give additional impetus for the trade of secure and high-quality solar PV products [ 19 ].

Continuous trade-led dissemination of solar PV and other renewable technologies will strengthen the national infrastructure. For instance, off-grid solar energy alternatives, such as stand-alone systems and mini-grids, could be easily deployed to assist healthcare facilities in improving their degree of services and powering portable testing sites and vaccination coolers. In addition to helping in the immediate medical crisis, trade-led solar PV adoption could aid in the improving economy from the COVID-19 outbreak, not least by providing jobs in the renewable-energy sector, which are estimated to reach >40 million by 2050 [ 19 ].

The framework for energy sustainability development, by the application of solar energy, is one way to achieve that goal. With the large availability of solar energy resources for PV and CSP energy applications, we can move towards energy sustainability. Fig. 3 illustrates plans for solar energy sustainability.

Framework for solar energy applications in energy sustainability.

The environmental consideration of such applications, including an aspect of the environmental conditions, operating conditions, etc., have been assessed. It is clean, friendly to the environment and also energy-saving. Moreover, this technology has no removable parts, low maintenance procedures and longevity.

Economic and social development are considered by offering job opportunities to the community and providing cheaper energy options. It can also improve people’s income; in turn, living standards will be enhanced. Therefore, energy is paramount, considered to be the most vital element of human life, society’s progress and economic development.

As efforts are made to increase the energy transition towards sustainable energy systems, it is anticipated that the next decade will see a continued booming of solar energy and all clean-energy technology. Scholars worldwide consider research and innovation to be substantial drivers to enhance the potency of such solar application technology.

2.1 Employment from renewable energy

The employment market has also boomed with the deployment of renewable-energy technology. Renewable-energy technology applications have created >12 million jobs worldwide. The solar PV application came as the pioneer, which created >3 million jobs. At the same time, while the solar thermal applications (solar heating and cooling) created >819 000 jobs, the CSP attained >31 000 jobs [ 20 ].

According to the reports, although top markets such as the USA, the EU and China had the highest investment in renewables jobs, other Asian countries have emerged as players in the solar PV panel manufacturers’ industry [ 31 ].

Solar energy employment has offered more employment than other renewable sources. For example, in the developing countries, there was a growth in employment chances in solar applications that powered ‘micro-enterprises’. Hence, it has been significant in eliminating poverty, which is considered the key goal of sustainable energy development. Therefore, solar energy plays a critical part in fulfilling the sustainability targets for a better plant and environment [ 31 , 32 ]. Fig. 4 illustrates distributions of world renewable-energy employment.

World renewable-energy employment [ 20 ].

The world distribution of PV jobs is disseminated across the continents as follows. There was 70% employment in PV applications available in Asia, while 10% is available in North America, 10% available in South America and 10% availability in Europe. Table 1 details the top 10 countries that have relevant jobs in Asia, North America, South America and Europe.

List of the top 10 countries that created jobs in solar PV applications [ 19 , 33 ]

Solar energy investments can meet energy targets and environmental protection by reducing carbon emissions while having no detrimental influence on the country’s development [ 32 , 34 ]. In countries located in the ‘Sunbelt’, there is huge potential for solar energy, where there is a year-round abundance of solar global horizontal irradiation. Consequently, these countries, including the Middle East, Australia, North Africa, China, the USA and Southern Africa, to name a few, have a lot of potential for solar energy technology. The average yearly solar intensity is >2800 kWh/m 2 and the average daily solar intensity is >7.5 kWh/m 2 . Fig. 5 illustrates the optimum areas for global solar irradiation.

World global solar irradiation map [ 35 ].

The distribution of solar radiation and its intensity are two important factors that influence the efficiency of solar PV technology and these two parameters vary among different countries. Therefore, it is essential to realize that some solar energy is wasted since it is not utilized. On the other hand, solar radiation is abundant in several countries, especially in developing ones, which makes it invaluable [ 36 , 37 ].

Worldwide, the PV industry has benefited recently from globalization, which has allowed huge improvements in economies of scale, while vertical integration has created strong value chains: as manufacturers source materials from an increasing number of suppliers, prices have dropped while quality has been maintained. Furthermore, the worldwide incorporated PV solar device market is growing fast, creating opportunities enabling solar energy firms to benefit from significant government help with underwriting, subsides, beneficial trading licences and training of a competent workforce, while the increased rivalry has reinforced the motivation to continue investing in research and development, both public and private [ 19 , 33 ].

The global outbreak of COVID-19 has impacted ‘cross-border supply chains’ and those investors working in the renewable-energy sector. As a result, more diversity of solar PV supply-chain processes may be required in the future to enhance long-term flexibility versus exogenous shocks [ 19 , 33 ].

It is vital to establish a well-functioning quality infrastructure to expand the distribution of solar PV technologies beyond borders and make it easier for new enterprises to enter solar PV value chains. In addition, a strong quality infrastructure system is a significant instrument for assisting local firms in meeting the demands of trade markets. Furthermore, high-quality infrastructure can help reduce associated risks with the worldwide PV project value chain, such as underperforming, inefficient and failing goods, limiting the development, improvement and export of these technologies. Governments worldwide are, at various levels, creating quality infrastructure, including the usage of metrology i.e. the science of measurement and its application, regulations, testing procedures, accreditation, certification and market monitoring [ 33 , 38 ].

The perspective is based on a continuous process of technological advancement and learning. Its speed is determined by its deployment, which varies depending on the scenario [ 39 , 40 ]. The expense trends support policy preferences for low-carbon energy sources, particularly in increased energy-alteration scenarios. Emerging technologies are introduced and implemented as quickly as they ever have been before in energy history [ 15 , 33 ].

The CSP stations have been in use since the early 1980s and are currently found all over the world. The CSP power stations in the USA currently produce >800 MW of electricity yearly, which is sufficient to power ~500 000 houses. New CSP heat-transfer fluids being developed can function at ~1288 o C, which is greater than existing fluids, to improve the efficiency of CSP systems and, as a result, to lower the cost of energy generated using this technology. Thus, as a result, CSP is considered to have a bright future, with the ability to offer large-scale renewable energy that can supplement and soon replace traditional electricity-production technologies [ 41 ]. The DESERTEC project has drawn out the possibility of CSP in the Sahara Desert regions. When completed, this investment project will have the world’s biggest energy-generation capacity through the CSP plant, which aims to transport energy from North Africa to Europe [ 42 , 43 ].

The costs of manufacturing materials for PV devices have recently decreased, which is predicted to compensate for the requirements and increase the globe’s electricity demand [ 44 ]. Solar energy is a renewable, clean and environmentally friendly source of energy. Therefore, solar PV application techniques should be widely utilized. Although PV technology has always been under development for a variety of purposes, the fact that PV solar cells convert the radiant energy from the Sun directly into electrical power means it can be applied in space and in terrestrial applications [ 38 , 45 ].

In one way or another, the whole renewable-energy sector has a benefit over other energy industries. A long-term energy development plan needs an energy source that is inexhaustible, virtually accessible and simple to gather. The Sun rises over the horizon every day around the globe and leaves behind ~108–1018 kWh of energy; consequently, it is more than humanity will ever require to fulfil its desire for electricity [ 46 ].

The technology that converts solar radiation into electricity is well known and utilizes PV cells, which are already in use worldwide. In addition, various solar PV technologies are available today, including hybrid solar cells, inorganic solar cells and organic solar cells. So far, solar PV devices made from silicon have led the solar market; however, these PVs have certain drawbacks, such as expenditure of material, time-consuming production, etc. It is important to mention here the operational challenges of solar energy in that it does not work at night, has less output in cloudy weather and does not work in sandstorm conditions. PV battery storage is widely used to reduce the challenges to gain high reliability. Therefore, attempts have been made to find alternative materials to address these constraints. Currently, this domination is challenged by the evolution of the emerging generation of solar PV devices based on perovskite, organic and organic/inorganic hybrid materials.

This paper highlights the significance of sustainable energy development. Solar energy would help steady energy prices and give numerous social, environmental and economic benefits. This has been indicated by solar energy’s contribution to achieving sustainable development through meeting energy demands, creating jobs and protecting the environment. Hence, a paramount critical component of long-term sustainability should be investigated. Based on the current condition of fossil-fuel resources, which are deemed to be depleting energy sources, finding an innovative technique to deploy clean-energy technology is both essential and expected. Notwithstanding, solar energy has yet to reach maturity in development, especially CSP technology. Also, with growing developments in PV systems, there has been a huge rise in demand for PV technology applications all over the globe. Further work needs to be undertaken to develop energy sustainably and consider other clean energy resources. Moreover, a comprehensive experimental and validation process for such applications is required to develop cleaner energy sources to decarbonize our planet.

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

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Knowledge Base

How to write a research paper on solar energy: a graduate-level guide  0.

How many types of paper do you think a college student should know? Apart from writing essays, discussion posts, and replies, a person pursuing an undergraduate and graduate degree should be conversant with a format or outline of scientific papers, research proposals, and dissertations. This know-how assists a student in coherently organizing and structuring his or her ideas.

As such, this article aims to offer insightful tips on how to make a research paper on solar energy meet proficient or distinguished criteria on the rubric. In other words, this graduate-level guide provides a clear distinction between this type of writing and a general essay. 

Solar Energy Research Paper: A Recommended Structure 

When you review several research papers on solar energy, you’ll notice that an abstract appears before other sections. However, it’s important to note that a student should write it after completing the paper. Why should you adhere to this rule? Very simple, it’s because an abstract summarizes the key arguments of a research paper. This section, according to Naval Postgraduate School , differs from an executive summary in terms of length and information included. In particular, an abstract ranges from 100 to 200 words, while an executive summary might be 2 to 5 pages. What does this mean? A student might include citations in an executive summary. 

So, when writing a research paper on solar energy, you should ensure that its abstract contains concise statements about the following:

• The significance of the research 
• The research question
• The scientific method used to answer the research question
• The findings

Introduction

If you pride yourself on the knowledge of how to write a perfect essay, this section shouldn’t be a problem for you. When writing a solar energy research paper, you should present comprehensive theories underlying the problem. Take a close look at this paragraph.

Even though the discovery of fossil fuel to substitute wood charcoal promoted industrialization and economic development, it has presented multiple challenges to the environment and human health. According to Zoghi et al. (2017), as cited by Choifin et al.’s (2021) article, “most of the energy sources that are currently relied on are limited and will run out due to increasing demand” (p. 1). Due to the supply deficit of fossil fuel, many countries opt to purchase cheap fossil fuels. However, such petroleum contains high octane that reduces the lifespan of vehicle engines. As a consequence, nations end up with piles of scrap and heavy metals that pollute the environment. The country can remedy this problem if it implements renewable energy sources such as solar, hydropower, and wind power, among many other options. According to Biçen, Szczutkowski, and Vardar (2018), “solar energy, which is an almost infinite energy source that does not have a negative effect on the environment, is utilized in two ways as “Thermal Systems” and “Electrical Systems”.”

After reading this introduction, you’ll notice that the presented theoretical background of the problem contains scholarly pieces of evidence. Afterwards, it offers the significance of the research by highlighting why countries should adopt renewable sources of energy such as solar. 

Literature review

When writing a solar energy research paper, you should consider reviewing studies on the same subject. In this case, you can explore topics on the latest trends and the future. Take a look at the below literature review.

The expansion of solar energy solutions worldwide is attributable to its high demand. According to Solar Energy Industries Association [SEIA] (n.d.), this sector has experienced approximately 24% yearly growth over the past ten years. About 26 million houses benefit from over 149 gigawatts (GW) because of the federal financial support through the solar Investment Tax credit. Another reason for the expansion of this sector, according to Choifin et al. (2021), a suitable solution for the supply deficit of electricity is renewable energy sources (RE).

Ideally, your literature review should present arguments on different topics. Each paragraph should have at least two citations with ideas that build on a central theme. Depending on the length of your research paper, a literature review should contain several paragraphs. 

Methodology

Unlike a dissertation that a student has several weeks or months to complete, your professor might want you to complete a research paper on solar energy within days. As such, the recommended design would be a systematic review. In this case, you need to select a few journals on the topic of interest. How can you do this? Considering that you require access to articles with the latest information on solar energy, you can consider contacting professional services like CustomWritings to get your write my research paper request processed by expert writers. The reason for opting for a research paper writer on this website to assist you in systematic review concerns their experience of using online databases.  

While most systematic reviews on solar technology tend to be qualitative, you can opt to utilize mixed design. In this case, you can get some figures from the articles and conduct an extensive analysis to reveal some trends or patterns. At this point, you can consider including tables or graphs on the usage of renewable sources over the years.  

Discussions

After presenting the results, you need to support the trends and patterns with scholarly sources. You can find relevant articles by searching solar energy research paper topics on the web. The length of the discussion depends on your knowledge of interpreting results and summarizing evidence-based findings. 

While writing this section, you should ensure that it doesn’t look or structured similar to the abstract. As such, a student should summarize the main points of the study and the research implications. In some papers, you can combine discussion and conclusion. You can add recommendations in this section. 

References 

Regardless of your format, you should place all the materials cited in the paper in this section. 

Write a Research Paper on Solar Energy: Dos and Don’ts

• Use headings and subheadings . Unlike most essays, your research paper should have clear sections. This strategy facilitates the organization of ideas. 
• Define terms. Considering that you are most likely to apply technical writing in research papers, you should consider providing definitions of the vocabulary and figures used. This strategy is important when it comes to the result section.
• Cite all borrowed ideas . The rationale for citing and referencing concerns eliminating intentional plagiarism. 
• Let the research question guide the writing process . This strategy ensures that you stay on the topic.
• Fabricate the results. Since most research papers on solar energy tend to utilize secondary data, some students might provide fake data. 
• Overuse ‘I”. Although personal opinions are necessary when writing a research paper, you should devise a way of presenting them. 
• Introducing new results. When writing a discussion of a research paper, you should stick to your result. In other words, you should not get a source with similar information and just paraphrase. Make sure the information you are looking for either supports or challenges your results. 

Even though this article offers a standard structure for writing a research paper on solar energy, students should understand that any deviation in instruction is unacceptable. What does this mean? Some professors might require students to only look at the impact and consequences of solar energy. Such a research paper might have only two headings. It’s because of this reason you should always consult a research paper service if anything is unclear! 

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The Future of Solar Energy

Read the report.

Executive summary (PDF) Full report (PDF)

The Future of Solar Energy considers only the two widely recognized classes of technologies for converting solar energy into electricity — photovoltaics (PV) and concentrated solar power (CSP), sometimes called solar thermal) — in their current and plausible future forms. Because energy supply facilities typically last several decades, technologies in these classes will dominate solar-powered generation between now and 2050, and we do not attempt to look beyond that date. In contrast to some earlier Future of studies, we also present no forecasts — for two reasons. First, expanding the solar industry dramatically from its relatively tiny current scale may produce changes we do not pretend to be able to foresee today. Second, we recognize that future solar deployment will depend heavily on uncertain future market conditions and public policies — including but not limited to policies aimed at mitigating global climate change.

As in other studies in this series, our primary aim is to inform decision-makers in the developed world, particularly the United States. We concentrate on the use of grid-connected solar-powered generators to replace conventional sources of electricity. For the more than one billion people in the developing world who lack access to a reliable electric grid, the cost of small-scale PV generation is often outweighed by the very high value of access to electricity for lighting and charging mobile telephone and radio batteries. In addition, in some developing nations it may be economic to use solar generation to reduce reliance on imported oil, particularly if that oil must be moved by truck to remote generator sites. A companion working paper discusses both these valuable roles for solar energy in the developing world.

Research Areas

Related publications.

Shaping photovoltaic array output to align with changing wholesale electricity price profiles

Spatial and temporal variation in the value of solar power across United States electricity markets

Solar heating for residential and industrial processes

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MIT Energy Initiative Director Robert Armstrong shares perspectives on past successes and ongoing and future energy projects at the Institute.

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Solar energy articles from across Nature Portfolio

Top performance whatever the doping

The highest power conversion efficiencies for silicon heterojunction solar cells have been achieved on devices based on n-type doped silicon wafers, yet these wafers are usually more expensive than p-type ones. Now, researchers reduce charge recombination in the bulk of p-type silicon, demonstrating comparable efficiency to devices based on n-type silicon.

• Bernd Stannowski

Related Subjects

• Artificial photosynthesis
• Photovoltaics
• Solar fuels
• Solar thermal energy
• Thermophotovoltaics

Latest Research and Reviews

Robust chelated lead octahedron surface for efficient and stable perovskite solar cells

The lead halide octahedron framework is mainly stabilized via optimization of bonding characteristics and dimensionality. Here, the authors employ bidentate ligands to in-situ form lead iodide chelates layer for surface passivation, achieving device efficiency over 25% in perovskite solar cells.

Co-adsorbed self-assembled monolayer enables high-performance perovskite and organic solar cells

Self-assembled monolayers are essential for achieving high performance solar cells by minimizing interfacial energy losses. Here, authors the develop a co-adsorb strategy with a small molecule to provide a favorable heterointerface, realizing high efficiency in p-i-n perovskite and organic devices.

• Dongyang Li

The effect of post-annealing on the performance of the Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 solar cells

• Mungunshagai Gansukh
• Filipe Martinho
• Stela Canulescu

Probing intermediate configurations of oxygen evolution catalysis across the light spectrum

Oxygen evolution is a critical reaction in the context of renewable fuel production via (photo)electrochemical approaches, yet our understanding of the molecular details of the reaction is limited. Here, the authors explore how specific spectroscopic probes and theory can be combined to reveal the elementary reaction steps.

• Jin Suntivich
• Geoffroy Hautier

Surface chemical polishing and passivation minimize non-radiative recombination for all-perovskite tandem solar cells

The efficiency of all-perovskite tandem solar cells is impacted by the nonradiative recombination loss in Sn–Pb mixed narrow bandgap perovskite films. Here, the authors utilize a surface polishing agent with surface passivator to deliver films with a close-to-ideal stoichiometric ratio surface.

• Yongyan Pan
• Jianan Wang

Self-deposited passivation for decreasing scalable processing loss of perovskite solar cells

Blade-coating produces large-area perovskite solar cells, but device performance is often reduced as the area of the film increases. Here, an additive is used to control film crystallization to achieve high power conversion efficiency, attributed to a self-deposited passivation method

• Zheng Liang

News and Comment

Chirality for stable interfaces

Interfacial engineering is key to ensure the long-term stability of perovskite solar cells. Research now shows that chiral molecules can both improve the mechanical stability of the interfaces and afford passivation of defects at the perovskite surface, making solar cells more tolerant to thermal cycling stress.

• Juan-Pablo Correa-Baena

Smoothing down interfaces

The surfaces of polycrystalline perovskite films impact the long-term performance of perovskite solar cells, yet their microstructure is not well understood. Research now reveals the existence of concave grain structures at the surface of the perovskite layer facing the electron transport layer, and their detrimental effect on the stability of the interface and eventually the devices.

Connectivity matters

High-efficiency perovskite solar cells suffer from limited operational stability. Research now shows that perovskitoid-based interlayers with strong metal halide octahedral connectivity and both out-of-plane and in-plane crystal orientations address this issue.

Scrubbing the need for flue gas purification

Electrochemical reduction of CO 2 from flue gas shows promise for producing chemicals and fuels from waste streams, but its implementation is challenged by the presence of SO 2 impurities. Research now demonstrates a catalyst that effectively converts CO 2 to multi-carbon products while tolerating SO 2 impurities, advancing the feasibility of industrial CO 2 utilization.

• Amrita Singh-Morgan
• Victor Mougel

Simulations for building integration

• Giulia Tregnago

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Solar Energy Essay

500 words essay on solar energy.

Solar energy is the energy which the earth receives from the sun which converts into thermal or electrical energy. Moreover, solar energy influences the climate of the earth and weather to sustain life. It has great potential which we must use to our advantage fully. Through the solar energy essay, we will look at this in detail and know more about it carefully.

Importance of Solar Energy

Solar energy is very important as it is a clean and renewable source of energy. Thus, this means it will not damage the earth in any way. In addition, it is available on a daily basis. Similarly, it does not cause any kind of pollution.

As it is environment-friendly, it is very important in today’s world. It is so much better than other pollution sources of energies like fossil fuels and more. Further, it has low maintenance costs.

Solar panel systems do not require a lot of solar power energy. Moreover, they come with 5-10 years of warranty which is very beneficial. Most importantly, it reduces the cost of electricity bills.

In other words, we use it mostly for cooking and heating up our homes. Thus, it drops the utility bills cost and helps us save some extra money. Further, solar energy also has many possible applications.

A lot of communities and villages make use of solar energy to power their homes, offices and more. Further, we can use it in areas where there is no access to a power grid. For instance, distilling the water is Africa and powering the satellites in space.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Uses of Solar Energy

In today’s world, we use solar energy for a lot of things. Firstly, we use solar power for many things as small as calculators to as big as power plants which power the entire city. We use the most common solar power for small things.

For instance, many calculators use solar cells to operate, thus they never run out of batteries. Moreover, we also have some watches which run on solar cells. Similarly, there are also radios which run on solar cells.

Thus, you see so many things run on solar power. All satellites run on solar power otherwise they won’t be able to function. Moreover, large desalinization plants make use of solar power if there is little or no freshwater.

In addition, many countries have solar furnaces. We also use solar power commercially and residentially. You will find its uses in transportation service too. In fact, soon, solar powers will also be out on the streets.

Conclusion of Solar Energy Essay

To sum it up, solar energy is a cost-effective means of energy which is quite useful for people that have huge families. When we install solar panels, we can get solar energy which will reduce electricity costs and allow us to lead a sustainable lifestyle. Thus, we must all try to use it well to our advantage.

FAQ of Solar Energy Essay

Question 1: What is solar energy in simple words?

Answer 1: Solar energy is basically the transformation of heat, the energy which is derived from the sun. We have been using it for thousands of years in numerous different ways all over the world. The oldest uses of solar energy are for heating, cooking, and drying.

Question 2: What are the advantages of solar energy?

Answer 2: There are many advantages of solar energy. Firstly, it is a renewable source of energy which makes it healthy. Moreover, it also reduces the electricity bills of ours. After that, we can also use it for diverse applications. Further, it also has low maintenance costs.

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118 Renewable Energy Essay Topics

🏆 best essay topics on renewable energy, 🌶️ hot renewable energy essay topics, 👍 good renewable energy research topics & essay examples, 💡 simple renewable energy essay ideas, ❓ renewable energy research questions.

• Solving the Climate Change Crisis by Using Renewable Energy Sources
• Electricity vs. Solar Energy Compared and Contrasted
• Environmental Degradation and Renewable Energy
• Renewable Energy Technology in Egypt
• How Wind Turbines Convert Wind Energy into Electrical Energy?
• Discussion of Renewable Energy Resources
• Renewable Energy: Why Do We Need It?
• Is Nuclear Power Renewable Energy? Renewable energy is obtained from the naturally-occurring elements, implying that it can be easily accessed, cheaply generated, and conveniently supplied to consumers.
• Siemens Energy: Renewable Energy System Renewable energy technologies are methods of energy production that utilize naturally replenishable resources such as solar, wind, geothermal heat, and tides.
• Renewable Energy in Japan: Clean Energy Transition Renewable energy in Japan became significantly important after the Fukushima Daiichi tsunami that struck Japan in 2011.
• Renewable Energy Programs in Five Countries Energy production is vital for the drive of the economy. The world at large should diversify the sources to reduce the over-usage of fossil energy that is a threat of depletion.
• Solar Energy and Its Impact on Environment The purpose of this paper is to determine the impact of solar energy on the environment. The major positive impact is the minimal emission of greenhouse gases.
• Renewable Energy: Benefits Outweigh Downfalls Renewable technology is becoming increasingly popular in today’s world. These inventions are often presented as an alternative eco-friendly solution that eliminates fossil fuels.
• Renewable Energy: Current State, Enablers, and Barriers The paper discusses the concept of sustainability takes a central role in the global discussion and presents of environment safety plan.
• The G20 Countries’ Competitiveness in Renewable Energy Resources “Assessing national renewable energy competitiveness of the G20” by Fang et al. presents an assessment of competitiveness in renewable energy resources among G20 countries.
• Future of 100% Renewable Energy This article explores the future of renewable green energy and a review the topical studies related to 100% renewable energy.
• Renewable Energy: Proposal Argument and Mind Map This paper argues that green energy in its current state will struggle to meet humanity’s demand and the development of better hybrid, integrated grids is required.
• Solar Energy: Advantages and Disadvantages Renewable energy sources are being supported and invested in by governments to instigate a new environment-friendly technology.
• Discussion of Realization of Solar Energy Company ABC is interested in creating a “solar” project which will fully install and staff solar panels to ensure the safe transformation of solar energy into electricity.
• Profitability of Onshore and Offshore Wind Energy in Australia Undoubtedly, the recent increase in popularity of campaigns to decarbonize the globe proves renewable energy to be a current and future trend globally.
• Renewable Energy: The Use of Fossil Fuel The paper states that having a combination of renewable energy sources is becoming critical in the global effort to reduce the use of fossil fuels.
• Solar Energy in China and Its Influence on Climate Change The influence of solar energy on climate change has impacted production, the advancement of solar energy has impacted climate change in the geography of China.
• Full Renewable Energy Plan Feasibility: 2030-2040 The paper argues that green energy in its current state will struggle to meet the humanity’s demand and the development of better hybrid, integrated grids is required.
• Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Utilization This paper aims at expounding the effectiveness of renewable energy and the utilization of energy efficiency in regard to climate change.
• Utilization of Solar Energy for Thermal Desalination The following research is set to outline the prospects of utilization of solar energy for thermal desalination technologies.
• A World With 100% Renewable Energy Large corporations, countries, and separate states have already transferred or put a plan into action to transfer to 100% renewable energy in a couple of decades.
• Wind Works Ltd.: Wind Energy Development Methodology Wind Works Ltd, as the company, which provides the alternative energy sources, and makes them available for the wide range of the population needs to resort to a particular assessment strategies.
• Wind Energy as an Alternative Source While energy is a must for our survival, wind energy as a seemingly perpetual source of energy is the potential answer to the energy security of our generations to come.
• Solar Power as the Best Source of Energy The concepts of environmental conservation and sustainability have forced many countries and organizations to consider the best strategies or processes for generating electricity.
• Installing Solar Panels to Reduce Energy Costs The purpose of the proposal is to request permission for research to install solar panels to reduce energy costs, which represent a huge part of the company’s expenses.
• Renewable Energy Sources for Saudi Arabia This paper will provide background information on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its energy resources, and how it may become more modern and efficient.
• Sunburst Renewable Energy Corporation: Business Structuring The proposed Sunburst Renewable Energy Corporation will function on a captivating value statement in product strategy and customer relationships as the core instruments of sustainable operations.
• Renewable Energy: Economic and Health Benefits The US should consider the adoption of renewable sources of energy, because of the high cost of using fossil fuels and expenses related to health problems due to pollution.
• The Use of Renewable Energy: Advantages and Disadvantages Today’s world is dependent on electricity, which is supplied from many different sources such as fossils fuels which emit harmful gases that pollute the environment.
• Renewable Energy Systems Group and Toyota Company The application of the Lean Six Sigma to the key company processes, creates prerequisites for stellar success, as the examples of Toyota and the Renewable Energy Systems Group have shown.
• Renewable Energy Sources: Popularity and Benefits Renewable fuels are not as pollutive as fossil fuels; they can be reproduced quickly from domestic resources. They became popular because of the decreasing amount of fossil fuels.
• Renewable Energy Sources: Definition, Types and Stocks This research report analyzes the growing interest of the use renewable energy as an alternative to the non-renewable energy.
• Renewable Energy Systems: Australia’s Electricity
• Accelerating Renewable Energy Electrification and Rural Economic Development With an Innovative Business Model
• Renewable Energy Systems: Role of Grid Connection
• Breaking Barriers Towards Investment in Renewable Energy
• California Dreaming: The Economics of Renewable Energy
• Marine Renewable Energy Clustering in the Mediterranean Sea: The Case of the PELAGOS Project
• Differences Between Fossil Fuel and Renewable Energy
• Addressing the Renewable Energy Financing Gap in Africa to Promote Universal Energy Access: Integrated Renewable Energy Financing in Malawi
• Causality Between Public Policies and Exports of Renewable Energy Technologies
• Achieving the Renewable Energy Target for Jamaica
• Economic Growth and the Transition From Non-renewable to Renewable Energy
• Between Innovation and Industrial Policy: How Washington Succeeds and Fails at Renewable Energy
• Increasing Financial Incentive for Renewable Energy in the Third World
• Does Financial Development Matter for Innovation in Renewable Energy?
• Financing Rural Renewable Energy: A Comparison Between China and India
• Alternative Energy for Renewable Energy Sources
• Low-Carbon Transition: Private Sector Investment in Renewable Energy Projects in Developing Countries
• Effective Renewable Energy Activities in Bangladesh
• China’s Renewable Energy Policy: Commitments and Challenges
• Analyzing the Dynamic Impact of Electricity Futures on Revenue and Risk of Renewable Energy in China
• Driving Energy: The Enactment and Ambitiousness of State Renewable Energy Policy
• Carbon Lock-Out: Advancing Renewable Energy Policy in Europe
• Big Oil vs. Renewable Energy: A Detrimental Conflict With Global Consequences
• Efficient Feed-In-Tariff Policies for Renewable Energy Technologies
• Balancing Cost and Risk: The Treatment of Renewable Energy in Western Utility Resource Plans
• Active and Reactive Power Control for Renewable Energy Generation Engineering
• Mainstreaming New Renewable Energy Technologies
• Carbon Pricing and Innovation of Renewable Energy
• Economic Growth, Carbon Dioxide Emissions, Renewable Energy and Globalization
• Figuring What’s Fair: The Cost of Equity Capital for Renewable Energy in Emerging Markets
• Distributed Generation: The Definitive Boost for Renewable Energy in Spain
• Biodiesel From Green Rope and Brown Algae: Future Renewable Energy
• Electricity Supply Security and the Future Role of Renewable Energy Sources in Brazil
• Contracting for Biomass: Supply Chain Strategies for Renewable Energy
• Advanced Education and Training Programs to Support Renewable Energy Investment in Africa
• Domestic Incentive Measures for Renewable Energy With Possible Trade Implications
• Affordable and Clean Renewable Energy
• Catalyzing Investment for Renewable Energy in Developing Countries
• Better Health, Environment, and Economy With Renewable Energy Sources
• Afghanistan Renewable Energy Development Issues and Options
• How Economics Can Change the World With Renewable Energy?
• Are Green Hopes Too Rosy? Employment and Welfare Impacts of Renewable Energy Promotion
• Marketing Strategy for Renewable Energy Development in Indonesia Context Today
• Biomass Residue From Palm Oil Industries is Used as Renewable Energy Fuel in Southeast Asia
• Assessing Renewable Energy Policies in Palestine
• Chinese Renewable Energy Technology Exports: The Role of Policy, Innovation, and Markets
• Business Models for Model Businesses: Lessons From Renewable Energy Entrepreneurs in Developing Countries
• Economic Impacts From the Promotion of Renewable Energy Technologies: The German Experience
• Key Factors and Recommendations for Adopting Renewable Energy Systems by Families and Firms
• Improving the Investment Climate for Renewable Energy
• How Will Renewable Energy Play a Role in Future Economies?
• What Are the Advantages of Renewable Energy?
• What Is the Term for a Renewable Energy Source That Taps Into Heat Produced Deep Below Ground?
• What Are the Basic Problems of Renewable Energy?
• Why Is Solar Energy the Best Resource of Renewable Energy?
• How Can You Make a Potentially Renewable Energy Resource Sustainable?
• What Is a Possible Cost of Using Renewable Energy Resources?
• What Is the Contribution of Renewable Energy Sources to Global Energy Consumption?
• How Do Renewable Energy Resources Work?
• What Is the Most Viable Renewable Energy Source for the US to Invest In?
• Why Isn’t Renewable Energy More Widely Used Than It Is?
• Is Coal Still a Viable Resource Versus Windpower Being Renewable Energy?
• What Is the Difference Between Non-renewable and Renewable Energy?
• Why Is It Necessary to Emphasize Renewable Energy Sources in Order to Achieve a Sustainable Society?
• Is Aluminum an Example of a Renewable Energy Resource?
• What Fraction of Our Energy Currently Comes From Renewable Energy Sources?
• What Are the Disadvantages of Renewable Energy?
• What Would Have to Happen to Completely Abandon Non-renewable Energy Sources?
• Why Are Renewable Energy Better Than Fossil Fuels?
• How Could a Renewable Energy Resource Become Non-renewable?
• How Have Renewable Energy Resources Replaced a Percentage of Fossil Fuels in Different Countries?
• How Can Water Be Used as a Renewable Energy Resource?
• What Is the Most Practical Renewable Energy Source?
• What Steps Are Necessary to Further the Use of Renewable Energy Resources in THE US?
• Why Is Renewable Energy Use Growing?
• What Type of Renewable Energy Should Businesses in Your Region Invest In?
• How Does Renewable Energy Reduce Climate Change?
• Can the Development of Renewable Energy Sources Lead To Increased International Tensions?
• How Do Renewable Energy Resources Affect the Environment?
• Why Have So Many Governments Decided to Subsidize Renewable Energy Initiatives?

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StudyCorgi. (2022, October 26). 118 Renewable Energy Essay Topics. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/renewable-energy-essay-topics/

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StudyCorgi . 2022. "118 Renewable Energy Essay Topics." October 26, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/renewable-energy-essay-topics/.

These essay examples and topics on Renewable Energy were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on June 24, 2024 .

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461 Energy Essay Topics to Write about & Examples

🔝 top 10 topics related to energy, 🏆 best energy topic ideas & essay examples, 👍 good energy essay topics, 📑 interesting topics to write about energy, 🔍 good research topics about energy.

• 🎓 Energy Writing Prompts

📌 Simple & Easy Energy Essay Titles

Welcome to our ultimate list of topics related to energy! Here, you will find solar energy essay topics, interesting titles for energy projects, writing ideas about environmentally friendly and renewable energy sources, research titles on trending issues, and more.

• The Economics of Energy
• Wind Energy for Clean Electricity
• Sustainable Alternative Energy Sources
• How Fossil Fuels Influence Climate Change
• Strategies for Reducing Energy Consumption
• Nuclear Energy’s Safety and Sustainability
• The Role of Solar Power in the Future
• Hydropower: Environmental Pros and Cons
• Energy Transition from Non-Renewable to Renewable Sources
• Smart Grid Technology and Other Ways of Energy Distribution
• Alternative Sources of Energy Essay Consequently, the government has been urged to reduce restrictions impeding the development of renewable sources of energy and increase funding of the same.
• Solar Energy as an Alternative Source of Energy It is of essence to note that, with the depletion of fossil fuels, more emphasis is now being put on the use of solar energy as an alternate energy source.
• Renewable Energy Sources: Existence, Impacts and Trends It is important to note that about 20% of the world energy sources come from renewable sources. The management and maintenance of renewable energy production may be in the short run or long run.
• Solar Energy Installation Project Management 0 Pilot solar energy project Managers will run a pilot project to determine the feasibility of the project. A number of resources will be required to complete the project.
• Waste-to-Energy Conversion Efforts The EPA documents that once waste has been converted into energy through incineration, only 10% of the initial waste volume is recovered as ash to be disposed in the landfills. The cost of converting waste […]
• Energy Conservation: The Lab Experiment The motion of a pendulum is a good demonstration of mechanical energy conservation. However, gravity is a conservative force, which is why it does not cause any change to the total mechanical energy of the […]
• New Energy Drink Marketing Strategy The Mission of the company is to be a leader in the manufacturing and marketing of healthy, nutritious beverages in the USA and to satisfy consumers’ needs while at the same time enhancing the individual […]
• Grassland Ecosystem and the Energy Flow in the Ecosystem Apart from the leaves and foliages, the primary consumers in the grass land ecosystem can also feed on the roots and backs of trees.3.
• The Realization of the UAE Energy Plan 2050 The UAE energy plan and the green economy are among the key emerging trends influencing the transition and can affect how the future unfolds in the energy sector and the people of the UAE at […]
• Hydro Energy Advantages and Disadvantages Run off rivers This is the use of water speed in running rivers which is used to rotate turbines for electricity generation.
• Energy Conservation The second step is to check all the electric devices and gadgets in every room unplugging them from the sockets on the walls, switching off all the bulbs that are on.
• Conservation Of Energy The amount of kinetic energy in a body is affected by environmental factors and the state of surrounding bodies while potential energy is independent of the surroundings.
• The Benefits of Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy This research paper seeks to describe renewable and non renewable energy sources, their effects on the environment and economic benefits.”Fossils fuels are one of the most widely used sources of energy”.
• Monster Energy Company’s Marketing Strategies In spite of applying all approaches to the market segmentation in order to promote the product, including demographic, geographic, behavioral, and psychographic segmentation, Monster Energy accentuates the use of demographic and behavioral analysis.
• The Concept of Energy Wind is not only one of the most attractive sources of energy, but it also among the cleanest sources of renewable energy, and for these reasons, it is the fastest advancing energy technology in the […]
• The Advantages and Disadvantages of Biomass Energy Biomass is widely known as a renewable source of energy, which is utilized in the production of electricity and other types of energy in most parts of the world.
• Renewable Energy: Comparison Between Biogas and Solar Energies Again, the research finds that the cost of installation is higher compared to solar energy sources. However, the paper is going to compare solar and biogas energy sources.
• Suzlon Energy Case from a Strategic Point of View Suzlon is the dominant provider of wind energy in India with a market share of more than 50% where it provides customers with both the land and the infrastructure.
• Alternative Sources of Energy: Solar, Wind, and Hydropower Countries, which depend on oil are getting worried because they are not certain of the availability of this source of energy in future, also, the prices of oil has been escalating over the years, and […]
• Contradictions to the Conservation Law of Energy One of the major contributions of the article is a discussion on the various contradictions that the law of conservation of energy has.
• An Introduction to Energy and Its Development Further developments in the field of energy use began with the sources such as wind, biomass, and hydropower and these were the only sources of energy for humans for thousands of years.
• Tesla’s Strategic Plan for Leadership in Energy Sector The purpose of this report is to analyze Tesla’s strategic plan of technological leadership in the energy segment to strengthen its competitive position.
• Biomass Energy, Its Advantages and Disadvantages Biomass energy is a source of energy that involves the use of natural living matter such as plants and animals. As stated, biomass energy is cheap and accessible to the majority of people.
• Energy Crisis in Pakistan At the present moment, the most common source of energy that is used in the world is electricity. In 2010, violent protests emerged in several parts of the nation, especially major cities of Pakistan in […]
• Using Solar (PV) Energy to Generate Hydrogen Gas for Fuel Cells With the current technologies, an electrolyzer working at 100% efficiency needs 39 kWh of electricity to liberate 1 kg of hydrogen.
• Demand for Energy. Energy Sources The other issue that is likely to face the idea of sourcing of energy from the rural areas is the environmental impact that the sources of energy are likely to have in those areas.
• Climate Change and Renewable Energy Options The existence of various classes of world economies in the rural setting and the rise of the middle class economies has put more pressure on environmental services that are highly demanded and the use of […]
• Wind Energy as Forms of Sustainable Energy Sources T he only costs to be met in producing wind energy is the cost of equipment for harnessing wind, wind turbines for converting the energy and photovoltaic panels for storing energy.
• Energy Balance and Expenditure Energy density, which is typically expressed as the number of calories in a gram, is the quantity of energy or calories in a specific weight of food.
• An Energetic but Practical Mini Cooper Car The car has been and will continue to be a dominating part of the culture, whatever the psychological reasoning for the purchase of a car or how the car is viewed by others.
• Activation Energy Barrier Definition Any chemical reaction has a transitional state, which is characterized by a high level of available energy and can be described as a state of interacting molecules that corresponds to the peak of the activation […]
• Non-Conventional Energy Resources In the world, there exist different forms of energy that are categorized into two groups that include the fossil fuels and non-fossil fuels.
• Energy and Momentum in the Daily Life Ke= mv2/2 From eq taking the negligible potential energy we have E t = Ke = mv2/2 Kinetic energy is therefore related to momentum in the above equation. As mentioned in the literature energy is […]
• Suzlon Energy Case The failure of a company to invest in growth will render it uncompetitive in the medium-term. There is sufficient room for expansion of Suzlon to cover the emerging markets and increase its presence in the […]
• Energy Generation Industry in India The Ministry of Power is in charge of the power industry in India. Unfortunately, in the case of India, the rate of increase in the supply of electricity has not caught up with the increase […]
• Possible Use of Alternative Energy Sources Research Aim: To identify the factors which are responsible for the threats of dependency on conventional energy sources Research Objective: To demonstrate how the development of alternative energy sources could overcome the rising cost of […]
• Renewable Energy: Geothermal Energy Of all these forms of renewables, geothermal energy is perceived as one of the renowned forms of renewable energy which is generated from the crust of the earth.
• The Impact of Green Energy on Environment and Sustainable Development Traditional methods of receiving the necessary amount of power for meeting the needs of the developed cites and industries cannot be discussed as efficient according to the threat of the environmental pollution which is the […]
• Energy Service Companies’ Benefits and Drawbacks Lastly, the expertise of the ESCO system will have to be maintained even after the end of the project. In addition to the benefits, the hiring of ESCO had its demerits.
• Investment in Renewable Energy Sources Thus, it is possible to say that climate crisis can prove to be a catastrophe that can profoundly influence people living in various regions of the world; more importantly, the existing policies are not sufficient […]
• Carbon Footprint and Renewable Energy The consumption of fossil fuels by the energy infrastructure is one of the greatest sources of greenhouse gases which are responsible for recent global warming and climate change concern. This is the increase in the […]
• Nuclear Energy in Australia The irony of the matter is that Australia does not use these reserves to produce nuclear energy; two main reasons that has contributed to the un-exploitation are availability of rich coal deposits in the country, […]
• Efficient Solar Refrigeration: A Technology Platform for Clean Energy and Water Refrigeration cycle capable to be driven by low grade energy, substituting gas-phase ejector used in conventional mechanical compressor.
• Impacts of Alternative Energy on the Environment The term “alternative energy” refers to energy sources other than fossil fuels, including renewable sources, such as solar and wind energy, as well as nuclear energy.
• Biofuel: Renewable Energy Type The purpose of this essay is to discuss this statement and evaluate its accuracy in accordance to the latest studies, as well as the pros and cons of biofuel in general.
• What Kind of Energy Can Be Produced from Corn in Farms Over the years, corn has been used to produce alcohol in the form of ethanol, a major raw material for the production of energy.
• How Solar Energy Can Save the Environment? Over the past few decades, the level of greenhouse gasses in the environment has been on the rise. The only cost in the production of solar energy is making the solar panels.
• Energy Conservation for Solving Climate Change Problem The United States Environmental Protection Agency reports that of all the ways energy is used in America, about 39% is used to generate electricity.
• Earth’s Global Energy Budget It is appropriate to inspect the ocean and land spheres independently so as to take advantage of the limitations that arises with them and particularly to the capability of the land and ocean to store […]
• Renewable Energy Ethical Question Despite the fact that the power of wind, sun, and water can be transformed into energy the great majority of people argue the importance of the renewable energy system implementation proving that the disadvantages should […]
• Nuclear Energy and Its Risks The situation became difficult when the power in the reactors reduced and could not be enough to be used by the operators.
• Geothermal Energy and Its Application in the Middle East Not much is known to the general public regarding the development of the geothermal energy in the countries of the Middle East.
• Sustainable Energy Future: Opportunities and Challenges Chul and Majumdar1 critically discuss the importance of reliable energy resources in the growth and development of a nation. The main purpose of the authors is to discuss the available opportunities and prevailing challenges that […]
• Energy and Society Carbon Footprint Basing on the electrical appliances that I utilize, I can calculate the amount of electricity that I utilize per month, and then translate to the carbon footprint.
• Solar Energy in the United Arab Emirates The success of the solar power initiatives in the UAE is largely attributed to the wide range of financial incentives that the UAE government has offered to the companies that are prepared to advance the […]
• Environmental Effects of the Production of Electricity by Various Energy Sources: Natural Gas vs. Its Alternatives Speaking of the effects of a power plant that is run on natural gas, it is necessary to point out that the effects on the environment are drastic, as a rule, seeing how the use […]
• The Importance of Affordable and Clean Energy One of the best ways to accomplish this is to encourage the international community to develop renewable energy sources. Local sources of energy are crucial to developing countries, as occasionally, electricity can be an issue […]
• The Sun’s Light and Heat: Solar Energy Issue The figure below provides an overview of the major parts of the solar system, which include the solar core, the radiative zone, the convective zone, the photosphere, the chromosphere, and the corona among others.
• Application of Catalyst and Energy Production This work entails developing a catalyst coupled with the construction of a good reformer in the field of catalysis. The catalyst is released at the end of the reaction and may be used again.
• The Concept of Gartner’s Hype Cycle in the Energy Business Hence, it is important for energy companies to be aware of the life cycle of their products as presented in the news. Reports about the uncertainty of fossil fuels require companies to consider investing in […]
• Dangerous and Natural Energy: Earthquakes The distribution of earthquakes in the world varies according to the region. Click on one of the earthquakes on the map and make a note of its magnitude and region.
• China Shenhua Energy Company: Pollution Reducing Although the Chinese government recognized the issue of pollution and announced a course for liberalization of the economy and a greater emphasis on ecology during the 12th 5-year plan, the transformation from a coal-based energy […]
• Horizon Company’s Energy and Waste Management The same analogy is true for its high-energy demand because Horizon’s use of fossil fuel and electricity to power its organisational processes contribute to the depletion of the earth’s resources.
• Recovering Energy from Waste In the past, the Victorian government did not see the relevance of enacting strict policies to help in the management of waste because it never considered it a major issue.
• Chromotherapy and Energy Distribution in Natural Field This report will track the historical development of the chromotherapy theories and evaluate the results of the experiment and the impact of different colors upon the energy distribution in natural field under different environmental conditions […]
• Science and the Use of Non-Renewable Energy Resources It is scientific knowledge that the use of fossil fuels such as oil leads to the pollution of the environment. This is the reason why science can be used to explain the lethal effects of […]
• Renewable Energy Sources Thus, the establishment that the use of fossil fuels adversely affects the environment is important in explaining the shift to the use of renewable energy sources.
• Clean Sources of Energy: Advantages and Disadvantages The qualities of environments in the world are noted and the article makes a particular focus on the energy use industry, its modes and the effects that it has on the surrounding nature and people.
• Why People Should Donate Time, Money, Energy to a Particular Organization, Charity, or Cause Its vision is to have a world that is free from Alzheimer’s disease.”The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading, global voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care and support, and the largest private, nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s […]
• Adopting Renewable Energies Proponents of fossil fuels assert that while alternative energy sources purport to be the solution to the problems that fossil fuels have caused, alternative energy sources can simply not cater for the huge energy needs […]
• Aspects of Materialism and Energy Consumption In my opinion, this led to the formation of the materialism phenomenon and enforced a particular way of thinking centered on meeting one’s demands.”Different economies worldwide use fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural […]
• Innovations on Energy and Water Co-Benefits In addition, the number of harmful emissions that are harmful to both people and the planet will be significantly reduced. The introduction of social innovations is to develop strategies that will solve social problems.
• Climate Change: Renewable Energy Sources Climate change is the biggest threat to humanity, and deforestation and “oil dependency” only exacerbate the situation and rapidly kill people. Therefore it is important to invest in the development of renewable energy sources.
• Energy Resources in Minnesota: Clean Energy Transition Just like the United States, the MROW region is one of the leading coal producers in the country, which means many people and organizations have a significant reliance on this resource.
• The Engie Firm’s Vision of Energy Sobriety in Asia For Engie to have a leading vision of energy sobriety in APAC regions and still make profits compared to their competitors, the company should make strategic alliances with other companies in Japan that can aid […]
• The Concept of Energy Consumption and Integrity Therefore, I prefer the end-use method as it is the most appropriate for a full account of energy consumption patterns in totality.
• “Windfall Taxes on Energy Are All the Rage They Shouldn’t Be” by Mintz As such, the editors expound that the Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to governments from Europe to the United States grappling with energy alternatives due to its scarcity.
• Å Energi IT Infrastructure and Strategic Solutions The company aspires to expand its operations in the Eastern and Southern parts of the United States of America to serve the local population.
• The EON Firm as an Energy Service Provider The major factor that sets EON apart from other companies within the same industry is that it is It is one of the largest energy providers in the globe, and yet it does not have […]
• The Role of Renewable Energy in Addressing Electricity Demand in Zambia In this regard, ZESCO Limited, the Zambian power utility company, has an obligation to generate and supply the electricity in the country.
• IT Services in the Energy Industry Companies Although the existing literature on the topic of digital transformation is abundant, the area of IT service management within the context of the larger digitalization of organizations is surprisingly underresearched.
• Energy: Types and Conversion Process This process is called energy conversion, and it is one of the most important concepts in understanding energy. An example of energy conversion in daily activities is the shift from electric energy to heat in […]
• The Caribbean Culture: Energy Security and Poverty Issues Globally, Latin American and the Caribbean also has the most expensive energy products and services because of fuel deprivation in the Caribbean and the Pacific regions.
• Low-Carbon Multi-Energy Options in the UAE S, and Mohamad, M.O.A.’Transition to low-carbon hydrogen energy system in the UAE: sector efficiency and hydrogen energy production efficiency analysis. The authors found that the UAE should put industry and transportation first in the transfer […]
• Water and Energy Problems in Mining Industry The goal is to find and recommend solutions for mining companies to easily access quality ore deposits in inaccessible areas. According to the second interviewee, accessibility to water and electricity are among the major challenges […]
• The Relationship Between the Kinetic Energy of Motion and the Force The ultimate goal of the laboratory work is to determine the relationship between the kinetic energy of motion and the force.
• Sustainable Development and Water-Food-Energy Nexus in Sweden The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations states that the securities of food, energy, and water are interconnected and depend on each other.
• The Agriculture, Energy, and Transportation Infrastructure: Main Threats Thus, the purpose of the work is to analyze the food/agricultural, energy, and transport sectors of critical infrastructure in terms of physical, cyber, or natural disaster threats.
• Mind-Body and Energy Approaches This connects to the film because the video explains how one’s health can be preserved by ensuring that the mental and emotional components of the mind-body system are treated to the appropriate conditions in the […]
• Equations for Predicting Resting Energy Expenditure They helped identify the best equations to use for predicting REE in patients of different weight and age categories when indirect calorimetry is unavailable.
• Interplay of Energy Systems During Physical Exercise At the start of the exercise in consideration, as the three energy systems begin to supply energy to cells, the ATP-PC system provides the most energy during the first 10 seconds of running, with the […]
• Types of Energy and Their Effects on Matter Finally, electrical energy is similar to thermal energy, but in this case, there is the movement of electric charges, which cause perturbation of the electromagnetic field.
• Energy Deficiency During Training Study by Beals et al. Additionally, the training of the SQT students in MWCW to determine the TDEE, compare it to the TDI and observe temperature patterns did not adhere to various ethical standards as the participant’s health was not […]
• Unnecessarily Waste of Energy During a Typical Day It is common to walk out of place and neglect the duty to turn off the lights. Similar to the previous issue, this action neglects the principle of effective and minimized use of energy in […]
• Barriers to Deploying Renewable Energy in Hotels The main benefit of renewable energy is environmental protection, improving the environmental and social performance of the industry, and reducing utility costs.
• A Virtual Resource to Reimagine Energy for People It is important to note that BP Plc is engaged in both mandatory and voluntary reporting as well as disclosure of information in order to achieve a higher degree of legitimacy.
• Green Energy Solutions & Sustainability at Al Qusais Landfill The figure below presents the overview of the company and the potential solutions to its problems. Furthermore, it is in the best interest of the government to mitigate the negative externalities and promote positive externalities.
• Issues Affecting the Energy Industry and Their Solutions The increasing demand for sustainable energy is one of the issues affecting the sector. Price volatility is one of the most significant concerns in the energy industry.
• Impact of Energy on Ecosystems The major benefit of the generation of renewable energy is the minimization of water and air pollution as it does not presuppose carbon dioxide emission and soil erosion. For instance, the use of wind energy […]
• Renewable Energy: An International Profile To illustrate the severity of some of the outlined consequences and challenges presented to the national environment, the following graph is presented, illustrating the growth rate of the US fracking industry.
• Energy and Sustainability Issue in the Ignabi Community Thus, understanding different methods of generating renewable energy is the key to ensuring that the world achieves a low-carbon level in the future.
• The Speech on the Use of Alternative Energy Sources for Different Audiences The upbringing of children determines the future of a society in which their generation will make decisions, and for this reason, it is necessary to inform them of global issues.
• Unlocking Geothermal Energy: Eden Project’s Sustainable Transition The biomes of the attraction, along with some other buildings, are going to be heated by the use of geothermal energy.
• Cybersecurity in the Energy Sector The stable supply of energy is the key to the normal functioning of American society, as it fuels all essential industries that ensure the vitality of the nation.
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Georgia The history of the program dates back to the 1980s when the Low Income Energy Assistance Program was created to mitigate rising energy prices.
• “The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act”: Developing Renewable Energy The focus of this bill on the technological aspect of environmental protection is seen in the allocation of funds on loan guarantees, grants for researchers, and the manufacturing of advanced systems.
• Energy and Air Emission Effects of Water Supply Contemporary systems meant to heat water/air explore both the heat pumps and the solar plates that are combined to form a unit with the aim of optimizing on the energy efficiency as well as solar […]
• Metropolitan Edison Company vs. People Against Nuclear Energy In addition, the commission published a hearing notice which entailed an invitation to parties that were interested to submit their briefs explaining the impacts of the accident to the psychological harm or any other indirect […]
• Technology and Wind Energy Efforts by the elite members of the society enlightened the global countries about the benefits of renewable energy sources in conserving the environment prompting the need to consider wind energy.
• Non-Renewable Energy and Gross Domestic Product of China The use of non-renewable energy in China has the negative impact on the GDP, as indicated by the negative values of DOLS and CCR coefficients. The generation of renewable energy has a negligible negative impact […]
• Modern Technologies: Wireless Signals Into Energy I love this article because it is beneficial and informative; it tells about the technology that in the near future may enter into daily use by people around the world.
• Energy and Macronutrient Analysis However, in case of considerable sports activities, it is essential to adhere to the advised number of calories in order to maintain the current weight and not to lose muscle mass.
• Energy Efficient Lighting Design in a Corporate Space It is possible to increase energy efficiency by installing LED lights, implementing smart lighting control systems, and reducing the overall levels of light in the office by about 40-50%.
• “Energy Sector Emissions Make for 74% of UAE Total” by Zaatari The article by Zaatari discusses energy sector emissions, which should be regarded as a market failure. According to the text, “energy sector emissions make for 74% of UAE total”.
• Renewable and Sustainable Energy in NYC To provide a deepened assessment of sustainable and renewable energy usage in urban settings with New York City as a principal example.
• Making Solar Energy Affordable Solar energy is a type of energy that is obtained through tapping the sun’s rays radiant and converting it into other energy forms such as heat and electricity.
• Alternative Energy: Types and Benefits Researchers believe that the way that we are using our natural resources soon we would wind up depleting them and also would damage the earth.
• Nuclear Energy: High-Entropy Alloy One of the tools for reducing the level of greenhouse gas emissions is the development of nuclear energy, which is characterized by a high degree of environmental efficiency and the absence of a significant impact […]
• Energy Sector and Effects of Global Warming In an interview that was conducted with some of the experts in this field, one of the respondents stated that “the government has the financial capacity to support the growth and development of renewable energy […]
• Excel Energy Company’s Business Ethics In regard to the company, Excel Energy has been selling power to Excel Power Company and then buying the same units of power back.
• Government Subsidies for Solar Energy This approach has enabled solar companies and developers to penetrate the energy market despite the high costs involved in developing solar power.
• The Clean Energy Revolution Further, the failure of nuclear power to be a source of safe and clean energy, as envisaged early, has led to the need to repeal it with new energy solutions. To this end, the new […]
• CFO Report: Chesapeake Energy Corporation The company’s Board of Directors has failed in corporate governance leading to questionable acts of the CEO and undisclosed financial transactions.
• Building Energy Assessment and Rating Tools Houses are rated prior to building them or after building them and the rating depends on the dwelling’s plan; the erection of its roof, walls, windows and floor; and the direction of its windows relative […]
• House Energy Audit: Water and Energy Consumption Review for the House 265 kWh/kL water supply The actual daily consumption in a period of 8 days of the above-mentioned utilities are calculated and recorded in the following table 2.
• Energy Rating for Residential Buildings This report will look at the various tools used in the measurement of building energy performance and the shortcomings in the tools of measurement.
• Energy Intake and Expenditure Analysis Determination of relationship between energy intake and energy expenditure is therefore important aspect towards determination of maximal energy expenditure, optimization of fat expenditure as secondary source of energy after carbohydrates and capacity to achieve energy […]
• Measurement of Energy Expenditure in Humans Energy expenditure as a whole is comprised of Basal Metabolic Rate, energy above BMR that is needed to process food, and physical activity thermogenesis which is the energy used during physical activities.
• Artificial Leaf as Cheap and Reliable Source of Alternative Energy When it is receives solar energy, the artificial leaf absorbs the energy and stores it in the bonds of the diatomic Hydrogen molecules liberated when water molecules are split by the silicon cells.
• Energy and Efficiency Knowledge and Capabilities in Saudi Arabia The main incentives in the frames of the NEEP in Saudi Arabia include regular energy auditing in the industrial and commercial sectors, developing policies for energy-consuming regulation in residential buildings and improving the exchange of […]
• Electrical Engineering Building Uses Wind Energy The purpose of this fact-finding mission was to determine an appropriate type and rating of the wind turbine based on three factors: the average wind data at UNSW; the peak power demand for the EE […]
• Technology Upgrade: The “A” Energy Company The following is an examination of the “A” Energy Company and delves into a SWOT assessment of the current system and the potential alternatives that can be implemented to replace it.
• Superior Energy Services: Assessing Dividend Policy The current dividend policy adopted by the company can be identified as the irregular dividend policy, as the organization leader is clearly geared towards returning the cash to the key stakeholders.
• GE Taps into Coolest Energy Storage Technology around The reaction occurs the other way round during the discharge process where the sodium ions shift to the cathode reservoir through the separating plate. In addition, the energy saving system is designed to enable monitoring, […]
• Boosting Gas Turbine: Energy Analysis in the Thermal Power Plant The first law of thermodynamics is the principle that guides energy analysis and the continuity equation over the system and its elements make the energy analysis a dominant method.
• Solar Energy: Review and Analysis Available literature shows that most commercial CSP plants in Spain and the United States using synthetic oil as the transfer fluid and molten salt as the thermal energy storage technology are able to achieve a […]
• Financing Rural Energy Projects in China: Lessons for Nigeria China has sustained many electricity projects using different project strategies. China has sustained many electricity projects using different project strategies.
• Energy and Nanotechnologies: Australia’s Future Given the concerns about the sustainability and the security of the energy supply, the fast pace of economic development, the connection between global warming and fossil fuels, the author seeks to investigate alternative energy efficient […]
• Energy Trust: Technology and Innovation Similarly, the Energy Trust demonstrates commercial and pre-commercial renewable energy technologies and builds market for renewable energy. Besides, renewable energy is cost effective than other sources of energy in the long run.
• Mining Investment in Mongolia’s Energy Sector To ensure that the energy initiative in the country gets public support, the government has also recognized that it is essential to meet the needs of all the stakeholders of the resource. Mongolia Energy Corporation […]
• Solar and Wind Energy in the Empty Quarter Desert However, the main bulk of the report focuses on the proposal to build a stand alone renewable energy source, a combination of a solar power wind turbine system that will provide a stable energy source […]
• Wind Energy for the Citizens of Shikalabuna, Sri Lanka The citizens of Shikalabuna are shot of the possibility to implement the required wind turbines and get a chance to pay less using the natural source available.
• The Impact of Energy on Logistics Systems In the long term, it has been estimated that there will be continual increases in energy prices and this will directly correlate to increased energy costs within the supply chain.
• Effect of Title XI of the Energy and Security Act of 2007 on Transportation In this paper, we will try to anticipate the impact of Title XI of The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 on the transportation industry.
• Energy, Oil and Gas Industry in the United Kingdom Examples of international bonds are Eurocurrencies and Eurobonds which are mostly for the European market.[3] The United Kingdom is one of the most energy-rich countries in the European country, enjoying a wealth of energy resources […]
• Coal Energy and Reserves in New Zealand The main use of coal in New Zealand is in the production of electric energy. Timber production in the lumbering industry has also used coal as the chief source of energy.
• Krakow Energy Efficiency Project (Poland) This paper describes the Krakow Energy Efficiency Project whose project proponent were the World Bank and the Government of Poland. The first parameter was the satisfaction of the end-user consumer with regard to the standards […]
• Investment Project: Energy and Petrochemical Industry: SABIC and Petro Rabigh Companies The Saudi petrochemical industry is the result of the venture to add value to natural gas and oil in the 1070s.
• Organic Macromolecules and Energy Systems It is stored in the substances of the cells like carbohydrates, proteins and lipids, and is released through the interaction with oxygen.
• The Energy Crisis and Its Biological and Environmental Impact While the process of formation of fossil fuels is long and the process of their consumption quick, the use of these fuels presents hazards to the environment.
• Fuel Cell as an Alternative Energy Source For the fuel cell to operate continuously the reactants must flow into the cell, and the products out of the cell and the electrolyte must remain within the cell.
• Renewable Energy and Transport Fuel Use Patterns The base data is as follows: Table 1 The first segment of this analysis tests for differences between consumption of natural gas and ethanol.
• Provide Energy From Fusion Analysis Energy conversion, for instance, is a foundational activity that is very critical in mechanical engineering now and even in the past.”At first it was the steam engines, then a graduation to internal combustion systems of […]
• Energy Resource Projects in Ohio The company in charge of construction and development is Innergex Renewable Energy. Nevertheless, the support from the state and various ecological funds is bound to compensate for any issues, thus making Hillcrest Solar facility a […]
• Renewable Energy Technologies As for the construction decision and the way of harnessing the wave power, a variety of solutions has been proposed. Cheap and reliable desalinization technology such as one described in the Economist article could be […]
• The Rise of Alberta’s Unapologetic Petro-Patriots One of the critical things to remember is that energy production is one of the important industries that facilitate the development of human society.
• Solar Energy Selling Framework The list of actions to complete the required activity goes in the following sequence: planning actions, sales pitch itself, and reflection. The actions, aimed at doing are the four stages of a sales pitch, that […]
• Energy Relations Between the European Union and Russia: Economic and Political Perspectives In the last part of this study, a conclusion about the motivation that underlies the actions of Russia and the EU, and the interconnection of the political and economic reasons for such activities will be […]
• Lunar Energy: Formic Acid Case Lunar Energy would like to make an offer to the hospital regarding the provision of energy in the form of formic acid.
• Future Innovation in the Energy Industry The technological revolution of the 21st century will continue to shape the way people live now and in the future. Specifically, in the field of agriculture, technological innovation is likely to introduce precision in agriculture […]

🎓 EnergyWriting Prompts

• Energy Problems in Modern India
• Ecosystem: Consumer Energy Use
• Resolute Energy Corporation: Project Budget Development
• Resolute Energy Corporation: Project Plan Template
• ExtraSolar Planet Life: The Sun Energy
• Valero Energy: Marketer and Producer of Fuels
• Superior Energy Services: Staffing System & Organizational Strategy
• Virtual Water and Water-Energy-Food Nexus
• Sustainable Energy: Business Solutions
• Renewable Energy Resources in Qatar
• Reducing Energy Consumption in Schools
• Environmental Protection With Energy Saving Tools
• The Solar Energy and Photovoltaic Effect
• Water and Energy Requirements of Curcubita Maxima
• Energy, Water and Capital as Factors Influencing Business
• Energy Crisis in the Next 10-12 Years Is Inevitable
• Reliant Energy Services Inc.’s Need for Database
• Conservation of Energy Technology
• Energy Market Segmentation Approaches
• Alternative Energy and Green Improvements
• Energy in New York City Analysis
• China and Its Energy Needs and Strategies
• Tidal Energy Technology Review
• European Energy Crisis and the Hike in Oil Prices
• Solar Energy: Commercial and Industrial Power Source
• Conceptual Chemistry. Wind Turbine vs. Coal Energy
• Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion
• British Petroleum Alternative Energy
• Energy Wasting and Consumption Optimization
• China: Impact of Energy Production
• ‘An Energy Revolution for the Greenhouse Century’ by Martin Hoffert
• Advanced Ecological Economics: Energy Options for the Global Economy
• British Energy: Corporate Restructuring and Governance
• Solar Energy and Its Impact on Society
• Nuclear Energy: Impact of Science & Technology on Society
• Energy-Wasting: Modelling Exercise
• Water, Energy and Food Sustainability in Middle East
• The UAE’s Sustainable Energy Projects
• CPU–RAM-Based Energy-Efficient Resource Allocation in Clouds
• Energy Consumption in Electric and Fossil Fuel
• Price Influence on Energy Drink Consumption Behavior
• 5 Hour Energy Drink: Observational Field Research
• Energy and Utility Firms and Their Final Consumers
• Bismuth Vanadate Photocatalyst for Solar Energy
• Thermodynamics History: Heat, Work, and Energy
• Renewable Energy and Politics Relationships
• Energy, Its Usage and the Environment
• Energy Consumption and Cost Structuring
• Achieving Full Potential in the Energy Market
• Energy and Water Projects in the Middle East and North Africa
• Ecosystem and Its Energy Sources
• Solar Energy Power Plant & Utility Supply Contract
• Powerbill Restaurant’s Energy Usage and Controls
• Smart Grid Energy Technology and Its Future
• Kinetic Energy Harvester Gait in Health Technology
• Innovative Solutions: Improving Energy Plan
• Artificial Intelligence System for Smart Energy Consumption
• The EU-Russia Energy Relations
• Russian Energy and Oil Industry: Sustainability Concept
• Global Energy Consumption Trends for 2010-2040
• Renewable Energy in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE
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1. IvyPanda . "461 Energy Essay Topics to Write about & Examples." February 27, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/energy-essay-topics/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "461 Energy Essay Topics to Write about & Examples." February 27, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/energy-essay-topics/.

New to Climate Change?

Solar energy.

Solar energy is a form of renewable energy , in which sunlight is turned into electricity, heat, or other forms of energy we can use. It is a “carbon-free” energy source that, once built, produces none of the greenhouse gas emissions that are driving climate change.   Solar is the fastest-growing energy source in the world, adding 270 terawatt-hours of new electricity generation in 2022 1 : enough to power a midsize state like North Carolina or Michigan, 2 or a small wealthy country like Denmark or Ireland. 3

The solar photovoltaic effect

There are several ways to turn sunlight into usable energy, but almost all solar energy today comes from “solar photovoltaics (PV).”   Solar PV relies on a natural property of “semiconductor” materials like silicon, which can absorb the energy from sunlight and turn it into electric current. When light hits a semiconductor, it knocks the electrons in the semiconductor’s atoms loose. The electrons then move freely until they find another atom that can take them in, generating an electric field that forces electrons to flow in a specific direction.   The solar panels (“modules”) you see on homes and in solar farms are made of many “cells” of silicon or other types of semiconductor, which constantly absorb light and release electrons. The cells are specially treated and arranged so the free electrons, the “electric charge,” all move in the same direction. This creates an electrical current that can be used to power homes, electric vehicles , and anything that runs on electricity.   The first solar panels were built in the 1950s. They were expensive to make and turned less than 10% of the sunlight that reached them into electricity, making them useful only in situations where no other fuel could be had—like in satellites and spacecraft. But over time, engineers learned to build more efficient panels and invented cheaper PV chemistries, and factories began making solar panels at a huge scale. As a result, the price of solar energy has fallen over 500-fold since 1975 and around 90% just since 2010. 4

Solar in the larger energy system

Today, solar PV is one of the cheapest sources of new energy being built, second only to wind energy . 5 The International Energy Agency forecasts that solar will be the largest source of energy in the world before the end of this decade, and rates it as the only energy-generating technology whose growth is “on track” to meet the world’s climate goals . 1   A unique advantage of solar PV is that it’s easy to scale up or down. The same panels work equally well in an immense solar farm providing energy to the electric grid , or on a rooftop powering a single house. 6 Homeowners looking to save on their energy bills, remote hospitals in low-income countries who can’t rely on the electric grid, and communities who want a backstop during blackouts all value solar energy because it can be built in small, local installations that would be impractical with other energy technologies.   Nonetheless, solar energy, on its own, can’t be relied on around the clock. It is a “variable” energy source that generates more electricity on sunny days, less on cloudy days, and none at night. An electric grid with lots of solar power must pair it with other technologies for reliability: energy sources like hydropower that can be powered up and down at will, energy storage (like batteries) to save up solar energy when it’s plentiful, and/or long-distance transmission to move electricity from the sunniest spots to where it’s needed.   Scientists and engineers also continue to improve solar technology. Many focus on making solar PV cells thinner, lighter, flexible, and transparent. This could let users install solar PV in new places, like on windows. It could also drive down costs. Already, solar panels themselves account for less than half the cost of large solar farms and a tiny fraction of the cost of small rooftop projects, 7 so lightweight technologies that save on labor, transportation, and land use costs could make solar energy even cheaper and more accessible.

Published August 29, 2023.

1 International Energy Agency: Solar PV . Updated July 11, 2023.

2 U.S. Energy Information Administration: U.S. States: Total End-Use Sector Energy Consumption Estimates, 2021 .

3 U.S. Energy Information Administration: International: Total Energy Consumption . Data from 2021.

4 International Energy Agency: Evolution of solar PV module cost by data source, 1970-2020 . Updated July 2, 2020.

5 International Energy Agency: Projected Costs of Generating Electricity 2020 .

6 Solar farms do typically make more energy per panel than rooftop installations, because they can be sited and angled to get the maximum amount of sunlight.

7 National Renewable Energy Laboratory: U.S. Solar Photovoltaic System and Energy Storage Cost Benchmark: Q1 2020 . 2021.

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What is solar energy?

How is solar energy collected.

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Solar energy is the radiation from the Sun capable of producing heat, causing chemical reactions, or generating electricity. The total amount of solar energy received on Earth is vastly more than the world's current and anticipated energy requirements. If suitably harnessed, solar energy has the potential to satisfy all future energy needs.

What are the common uses of solar energy?

Solar energy is commonly used for solar water heaters and house heating. The heat from solar ponds enables the production of chemicals, food, textiles, warm greenhouses, swimming pools, and livestock buildings. Cooking and providing a power source for electronic devices can also be achieved by using solar energy.

The most common devices used to collect solar energy and convert it to thermal energy are flat-plate collectors. Another method of thermal energy conversion is found in solar ponds, which are bodies of salt water designed to collect and store solar energy. Solar radiation may also be converted directly into electricity by solar cells, or photovoltaic cells, or harnessed to cook food in specially designed solar ovens, which typically concentrate sunlight from over a wide area to a central point.

solar energy , radiation from the Sun capable of producing heat , causing chemical reactions , or generating electricity . The total amount of solar energy incident on Earth is vastly in excess of the world’s current and anticipated energy requirements. If suitably harnessed, this highly diffused source has the potential to satisfy all future energy needs. In the 21st century solar energy has become increasingly attractive as a renewable energy source because of its inexhaustible supply and its nonpolluting character, in stark contrast to the finite fossil fuels coal , petroleum , and natural gas . See also solar power .

• Geothermal power
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• Tidal power

The Sun is an extremely powerful energy source, and sunlight is by far the largest source of energy received by Earth , but its intensity at Earth’s surface is actually quite low . This is essentially because of the enormous radial spreading of radiation from the distant Sun. A relatively minor additional loss is due to Earth’s atmosphere and clouds , which absorb or scatter as much as 54 percent of the incoming sunlight. The sunlight that reaches the ground consists of nearly 50 percent visible light , 45 percent infrared radiation , and smaller amounts of ultraviolet and other forms of electromagnetic radiation .

Solar energy drives and affects countless natural processes on Earth. For example, photosynthesis by plants , algae , and cyanobacteria relies on energy from the Sun, and it is nearly impossible to overstate the importance of that process in the maintenance of life on Earth. If photosynthesis ceased , there would soon be little food or other organic matter on Earth. Most organisms would disappear, and in time Earth’s atmosphere would become nearly devoid of gaseous oxygen . Solar energy is also essential for the evaporation of water in the water cycle , land and water temperatures, and the formation of wind , all of which are major factors in the climate patterns that shape life on Earth.

The potential for solar energy to be harnessed as solar power is enormous, since about 200,000 times the world’s total daily electric-generating capacity is received by Earth every day in the form of solar energy. Unfortunately, though solar energy itself is free, the high cost of its collection, conversion, and storage still limits its exploitation in many places. Solar radiation can be converted either into thermal energy (heat) or into electrical energy , though the former is easier to accomplish.

Solar energy has long been used directly as a source of thermal energy. Beginning in the 20th century, technological advances have increased the number of uses and applications of the Sun’s thermal energy and opened the doors for the generation of solar power.

Among the most common devices used to capture solar energy and convert it to thermal energy are flat-plate collectors , which are used for solar heating applications. Because the intensity of solar radiation at Earth’s surface is so low, these collectors must be large in area. Even in sunny parts of the world’s temperate regions, for instance, a collector must have a surface area of about 40 square meters (430 square feet) to gather enough energy to serve the energy needs of one person.

The most widely used flat-plate collectors consist of a blackened metal plate, covered with one or two sheets of glass, that is heated by the sunlight falling on it. This heat is then transferred to air or water , called carrier fluids, that flow past the back of the plate. The heat may be used directly, or it may be transferred to another medium for storage. Flat-plate collectors are commonly used for solar water heaters and house heating. The storage of heat for use at night or on cloudy days is commonly accomplished by using insulated tanks to store the water heated during sunny periods. Such a system can supply a home with hot water drawn from the storage tank, or, with the warmed water flowing through tubes in floors and ceilings, it can provide space heating. Flat-plate collectors typically heat carrier fluids to temperatures ranging from 66 to 93 °C (150 to 200 °F). The efficiency of such collectors (i.e., the proportion of the energy received that they convert into usable energy) ranges from 20 to 80 percent, depending on the design of the collector.

Another method of thermal energy conversion is found in solar ponds, which are bodies of salt water designed to collect and store solar energy. The heat extracted from such ponds enables the production of chemicals, food, textiles, and other industrial products and can also be used to warm greenhouses , swimming pools, and livestock buildings. Solar ponds are sometimes used to produce electricity through the use of the organic Rankine cycle engine, a relatively efficient and economical means of solar energy conversion , which is especially useful in remote locations. Solar ponds are fairly expensive to install and maintain and are generally limited to warm rural areas.

On a smaller scale, the Sun’s energy can also be harnessed to cook food in specially designed solar ovens . Solar ovens typically concentrate sunlight from over a wide area to a central point, where a black-surfaced vessel converts the sunlight into heat. The ovens are typically portable and require no other fuel inputs.

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The Solar Futures Study  explores solar energy’s role in transitioning to a carbon-free electric grid. Produced by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and released on September 8, 2021 , the study finds that with aggressive cost reductions, supportive policies, and large-scale electrification, solar could account for as much as 40% of the nation’s electricity supply by 2035 and 45% by 2050.  

To reach these levels, solar deployment will need to grow by an average of 30 gigawatts alternating current (GW ac ) each year between now and 2025 and ramp up to 60 GW per year between 2025 and 2030—four times its current deployment rate—to total 1,000 GWac of solar deployed by 2035. By 2050, solar capacity would need to reach 1,600 GW ac to achieve a zero-carbon grid with enhanced electrification of end uses (such as motor vehicles and building space and water heating). Preliminary modeling shows that decarbonizing the entire U.S. energy system could result in as much as 3,200 GW ac of solar due to increased electrification of buildings, transportation, and industrial energy and production of clean fuels.

The  Solar Futures Study  is the third in a series of vision studies from SETO and NREL, preceded by the SunShot Vision Study (2012) and  On the Path to SunShot (2016). While the previous studies focused on the impacts of low-cost solar technologies on the economy, this study dives into solar energy’s role in a decarbonized grid and provides analysis of future solar technologies, the solar workforce, and how solar energy might interact with other technologies like storage.

Key Findings of the Solar Futures Study

Explore the interactive diagrams for the study’s results and frequently asked questions  below.

• With continued technological advances, electricity prices do not increase through 2035. Ninety-five percent decarbonization of the electric grid is achieved in 2035 without increasing electricity prices because decarbonization and electrification costs are fully offset by savings from technological improvements and enhanced demand flexibility.
• Achieving decarbonization requires significant acceleration of clean energy deployment, which will employ as many as 500,000–1.5 million people in solar jobs by 2035. Compared with the approximately 15 GW of solar capacity deployed in 2020, annual solar deployment is 30 GW on average in the early 2020s and grows to 60 GW on average from 2025 to 2030. Similarly substantial solar deployment rates continue in the 2030s and beyond. Deployment rates accelerate for wind and energy storage as well.
• Storage, transmission expansion, and flexibility in load and generation are key to maintaining grid reliability and resilience. Storage capacity expands rapidly, to more than 1,600 GW in 2050. Small-scale solar, especially coupled with storage, can enhance resilience by allowing buildings or microgrids to power critical loads during grid outages. In addition, advances in managing distributed energy resources, such as rooftop solar and electric vehicles, are needed to efficiently integrate these resources into the grid.
• Expanding clean electricity supply yields deeper decarbonization. Electricity demand grows by about 30% from 2020 to 2035, owing to electrification of fuel-based building demands (e.g., heating), vehicles, and industrial processes. Electricity demand increases by an additional 34% from 2035 to 2050. By 2050, all these electrified sectors are powered by zero-carbon electricity, and the electrification growth results in an emissions reduction equivalent to 155% of 2005 grid emissions.
• Land availability does not constrain solar deployment. In 2050, ground-based solar technologies require a maximum land area equivalent to 0.5% of the contiguous U.S. surface area. This requirement could be met in numerous ways, including the use of disturbed or contaminated lands unsuitable for other purposes.
• The benefits of decarbonization far outweigh additional costs incurred. Cumulative power system costs from 2020 to 2050 are $562 billion (25%) higher, which includes the costs of serving electrified loads previously powered through direct fuel combustion. However, avoided climate damages and improved air quality more than offset those additional costs, resulting in net savings of $1.7 trillion.
• Challenges must be addressed so that solar costs and benefits are distributed equitably. Solar deployment can bring jobs, savings on electricity bills, and enhanced energy resilience. Various interventions—financial, community engagement, siting, policy, regulatory, and resilience measures—can improve equity in rooftop solar adoption. Additional equity measures can address the distribution of public and private benefits, the distribution of costs, procedural justice in energy-related decision making, the need for a just workforce transition, and potential negative externalities related to solar project siting and disposal of solar materials.

Explore the Solar Futures Study Data

Grid mixes and energy flows in 2020 and 2050 as envisioned in the Solar Futures Study. Newly electrified loads from the buildings, transportation, and industrial sectors mean that the electric grid will deliver more energy in 2050. This energy will come almost entirely from solar and other zero-carbon sources.

The Decarbonization with Electrification scenario will reduce grid emissions (relative to 2005 levels) by 95% in 2035 and 100% in 2050 and replace some direct fossil fuel use in the buildings, transportation, and industrial sectors, allowing it to abate more than 100% of 2005 grid emissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What scenarios were modeled, and what assumptions were they based on.

• Three scenarios were modeled with different assumptions – the “Reference” scenario, the “Decarbonization (Decarb)” scenario, and the “Decarbonization with Electrification (Decarb+E)” scenario.
• The Reference scenario outlines a business-as-usual future, which includes existing state and federal clean energy policies but lacks a comprehensive effort to decarbonize the grid.
• The Decarb scenario assumes policies drive a 95% reduction (from 2005 levels) in the grid’s carbon dioxide emissions by 2035 and a 100% reduction by 2050. This scenario assumes more aggressive cost-reduction projections than the Reference scenario for solar, as well as other renewable and energy storage technologies, but it uses standard future projections for electricity demand.
• The Decarb+E scenario goes further by including large-scale electrification of end uses and analyzes the potential for solar to contribute to a future with more complete decarbonization of the U.S. energy system by 2050.

How much solar is required to decarbonize the U.S. grid?

• By 2035 (95% decarbonization), the decarbonization scenarios show cumulative solar deployment of 760 GW–1,000 GW would be required, serving 37%–42% of electricity demand. The remainder is met largely by other zero-carbon resources, primarily wind and also including nuclear, hydroelectric, biopower, and geothermal power.
• By 2050 (100% decarbonization), the scenarios envision cumulative solar deployment of 1,050 GW–1,570 GW would be required, serving 44%–45% of electricity demand. The remainder is met primarily by wind but also nuclear, hydropower, combustion turbines run on zero-carbon synthetic fuels such as hydrogen, biopower, and geothermal power.
• In 2020, about 76 GW of solar satisfied around 3% of U.S. electricity demand.

Why does the study model 95% grid decarbonization by 2035 instead of 100%?

• However, achieving 95% vs. 100% grid decarbonization by 2035 entails substantial differences in costs and the need for other clean energy technologies.
• In the Decarb+E scenario, an expanded grid electrifies additional end uses (such as motor vehicles and space and water heating in buildings) that had derived energy directly from fossil fuels. In 2035, the grid is 95% decarbonized, but the additional fossil fuel displacement yields total emissions reductions equivalent to a grid that is 105% decarbonized—more cost-effectively than could be achieved by completely eliminating grid emissions in this time frame. These results show the importance of considering flexible, cross-sector approaches to optimizing the speed and cost-effectiveness of overall emissions reductions.

What role can solar play in decarbonizing the U.S. energy system beyond the electric grid?

• Expanded electrification of the U.S. energy system in the Decarb+E scenario contributes to reducing energy system carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions by 62% in 2050, compared with 24% in the Reference scenario and 40% in the Decarb scenario (relative to 2005 levels).
• A simplified analysis of 100% decarbonization of the U.S. energy system by 2050 shows solar capacity doubling from the Decarb+E scenario—to about 3,200 GW of solar deployed by 2050—to produce electricity for even greater direct electrification and for production of clean fuels, such as hydrogen produced via electrolysis.

Will achieving the Solar Futures scenarios be costly?

• Decarbonization and electrification costs are fully offset by savings from technological improvements and enhanced demand flexibility through 2035 (95% decarbonization).
• Projected electricity prices are higher in the decarbonization scenarios than in the Reference scenario in 2050 because of higher costs for eliminating emissions by 100%—highlighting the need for technology advancements and decarbonization options beyond those modeled in the scenarios.
• For the 2020 to 2050 period, the benefits of the decarbonization scenarios far outweigh additional costs. Cumulative system costs are higher in the Decarb (10%) and Decarb+E (25%) scenarios than in the Reference scenario, but avoided climate damages and improved air quality more than offset those additional costs, resulting in net savings of $1.1 trillion in the Decarb scenario and $1.7 trillion in the Decarb+E scenario.
• There is greater uncertainty related to costs and benefits in the period out to 2050, compared with the 2035 timeframe.

How much land will be required to achieve the Solar Futures scenarios?

• This analysis does not consider land used for other technologies that generate electricity in the scenarios or transmission infrastructure.  
• Various approaches are available to mitigate local impacts or even enhance the value of land that hosts solar systems. Installing photovoltaic (PV) systems on water bodies, in farming or grazing areas, and in ways that enhance pollinator habitats are potential ways to enhance solar energy production while providing benefits such as lower water evaporation rates and higher agricultural yields.
• Expanding rooftop PV could reduce solar land use. Almost 200 GW of rooftop PV are deployed in the decarbonization scenarios by 2050 (10%–20% of total solar deployment). However, the technical potential for U.S. rooftop PV is greater than 1,000 GW, and efforts to promote rooftop PV could increase deployment beyond the modeled level.

Will enough raw materials be available to support the envisioned solar scale-up?

• Material supplies related to technology manufacturing likely will not limit solar growth in the decarbonization scenarios, especially if end-of-life materials displace use of virgin materials via circular-economy strategies.

Will achieving the Solar Futures scenarios create a lot of waste?

• A lot of materials will be used to produce solar technologies in the scenarios, but a range of strategies—such as reduced material intensity, recycling, repair, and reuse—can mitigate their impact of materials when the technologies reach the end of their planned lifetimes (typically 30 years for PV modules).
• Governments, industry, and associated stakeholders can begin preparing now for more solar materials reaching the end of their useful life by identifying technical solutions for end-of-life management, reducing recycling costs, maximizing value from recovered materials, matching recovered materials with markets, partially offsetting material demands for solar manufacturing via recovered materials, and so forth.

Is it possible to ramp up solar deployment as quickly as the Solar Futures scenarios envision?

• Compared with the 15 GW of solar capacity deployed in 2020, annual solar deployment doubles in the early 2020s and quadruples by the end of the decade in the Decarb+E scenario. Similarly substantial solar deployment rates continue in the 2030s and beyond. Deployment rates accelerate for wind and energy storage as well.
• Clean energy growth during the past decade indicates the scalability of clean technology industries. Global solar deployment rates have exceeded the U.S. rates in the Solar Futures scenarios, and very high annual deployments of other technologies have occurred historically. Still, increased and sustained deployment of solar and other clean technologies will require substantial scale-up of solar manufacturing, supply chains, and the workforce.

Does the Solar Futures vision require new solar technologies?

• Research and development can help keep technologies on current or accelerated cost-reduction trajectories. For example, a 60% reduction in PV energy costs by 2030 could be achieved via improvements in PV efficiency, lifetime energy yield, and cost. Higher-temperature, higher-efficiency concentrating solar-thermal power technologies also promise cost and performance improvements.
• Further advances are also needed in areas including energy storage, load flexibility, generation flexibility, and inverter-based resource capabilities for grid services.

How much additional electric transmission is required to achieve the Solar Futures scenarios?

• From 2020 to 2050, interregional transmission expansion increases by 60% (86 terawatt-miles) in the Decarb scenario and 90% (129 terawatt-miles) in the Decarb+E scenario.

What employment benefits would be realized in the Solar Futures scenarios?

• The solar industry already employs around 230,000 people in the United States, and with the level of growth envisioned in the Solar Futures Study’s scenarios, it could employ 500,000–1.5 million people by 2035.

Does the Solar Futures Study call for more utility-scale or distributed solar?

• The study models utility-scale as well as distributed/rooftop solar. In the Decarb and Decarb+E scenarios, we project that up 200 GW of rooftop PV are deployed by 2050 (10%–20% of total solar deployment). 
• The study's primary conclusion is that decarbonizing the electricity grid will require approximately 1,000 GW of solar.  The exact mix of utility vs. distributed solar will depend on many factors, including ability to expand transmission, as well as policies designed to encourage adoption of rooftop solar. 
• The study does not include any policies specifically targeted at increasing the adoption of distributed PV. Given that the technical potential of U.S. rooftop PV is greater than 1,000 GW, policies to promote rooftop PV could increase deployment beyond the level modeled in the study.  

Does the Solar Futures Study consider equitable distribution of clean energy costs and benefits?

• Low- and medium-income communities and communities of color have been disproportionately harmed by the fossil-fuel-based energy system, and the clean energy transition presents opportunities to mitigate these energy justice problems by implementing measures focused on equity.
• Solar deployment can bring jobs, savings on electricity bills, and enhanced energy resilience. Various interventions—financial, community engagement, siting, policy, regulatory, and resilience measures—can improve equity in solar adoption. 
• The distribution of benefits and costs will not necessarily occur equitably, and addressing this challenge may require targeted policies and structural change.
• This study explores measures related to the distribution of public and private benefits, the distribution of costs, procedural justice in energy-related decision making, the need for a just workforce transition, and potential negative externalities related to solar project siting and disposal of solar materials.

Additional Resources

• Read the announcement .
• Download the full Solar Futures Study report .
• Download the summarized Solar Futures Study fact sheet .
• Download the  Solar Futures Study  databook. 
• Find  supplemental technical reports  on the NREL website. 
• Download the images and multimedia for the report.
• View SETO's goals .
• Explore SETO's research in soft costs and systems integration .

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Multi-criteria decision making methods for suitable site selection of concentrating solar power plants.

1. Introduction

2. methodology, 2.1. problem definition, 2.2. criteria management, 2.2.1. shortlist of criteria.

• Solar Resource (SR): The main component of solar radiation, which is useful for concentrating solar energy, is the direct one ( Figure 5 ). The annual value of the Direct Normal Irradiation is considered (DNI, in kWh.m −2 .year −1 ). In the majority of cases, it is the most important criterion and directly linked to power plant costs [ 18 ].
• Land Slope (LS): The site slope is more important for PTCs than other CSP technologies (solar tower, parabolic dish). In the presence of precise data for the sites under consideration, it would be possible to consider the average slope of the site as an indicator for this criterion. A lower value of the average slope reduces civil engineering costs. In the absence of precise data, a more subjective judgement is proposed.
• Power Grid Access (PGA): This criterion has an important economic impact because of expensive connection costs. PGA relates to the distance between the potential site and the injection point (high-voltage substation) of the electricity which will be produced by the power plant. The electricity grids where the electricity generated would be injected should be 220 kV or higher. For example, in Algeria, it will be 220 KV or 400 kV.
• Gas Resource (GR): Algeria is a natural gas producer. In parallel with solar-only power plants with heat storage, it could be appropriate, in a transition phase, to find a synergy between solar resource and natural gas (hybridisation). GR relates to the distance between the potential site and natural gas pipelines.
• Water Availability (WA): Distance to a hydraulic network or even a dam. Water is used for the steam power cycle and mirror cleaning. The Algerian climate is semi-arid to arid. Thus, the use of air condensers (dry cooling) instead of cooling towers (wet cooling) is highly recommended. Hybrid cooling could also be recommended in this case.
• Road Access (RA): This is a common criterion for all power plant projects. RA relates to the distance between the potential site and appropriate existing roads.

2.2.2. Criteria Weighting

2.3. selection of alternatives.

• Department of Naâma: Ain Ben Khelil, Ain Sefra, Naâma, El Biod, Rekab Mta El Kesdir.
• Department of Bechar: Kenadsa, Abadla.
• Department of Laghouat: Hassi R’Mel (HRM).

2.4. Assessment of the Alternative Performance

• The Weighted Sum Method (WSM), which is a variant of the Scoring method.
• The Benayoun and Tergny Algorithm (BTA), adapted to the present study.

2.4.1. Weighted Sum Method, WSM

• The required threshold, taken as 50% (eligible alternatives). Alternatives with NPIs below this value are eliminated from further consideration.
• The recommended threshold, taken as 75% (excellent alternatives).

• The relative difference Δ 1,i between the NPI i and the best performance NPI max (−100% < Δ 1,i ≤ 0%),
• Let us consider alternatives A i and A j having performances NPI i and NPI j (NPI i < NPI j ). The parameter Δ 2,i represents the relative difference between the performance of the alternative A i and the performance of the alternative A j immediately preceding it in the ranking (−100% < Δ 2,i < 0%).

2.4.2. Sensitivity Analysis

• The approach estimating criteria weights.
• The choice of the variant of Scoring method: WSM, Weighted Product Method (WPM), SUM.

Scenarios for Criteria Weighting

• Scenario 1. W j is estimated with AHP.
• Scenario 2. Less important criteria, W j = 1; more important one, W j = 2.
• Scenario 3. W j follows a linear progression. W j ∈ {1 to 6}: W j = 1 for the least important criterion; W j = 6 for the most important one.
• Scenario 4. The most important criterion C 1 has a significantly higher weight than the next most important one C 2 . Then, a linear decrease is set: W 1 = 10; W 2 = 5; W 3 = 4; W 4 = 3; W 5 = 2; W 6 = 1.
• Scenario 5. Called “iso-Wj”. The six criteria have the same weight. The Decision-Maker has no preference of the criteria.

Variants of Scoring Method

• The Weighted Sum Method (WSM).
• The Weighted Product Method (WPM).
• The SUM, which corresponds to Scenario 5 (iso-Wj)
• The compliance with required and recommended thresholds; Suitability Classes.
• The Performance Indicator’s NPI; the ranking of alternatives.

2.4.3. Benayoun and Tergny Algorithm, BTA

• The ratio R 1 between PI BTA,i and the best performance PI BTA,max ,
• The ratio R 2 between PI BTA,i of an alternative A i and PI BTA,j of the alternative A j immediately preceding it in the ranking,

2.4.4. Combination of Methods WSM and BTA

3. case study: algeria, 4.1. criteria weighting analysis, 4.2. weighted sum method, wsm, 4.3. sensitivity analysis.

• The approach for estimating criteria weights.
• The use of three variants of the Scoring method.

4.3.1. Scenarios for Criteria Weights

4.3.2. scoring method variants wsm, wpm, sum, 4.4. benayoun and tergny algorithm, bta, 4.5. association of wsm and bta methods, 5. discussion, 6. conclusions, author contributions, institutional review board statement, informed consent statement, data availability statement, conflicts of interest.

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Share and Cite

Farsi, H.; Dizene, R.; Flamant, G.; Notton, G. Multi-Criteria Decision Making Methods for Suitable Site Selection of Concentrating Solar Power Plants. Sustainability 2024 , 16 , 7673. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177673

Farsi H, Dizene R, Flamant G, Notton G. Multi-Criteria Decision Making Methods for Suitable Site Selection of Concentrating Solar Power Plants. Sustainability . 2024; 16(17):7673. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177673

Farsi, Hichem, Rabah Dizene, Gilles Flamant, and Gilles Notton. 2024. "Multi-Criteria Decision Making Methods for Suitable Site Selection of Concentrating Solar Power Plants" Sustainability 16, no. 17: 7673. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177673

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Leveraging Teacher Leaders to Share the Joy of NASA Heliophysics

Many teachers are exceptionally skilled at bridging students’ interests with real-world science. Now for the third year, the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) has brought together such a group of highly-motivated secondary and higher education teachers as part of their NASA Heliophysics Education Activation Team (HEAT) Space Physics Ambassador program. In June of 2024, eight educators from across the country gathered in Chicago to reflect on how they could make use of the AAPT NASA HEAT team’s instructional materials for teaching basic physics concepts in a space science context. Following the three-day summit, each ambassador would plan to carry out professional development workshops for approximately 20 other educators.

Heliophysics can provide ample opportunity for teaching many concepts that are foundational to the Next Generation Science Standards and can support teachers who want to teach physics in context, but don’t always feel they have the resources to do so. One of the team’s most popular instructional materials includes a lesson about using data from NASA’s Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) to create motion graphs of coronal mass ejections. Another activity relates data from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) from solar flare observations to explore how energy is stored and released in magnetic fields. These authentic learning resources offer the opportunity for teachers to bring space data into the classroom.

Educators who are interested in learning more about these and other lessons are welcome to join the team’s free 1.5-hour mini-workshops, one Saturday per month from September to December 2024.

Register: https://forms.gle/jD3fZskjqzFcuXGXA

NASA HEAT is part of NASA's Science Activation Portfolio. Learn more about how Science Activation connects NASA science experts, real content, and experiences with community leaders to do science in ways that activate minds and promote deeper understanding of our world and beyond: https://science.nasa.gov/learn

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• Heliophysics
• Opportunities For Educators to Get Involved
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Lesson Plan Gr. 7 Natural Sciences and Technology T3 W8

Grade 7 Lesson Plan on Energy and Change & Systems and Control with focus on the CAPS Topics Energy and Sound, addressing the Content: Vibrations and sound; Making sounds and Noise pollutions. It has activities and resources to guide and assist Teachers, Learners and Parents.

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Green power is all the rage; so why are some of them not finding buyers?

• The pile-up of unsold power capacity comes at a time India has raised the target for tendering green power projects to 50 GW every year till FY28. Further delays could make power from older projects unattractive, as newer ones with lower tariffs keep coming online.

New Delhi: At a time of soaring ambitions in green power, renewable power capacity totalling nearly 30 GW has failed to find buyers, three people aware of the matter said, as the industry awaits the debut of uniform tariffs and better grid connectivity.

Capacity of at least 15GW is yet to find power purchase agreements (PPAs), while at least 14GW is awaiting power supply agreements (PSAs), the people cited above said on the condition of anonymity. Power developers sign PPAs with procurers, who further sign PSAs with distributors. Power procurers include companies such as state-run Solar Energy Corp. of India (SECI), NTPC Ltd or SJVN Ltd.

According to one of the three people cited above, older renewable projects, largely solar, have found it harder to find buyers. "For the projects which have come up in the past one year, the agreements have largely been signed," the person said on the condition of anonymity.

The pile-up of unsold power capacity comes at a time India has raised the target for tendering green power projects to 50 GW every year till FY28. On 15 August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India's ambitious goal to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil-based energy capacity by 2030, up from about 197 GW now. Further delays in signing agreements could make power from older projects unattractive, as newer ones with lower tariffs keep coming online.

Queries sent to the Union ministry of new and renewable energy and SECI remained unanswered till press time.

Also read: Europe’s carbon border tax sparks a race for green power in India

In the case of PPAs, the industry is awaiting to see the impact of uniform renewable energy tariffs on PPAs, which will price power in a standardized manner in a specific region. The new system, announced in October last year, envisages renewable power at uniform rates. Every month, an implementing agency will set a uniform tariff for power from central pools. An intermediary, say SECI, will sell power from the central pool to all end procurers (discoms) at the uniform tariff. The system is aimed to encourage discoms to sign PSAs.

Besides unsigned PSAs, another issue is the delay in transmission connectivity, said Sujoy Ghosh, vice-president & country managing director at First Solar. With plans to bid out 50 GW capacity annually, delays in signing PSAs, getting grid connectivity, and the eventual backlog, are key challenges, Ghosh said at the Mint Sustainability Summit in New Delhi, adding project developers and module manufacturers need to have a clear sight of the demand cycle to plan accordingly.

Normally, it takes about three to five months for signing PPAs and PSAs, an industry expert said. "In FY24, about 23 GW have already been bid out. As per the target of bidding out 50 GW capacity, about 12.5 GW would have to bid out in each quarter on an average. So, with a timeframe of three to five months, we would see this kind of capacity in the pipeline for which PPAs and PSAs would have to be signed. It's largely to do with the high quantum of bidding which we witnessed since last fiscal, which is unprecedented," the person added on the condition of anonymity.

Read more: India's renewable energy boom stunted by regulatory ambiguity over sales accords

A top executive at another solar power developer said there is more demand for power from so-called firm and dispatchable renewable energy (FDRE) projects which help manage load at peak times, since they are linked to energy storage systems. FDRE capacity accounted for 14% of tenders issued in FY24, and its share is expected to go up in the current fiscal as more developers turn to energy storage systems, a report from JMK Research said.

Power remaining unsold is a concern, the executive cited above said, since with the continuous decline in tariffs, older capacities would soon be out of favour when power from newer projects are bid out. Uniform tariffs will lead to more PPAs being signed, he added.

"In case a project is bid out in January this year and the power is not tied up and another tender is floated in October and in the latter case the tariff is lower, power from which project would be more attractive for the buyers? So, for legacy projects, that is a concern," the developer added.

Responding to a question on unsigned PSAs at the Mint summit, Shivanand Nimbargi, MD & CEO, Ayana Renewable said: "There is going to be some challenge in this. That is getting addressed as we speak. What is now being discussed and hopefully getting aligned is the bidding trajectory and the offtaker trajectory being aligned, and we are looking at some kind of a blended tariff on a quarterly basis with an assured offtake."

Also read: India’s renewable energy space received ₹ 7 trillion investment in past 10 years: Pralhad Joshi

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Government secures record pipeline of clean cheap energy projects

Sixth renewables auction delivers record smashing 131 clean energy projects powering equivalent of 11 million homes.

• After disappointing results in 2023, new results move Britain forward with mission to become clean energy superpower 
• new wind and solar farms to support mission to bring bills down and boost economic growth 
• offshore wind revitalised in the UK, righting the wrongs of previous auction round  

Millions of homes and businesses across Britain will be powered by a new supply of clean, cheap, homegrown energy as a record number of projects receive funding through the government’s most successful renewables auction to date.   

In a key milestone towards delivering clean power by 2030, the latest auction round delivered 131 new green infrastructure projects. This makes it the biggest round ever with significant numbers for onshore wind, solar and tidal energy, which will power the equivalent of 11 million British homes.  

The results are a marked improvement on the previous auction round in 2023, which saw zero offshore wind projects agreed.  

These successful results come after the government last month moved quickly to increase the budget by 50% – a record funding uplift and 7 times bigger than the previous round’s pot.   

As a result, offshore wind is back for business in UK waters – the backbone of the clean energy mission – with 9 contracts awarded including securing both what will be Europe’s largest and second largest windfarm projects, Hornsea 3 and Hornsea 4 off the Yorkshire coast. 

A new rollout of low-carbon electricity is a key step for UK energy independence and energy security, helping protect families and businesses from spiking global fossil fuel prices.   

Projects have been agreed at well below the upper limit on the price set for the auction – meaning the government has bought a record amount of clean power at much lower cost to consumers than the maximum price – providing value for money and cheap power.

Funding awarded today will also help support new green jobs across the country, increasing prosperity in industrial heartlands and rural communities, and unlocking green economic growth from the Scottish Highlands to the Suffolk coast.   

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:   

We inherited a broken energy policy, including last year’s disastrous auction round which gave us no successful offshore wind projects.   Today we have now achieved a record-setting round for enough renewable power for 11 million homes, essential to give energy security to families across the country. It is another significant step forward in our mission for clean power by 2030 – bringing Britain energy independence and lower bills for good.    These results show that together, this government and the energy industry are securing investment into our country. This auction has produced a record number of solar projects bolstering our mission for a solar revolution, we have powered forward with onshore wind, secured the largest commercial floating offshore wind project in the world and got the offshore industry back on its feet.     As we accelerate our plan for clean power by 2030 the government will work with the industry on how we can build on this success to ensure we can go even further and faster to deliver the power we need.

On the back of this successful auction, the Energy Secretary is working with the industry to accelerate ways that the Contracts for Difference system and other energy policies can be expanded, so that more renewable energy, including offshore wind, can be connected to the grid, and quicker.   

The 131 projects this year is the biggest auction to date – exceeding the 92 projects delivered in the last auction round.     This includes:  

• the largest offshore windfarm project in Europe - the Hornsea 3 project off the Yorkshire coast
• the largest floating offshore wind project in the world to reach market, Green Volt, which is double the size of Europe’s total installed floating offshore wind capacity
• 6 new tidal projects, building on the UK’s world leading position, with just under half of the world’s operational tidal stream capacity being situated in UK waters
• a combined 115 solar and onshore wind projects, which is more than the total number of projects delivered in the last auction round  

Energy Minister Michael Shanks said:  

Securing new wind turbines, solar panels and cutting-edge technologies such as tidal will boost growth, catalyse investment and support good jobs across Great Britain.   We’ve done this while ensuring value for money for billpayers, delivering the biggest auction round to date at competitive prices, helping turbocharge our mission for energy independence and clean power by 2030. 

CEO of Low Carbon Contracts Company, Neil McDermott, said:

We are delighted with the outcome of Allocation Round 6 ( AR6 ) which has awarded contracts to the largest number of projects ever. The results of AR6 increase our total renewable electricity CfD portfolio to 39GW and 372 contracts. CfDs support technologies including offshore and onshore wind, solar, as well as emerging technologies of floating wind, tidal and geothermal. The success of this allocation round not only boosts our ability to decarbonise the economy and enhance energy security, but also unlocks exciting new opportunities for innovation and growth. We look forward to working closely with our new generators to deliver these projects, accelerating the delivery of net zero and a sustainable, low-carbon future.

Today’s announcement is the latest step the government has taken to accelerate the mission for clean, secure power by 2030. In just 3 months the government has:  

• lifted the ban on onshore wind in England
• launched Great British Energy in partnership with the Crown Estate, backed by £8.3 billion of new money, which is estimated to create up to 20-30GW of new offshore wind developments reaching seabed lease stage by 2030
• approved 3 major solar farms powering the equivalent of around 400,000 new homes
• launched its Clean Energy Mission Control centre, led by former Climate Change Committee Chief Executive Chris Stark, to accelerate the deployment of clean power

All these measures combined will support the mission to decarbonise the electricity grid by 2030 and hit net zero in 2050, helping transform the country into a clean energy superpower.  

Notes to editors

Funding is awarded through the government’s Contracts for Difference scheme which provides developers with subsidies for clean electricity projects across Britain with a built-in design to keep costs low for billpayers.  

When wholesale electricity prices are high, generators pay back into the scheme with money passed back to consumers.  In recent years the cost of renewable energy has fallen below the market price for electricity, meaning that the scheme has paid money back to consumers, helping reduce energy bills. 

This was seen over Winter 2022/2023, when Contracts for Difference payments reduced the amount needed to fund government energy support schemes by around £18 per typical household.  

The homes powered estimate reflects the equivalent number of homes that could be powered based on an estimate of the annual generation from the capacity procured in AR6 . It is not possible to continuously power a home through intermittent renewables – this capacity will work alongside the rest of the electricity system to power homes and businesses. The estimate is calculated using household consumption estimates sourced from the published Subnational Electricity and Gas Consumption Report and technology specific load factors published in the CfD Allocation Round 6 Standard Terms Notice. The actual generation will vary based on site specific factors.

Comparisons of global offshore wind and floating offshore wind project sizes are based on analysis of RenewableUK EnergyPulse global projects data and include projects that have reached market (operational, under construction or secured financing).

See the full list of Contracts for Difference Allocation Round 6 results .

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