The Vital Role of Solar Energy in Sustainable Development
As a seasoned construction professional and interior designer, I am well-versed in providing practical tips and in-depth insights on home renovation, building services, sustainable practices, and interior design. In this article, I will explore the critical role of solar energy in developing affordable, eco-friendly housing with integrated renewable energy systems.
The Ascent 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, and after many decades of research and development, scientists have classified solar energy technology into two key applications: solar thermal and solar PV. PV systems convert the Sun’s energy into electricity by utilizing solar panels, which have quickly become the cheapest option for new electricity generation in numerous world locations due to their ubiquitous deployment. During the period from 2010 to 2018, the cost of generating electricity by solar PV plants decreased by 77%, and the installed capacity of PV technology expanded 100-fold between 2005 and 2018, making it a key component in the low-carbon sustainable energy system required to provide access to affordable and dependable electricity.
The Global Spread of Solar Energy
The installed capacity of solar energy worldwide has been rapidly increasing to meet energy demands. The installed capacity of PV technology grew from 40,334 MW in 2010 to 709,674 MW in 2020, while the installed capacity of concentrated solar power (CSP) applications increased from 1,266 MW in 2010 to 6,479 MW in 2020. This rapid growth in solar PV technology has led to its widespread use in standalone systems, large-scale grid-connected plants, and even space applications.
The Taxonomy of Solar Energy Applications
Solar energy can be used to generate electricity, desalinate water, and generate heat, among other applications. The two main categories of solar energy applications are:
- Photovoltaics (PV): Solar cells that directly convert sunlight into electricity, utilizing semiconductor materials from the periodic table’s group ‘IV’ or a mixture of groups ‘IV’ and ‘II’.
- Concentrated Solar Power (CSP): Systems that concentrate solar rays using mirrors to heat a fluid, resulting in steam used to power a turbine and generate electricity.
Within these broad categories, there are numerous specialized applications, such as PV-powered water pumps, PV-powered cathodic protection systems, building-integrated PV (BIPV) technology, and CSP power stations with thermal storage capabilities.
The Sustainability Framework for Solar Energy
The framework for energy sustainability development through the application of solar energy is a vital way to achieve the goal of sustainable development. Solar energy is a renewable, clean, and environmentally friendly source of energy that can be harnessed to meet energy demands, create job opportunities, and protect the environment. The environmental benefits of solar energy include its clean, friendly, and energy-saving nature, with no removable parts, low maintenance, and longevity. The economic and social development aspects are considered by offering job opportunities to the community and providing cheaper energy options, which can improve people’s income and enhance living standards.
The Employment Potential of Solar Energy
The deployment of renewable energy technologies, particularly solar energy, has created a significant number of jobs worldwide. According to reports, the solar PV application has created over 3 million jobs, while the solar thermal applications (solar heating and cooling) have created over 819,000 jobs, and the CSP applications have created over 31,000 jobs. The distribution of these jobs is primarily in Asia, with 70% of the PV jobs, while North America, South America, and Europe account for 10% each. This growth in solar energy employment has been significant in eliminating poverty, which is a key goal of sustainable energy development.
The Optimal Regions for Solar Energy Utilization
The global solar irradiation map shows that there are areas, especially in the ‘Sunbelt’ regions, that have a year-round abundance of solar global horizontal irradiation, with an average yearly solar intensity of over 2,800 kWh/m² and an average daily solar intensity of over 7.5 kWh/m². These regions, including the Middle East, Australia, North Africa, China, the USA, and Southern Africa, have immense potential for solar energy technology.
Overcoming Operational Challenges
While solar energy is a renewable, clean, and environmentally friendly source of energy, it does have some operational challenges, such as not working at night, reduced output in cloudy weather, and reduced performance in sandstorm conditions. To address these challenges, PV battery storage is widely used to improve reliability, and attempts have been made to find alternative materials, such as perovskite, organic, and organic/inorganic hybrid materials, to improve the performance and overcome the limitations of traditional silicon-based PV devices.
The Path Forward for Solar Energy
As efforts are made to increase the energy transition towards sustainable energy systems, it is anticipated that the next decade will see a continued boom in 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, and the renewable energy sector has a significant benefit over other energy industries in terms of long-term sustainability.
Solar energy would help steady energy prices and provide 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. A paramount critical component of long-term sustainability should be the continued investigation and development of solar energy, particularly CSP technology, to further enhance its capabilities and deploy it more widely as a clean, reliable, and affordable energy solution.
By integrating solar energy systems into the design and construction of affordable, eco-friendly housing, we can create a more sustainable future that benefits both the environment and the community. Through the application of solar PV, CSP, and other renewable energy technologies, we can develop housing that is not only energy-efficient but also actively contributes to the transition towards a low-carbon, sustainable energy landscape.
To learn more about the latest advancements in solar energy and how they can be incorporated into your next construction or renovation project, please visit https://localbuilderlondon.co.uk/. Our team of experienced builders and designers are here to help you create the sustainable, energy-efficient home of the future.
