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This is interesting. I want to find out if you really get enough to sell back to the power companies and still have enough to run your household

I guess it depends upon a variety of factors.

Solar Energy Growth Surpasses Predictions: A Global Energy Revolution

The global solar energy industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, far surpassing even the most optimistic predictions. Recent data from Global Sources reveals that solar energy installations grew by an astounding 86% last year, with projections indicating continued rapid expansion. This article summarizes the key points from a recent discussion on the topic, highlighting the transformative impact of solar energy on the global energy landscape.

Record-Breaking Growth

  • In 2023, solar energy installations increased by 87% compared to 2022.
  • 2024 is projected to see an additional 30% growth, with an estimated 593 gigawatts (GW) of solar power to be added globally.
  • By the end of July 2024, 292 GW of solar capacity had already been installed.
  • Global solar capacity is expected to reach 2.24 terawatts (TW) by the end of 2024.

Surpassing Expert Predictions

The current growth rate of solar energy has exceeded even the most bullish projections:

  • Tony Seba, known for his optimistic predictions about renewable energy, underestimated the actual growth rate.
  • Traditional energy experts and international agencies have consistently underestimated solar's potential.
  • The growth curve is steepening at a rate that was unimaginable just a decade ago.

Global Adoption

While China remains a leader in solar installations, other countries are rapidly catching up:

  • The rest of the world was responsible for 74% of total solar deployments in 2019.
  • Countries like the US, India, Germany, and Brazil have seen record growth in installations.
  • By 2024, countries outside China are projected to have installed 1.2 TW of cumulative capacity.

Economic Implications

The rapid growth of solar energy is having significant economic impacts:

  • Solar systems are becoming increasingly cost-effective, with substantial long-term savings for consumers.
  • In the US, the average solar system is estimated to provide a $45,000 return on investment over its lifetime.
  • Energy costs are projected to plummet, potentially reaching near-zero or even negative levels in the future.

Synergy with Battery Storage

The growth of solar energy is driving a parallel boom in battery energy storage systems (BESS):

  • BESS installations are rapidly increasing to balance grids and make solar energy usable 24/7.
  • By 2030, global battery installation capacity could reach 3 TW.
  • companies like Tesla are experiencing multi-year backlogs for their large-scale battery products.

Future Projections

Looking ahead, the solar energy revolution is set to continue:

  • Global solar capacity is projected to reach 8 to 9 TW by 2030.
  • The synergy between solar and battery storage is paving the way for a fully renewable energy system.
  • Experts predict that energy costs may effectively reach negative levels beyond 2030.

Challenges and Misconceptions

Despite its rapid growth, solar energy still faces some challenges and misconceptions:

  • Concerns about solar's effectiveness during cloudy or rainy weather persist, though modern systems can still produce significant power under these conditions.
  • The intermittent nature of solar power is being addressed through improved storage solutions and grid management.

Conclusion

The exponential growth of solar energy is reshaping the global energy landscape at a pace that few predicted. As costs continue to decline and efficiency improves, solar power is poised to become the dominant energy source of the future. This transition promises not only to revolutionize how we generate and consume energy but also to drive significant economic and environmental benefits worldwide.