Solar Power: Global Pioneers and Future Trends
Robust Global Solar Expansion Continues - Germany Secures Top 5 Ranking - Large-scale solar electricity production robust globally - Germany included in top 5 solar power-generating countries
Stepping into uncharted territories, solar energy is projected to maintain double-digit growth rates, forecasted by industry experts, well into the future. However, the addition of new record-breaking solar plants may take a hiatus, as per consistent predictions from solar heavyweights - BSW Solar and Solar Power Europe. This year alone, solar power plants could eclipse the 600 gigawatt threshold, about double the count from 2022.
Rising Stars
Among the world's powerhouses, Germany impressively stands tall. In the solar race, Germany claws its way to the top four, boasting a total installed solar power capacity of around 100 gigawatts. Despite its size, it outperforms larger nations like the USA, Spain, Turkey, Italy, Japan, and France, trailing only China, India, and the United States. In the coming years, Germany aims to increase its solar power capacity by a significant 14% or 17.5 gigawatts, as revealed by the German Association.
Capitalizing on the Momentum
However, documents suggest a possible slowdown in 2023 as private homeowners are projected to install fewer solar panels on their rooftops. On the bright side, interest in balcony solar systems remains robust, with the number expected to surge to around 800,000 in 2024.
The undisputed king: China
Unsurprisingly, China commands a lead with an astounding 329 gigawatts of new solar capacity projected for 2024 - twice the combined total of the top ten nations! The EU comes in second place as a whole, lagging behind China.
Storage Solutions: The Missing Link
As the expansion of renewable energy gathers pace, the need for increased energy storage becomes increasingly critical to prevent the waste of copious amounts of green energy. The idea of using electric vehicles as battery storage for the power grid, called "bidirectional charging," is gaining traction, claims former VW CEO Herbert Diess. This innovation promises reduced operating costs close to zero, with the first car model already hitting the market. Diess envisions that this game-changing technology will rejuvenate the stagnant EV market in Europe, fueling an acceleration of electromobility.
Top 5 Countries: An Update
In the global solar championship, China, the United States, India, Japan, and Germany firmly hold their positions in the top 5, as outlined below:
- China: With a total solar capacity of 393 GW, China reigns supreme, a force to be reckoned with, accounting for about 55% of the global solar market[3][4].
- United States: The USA boasts approximately 113 GW of solar capacity, a feat bolstered by government-led policies such as the Inflation Reduction Act[3][4].
- India: India ranks third with around 5% of the global solar capacity, setting sights on 280 GW by 2030[4].
- Germany: Germany stands tall on the world stage, with a notable solar capacity in the global race, though it doesn't make it into the top percentages provided[1].
- Japan: Japan contributes significantly to the high share of solar power in Asia, though specific details on Japanese solar capacity are not provided[3].
(Sources: 12345)*
- The employment policy in the solar industry is anticipated to experience sustained growth, beyond 2024, due to the projected increase in solar power capacity across the globe.
- Germany, in its pursuit of becoming a global leader in solar energy, is expected to exceed 120 gigawatts of installed solar power capacity by the end of 2024, as stated in the employment policy documents by the German Association.
- In the field of data and cloud computing, the solar industry is projected to see an increase in employment opportunities, as the implementation of smart grids and energy management systems becomes more prevalent.
- A new technology in Germany, referred to as "bidirectional charging," is expected to revolutionize the electromobility sector by using electric vehicles as energy storage for the power grid, potentially stemming from the science of environmental-science and technology.
- As the world invests heavily in solar energy to combat climate-change, the employment policy in the solar industry in Germany, China, and other nations is likely to exceed 2024 employment policy projections, contributing to the fighting of climate-change through science.
