THE AMOUNT of solar energy produced worldwide last year was enough to fulfill almost 70million people’s energy requirements.
In 2012 31,1000 megawatts of solar PV was installed, making a global total of above 100,000 megawatts, enough for about 70million people’s energy needs, based on average European consumption.
Interestingly the popularity of solar PV has increased globally, and not just in traditional supporters such as China and Germany.
Now more than 30 countries boast solar capacities of more than 100 megawatts and the International Energy Agency, an organisation which promotes clean energy, predicts this will double in the next few years.
Currently Germany is the world’s top solar PV installer, and China the top solar panel producer.
However Italy, Japan, India and the Middle East look set to continue with their high rates of installation, which should see more and more peoples energy needs met by renewable energy.
A spokesperson from www.theecoexperts.co.uk said: “It is incredible to think that 70million people in Europe could potentially be having all their energy needs met from solar PV energy. Obviously the logistics are a little more complicated, but this is still an incredibly positive message for the renewables industry and for the environment.
“Here in the UK, feed-in-tariffs have been reduced slightly, but then so have the costs of solar panels, meaning they are still a great investment and offer a much higher return-on-investment than your average high street bank.
“We look forward to looking at the 2013 figures and seeing how much has changed and how many more people can benefit from this.”