Solar Energy Two Decades From Now

While it may be hard to fully know what will be different twenty years from now, we can look at current trends in the solar power industry to try to figure out how exactly it will be different and what strides we’ll have made by then.

Solar Panels May Look Completely Different

All different kinds of new, advanced solar panels are currently being developed. Meaning that by twenty years from now, they might be totally different from the solar panels we see today.

One of these new types of solar panels is the transparent solar panel, which would mean that we could attach huge panels to our windows, which are already designed to let as much sunlight through as possible, and gain twice as much energy as we are right now. Not only that, but these panels could be attached to anything since we wouldn’t need to worry about seeing through them anymore. This includes something like our cell phones. If you could attach a transparent solar panel to your phone, you’d never have to worry about it being charged while you’re outside again. And just by attaching transparent solar panels to every glass surface in the US, we could produce 40% of our electricity with these panels alone. While these types of panels are still very new and therefore very inefficient, producing only 5% efficiency each, as the technology ages, it will no doubt see an increase and therefore be able to power even more of our country.

Another panel you’ll have to look forward to in the future is solar shingles, which look like normal roof shingles. Having this nice aesthetic will increase the number of solar panel users, enticing those who currently haven’t switched to solar because of how unattractive it looks.

Solar Expansion

Another thing to look forward to is the increase in solar energy consumers. While right now, only 1% of the earth’s production is generated using solar, by 2050 that number is expected to be at 16%.

On top of that, we’ll also start seeing solar in more underdeveloped parts of the world with the help of microgrids. This will mean that those who can’t afford even basic power will have easy access to it and that power will find its way to parts of the world where it has never been used before.

Solar Cell Improvements

Making solar energy better is no easy task, but manufacturers are trying. With things like experimenting with new materials to place inside of solar cells, we’re making strides towards new technologies. One of these technologies is perovskite, which is a mineral that we’ve been using in solar cells since 2009 that has yet to have its full potential unlocked.

Regardless of whether or not we do manage to unlock all the untapped potential of new materials, the efficiency rates of our panels are always increasing. By 2027, they are set to reach 25% efficiency minimum. Which means that by two decades from now, they’d be at 30% efficiency.

Solar Will Be Cheaper

Solar power prices have been on the decline for years. It only makes sense that by two decades from now, that trend would continue. Between 2010 and 2015, the cost had a 43% decline. If that trend continues, there will be no more need for fossil fuels at all, as solar power will not only save people money in the long run, but be much cheaper to install in the short run.

Want to learn more about solar energy and its improvements? Check out the HahaSmart blog for more new information every day

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