121 Facts About Solar Energy

Fact #1:  Solar power is the most abundant source of energy on the planet.⁵

Fact #2:  More solar energy reaches Earth in one hour than the world uses all year.⁶

Fact #3:  Sunlight takes approximately eight minutes to reach the Earth.⁷

Fact #4:  About 30% of incoming solar radiation is reflected back into space and the rest is absorbed by clouds, oceans, and land.¹

Fact #5:  Solar energy has been used by plants and microorganisms since the beginning of time.³

Fact #6:  Solar energy is the most abundantly used renewable energy source.

Fact #7:  173,000 terawatts of solar energy hit the Earth continuously – that’s greater than 10,000 times the world’s total energy use.⁸

Fact #8:  The first silicon solar cell was developed by Bell Laboratories in 1954.³

Fact #9:  There are over 57 million square miles of land on Earth. In order to power the entire planet, we would need to install solar panels on just over 191,000 square miles.⁷

Fact #10:  1 megawatt (MW) of solar energy can power over 200 homes.⁵

Fact #11:  The photovoltaic (PV) effect was discovered by French scientist Edmond Becquerel in 1839.³

Fact #12:  Photovoltaic cells were first used in satellites and consumer electronics. The large-scale application of solar came much later.³

Fact #13:  Solar-powered calculators were invented in 1978, and are likely the first way you used solar energy.⁷

Fact #14:  Solar electricity is measured in watts. 1000 watts = 1 kilowatt (kW). 1000 kW = 1 megawatt (MW). 1000 MW = 1 gigawatt (GW). 1000 GW = 1 terawatt (TW). 1000 TW = 1 petawatt (PW).

Fact #15:  When thinking about electricity demand, Thomas Edison is quoted as saying, “I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy.”⁹

Fact #16:  Solar panels create electricity when the sun’s photons energize the electrons of silicon molecules within the solar cells.⁶

Fact #17:  The International Space Station is entirely solar powered.²

Fact #18:  Leonardo da Vinci created a system that heated water using solar.

Fact #19:  Photovoltaic solar panels are made of silicon, which is the second most abundant element on Earth after oxygen.⁷

Fact #20:  Solar energy is generated as DC (direct current) power. Typically, solar panels are installed with an inverter to convert DC power to usable AC (alternating current) power.

Fact #21:  “Space-based solar power” is the idea of harnessing solar power in space, where there is no night time or atmosphere, to capture more energy than solar panels on Earth.³

Fact #22:  In the United States, southern facing solar panels perform best.⁶

Fact #23:  Solar panels have no moving parts and require minimal (if any) maintenance.

Fact #24:  China built a 250-acre solar farm in the shape of a panda.¹³

Fact #25:  In 2015, solar accounted for only 1% of the world’s electricity generation.³

Fact #26:  In 2023, 53% of all new electric capacity added to the grid came from solar.

Fact #27:  Solar panels can last for over 40 years.⁵

Fact #28:  Contrary to popular belief, solar panels still work on cloudy days.⁶

Fact #29:  Conventional solar panels can produce a range of 100 to 320 watts of electricity each. However, high performing solar panels can produce up to 400 watts per panel.

Fact #30:  Many states and towns are mandating solar panels on all new buildings.

Fact #31:  Solar energy produces no water pollution after installation.¹

Fact #32:  Solar can power your home at night if you add a battery.

Fact #33:  In many parts of the world, solar is now cheaper than coal.³

Fact #34:  The price of solar panels have reduced by 80% since 2008.⁴

Fact #35:  Las Vegas, Nevada is the largest city to operate on 100% renewable energy, which is largely solar power.⁷

Fact #36:  Burlington, Vermont was the first city in America to achieve 100% clean energy generation for its residents.⁷

Fact #37:  Solar power does not create any noise while producing energy.¹

Fact #38:  Solar energy is the quickest solution to energy in times of crisis.¹

Fact #39:  Solar panels actually perform more efficiently in cooler temperatures.

Fact #40:  Thermal solar panels heat water with the sun’s warmth, while photovoltaic (PV) solar panels produce electricity with the sun’s light.

Fact #41:  Monocrystalline solar panels are darker in color and more efficient than polycrystalline panels, which are generally more blue in appearance.

Fact #42:  Most solar panels are rigid, although flexible solar panels are often used for recreational vehicles or small-scale energy production.¹⁹

Fact #43:  Solar technology can even be applied to paint.³

Fact #44:  Solar energy is the fastest growing energy sector in the world. Solar demand is currently at an all-time high.⁸

Fact #45:  Old coal mines are now being converted into solar power plants.¹⁷

Fact #46:  Increased demand for solar is leading to a greater demand for electric vehicles (EVs).

Fact #47:  The solar industry is creating jobs five times faster than the job market.¹⁰

Fact #48:  In 2017, renewable energy jobs, including solar, overtook the number of jobs related to fossil fuels.¹⁰

Fact #49:  A home with solar panels reduces its 30-year carbon footprint by 100 tons.⁷

Fact #50:  Over 2 million solar systems have been installed in the United States.

Fact #51:  Sheep are being used for vegetation maintenance on solar farms to reduce operations costs.¹⁵

Fact #52:  Solar panels are exempt from property taxes in many states including Massachusetts and increase the value of a home more than a complete kitchen remodel.⁷

Fact #53:  Homes with solar panels sell for approximately 4.1% more than homes without.¹⁴

Fact #54:  Solar energy is free, but solar panels cost money. However, most people still save money every month paying for panels rather than electricity from the grid.

Fact #55:  Most customers lease or finance their solar panels.

Fact #56:  Popular music festivals around the world are embracing solar, geothermal, and other natural sources of power.¹⁶

Fact #57:  Many US states allow solar owners to sell back excess power to the grid, which is called net metering.

Fact #58:  Adding solar panels to your home or business lowers your electricity bills significantly. In most cases, you’ll even receive incentives for the energy your system produces.

Fact #59:  China is currently the global leader in installed solar energy capacity.⁵

Fact #60:  In 2016, Swiss pilot Bertrand Piccard flew around the world in a solar-powered plane.¹¹

Fact #61: Walmart is one of the largest commercial adopters of solar power.⁵

Fact #62:  One of the most common reasons people go solar is because someone in close proximity to them did.

Fact #63:  Investing in solar power pays for itself over time. Our customers often break even and are cash-flow positive within five years.

Fact #64:  Even oil and gas companies like Exxon Mobile use solar panels on oil rigs.⁷

Fact #65:  Breweries are utilizing solar to cut operation costs. Heineken powers its brewing in the Netherlands with over 16,000 solar panels.¹⁸

Fact #66:  There are 2 main types of PV solar panels: monocrystalline solar panels and polycrystalline solar panels. 

Fact #67:  There are multiple different brands of solar panels, some of the most well-regarded being Maxeon, Solaria, and Certainteed.

Fact #68:  To help mitigate the upfront cost of solar, there are multiple financial incentives available to solar owners (both state and federal), including loans and tax exemptions.

Fact #69:  The typical solar panel installation takes 1-3 days, although it depends on the size of your solar system.

Fact #70:  Solar panels are designed to outlast extreme weather conditions – such as snow, hail, and rain– which is especially helpful during harsh New England winters.

Fact #71:  Most solar owners are connected to the electric grid, even if they don’t often rely on it.

Fact #72:  If you’re considering switching to solar, research local installers. There are multiple benefits to using a local company, including extensive knowledge of local building codes and close proximity in the rare event something goes wrong.

Fact #73:  Solar panels will not damage your roof if you find a quality installer. Actually, solar panels can protect your roof from wear and tear because they act as a barrier.

Fact #74:  Most homes are eligible for solar. Even if you have limited roof space or are in a shaded area, most of the time our experts can design a plan for your home.

Fact #75:  Before your solar panels are installed, you will schedule a consultation with an expert to discuss panel options. A representative will also come assess your home and roof to make a plan for installation.

Fact #76:  Massachusetts is one of the most solar-friendly states in America.

Fact #77:  The term energy independence refers to the ability to produce energy without using the electric grid.

Fact #78:  Summer in New England is considered the best time to have solar, as the days are longer, the skies are clearer, and the sun is more direct and powerful.

Fact #79:  Energy storage devices also come with warranties (typically about 10 years).

Fact #80:  Solar panels aren’t just limited to roofs. Some people have solar panels installed in their backyards or other ground-mounted areas.

Fact #81:  In 2022, Massachusetts ranked #8 in the nation in solar net generation.

Fact #82:  Monocrystalline panels are widely considered more aesthetically pleasing than polycrystalline panels, but many tall city buildings use polycrystalline because they’re cheaper and onlookers can’t see them from the street.

Fact #83:  Rain can actually be beneficial for solar panel maintenance, as it can wash debris off panels.

Fact #84:  Monocrystalline panels typically have longer warranties (usually about 40 years), while polycrystalline panels can have warranties of as little as 12 years.

Fact #85:  Once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan, solar panels can be recycled (by a professional).

Fact #86:  Solar panels require wiring and conduit to function, but most of the time Solaris can hide them through attics, garage, or any other out-of-sight areas.

Fact #87:  If you have good credit, you can pay for solar using a loan, and you will still be eligible for federal incentives.

Fact #88:  Some sports teams have gone solar! Gillette Stadium, Fenway Park, and TD Garden are some local venues using solar energy.

Fact #89:  Solar panels can be installed on water. These are called floating solar systems. The panels are installed on a panel that sits in a body of water, normally lakes or ponds.

Fact #90:  Smart technology can be paired with your solar panels. With smart technology, you have access to energy generation data, allowing you to make informed decisions about your energy consumption.

Fact #91:  There is an all solar community in Florida!

Fact #92:  The White House uses solar power! Because of the size of the property, there are at least three systems installed.

Fact #93:  California has the most megawatts of installed solar in America. Massachusettts comes in fifth place at over 4,000 installed megawatts.

Fact #94:  In the United States alone, there are over 4,000 solar farms.

Fact #95:  According to a report by the National Renewable Energy Lab, solar can provide more than double of the electricity demand in Massachusetts.

Fact #96:  Solar leases are not eligible for incentives, only owners.

Fact #97:  Even pools can be powered by solar nowadays. This includes solar pool covers, which traps the sun’s heat in order to keep the water warm. Solar pool heaters are another option.

Fact #98:  Some solar panels are portable. Many people who use RVs choose portable panels.

Fact #99:  Multiple households can share solar through community solar.

Fact #100:  Between 2021-2022, the solar market grew 40%.

Fact #101:  Solar trackers track the sun’s path throughout the day, allowing panels to rotate for maximum sunlight absorption.

Fact #102:  Alongside being recognized as a top-performing solar panel, Maxeon is also Cradle to Cradle certified for their commitment to sustainable production.

Fact #103:  Scientists are considering building solar stations in space.

Fact #104:  In 2021, the United States was one of the top 5 producers of solar electricity.

Fact #105:  Some buildings utilize vertical solar, where solar panels are affixed to the side of a building. Some researchers believe that the vertical alignment could be more effective in capturing the sun’s rays.

Fact #106:  You can get solar powered lighting outdoors.

Fact #107:  Solar as a form of power dates back to over 2,000 years ago.

Fact #108:  Solar power plants can last for more than 40 years.

Fact #109:  The US solar market is valued at over $36 billion.

Fact #110:  As of 2022, the United States was one of the biggest investors in solar energy.

Fact #111:  Solar paint is the process of being developed. This paint can absorb energy from the sun and turn it into electricity.

Fact #112:  Many engineers have started planning for solar cars. 

Fact #113:  Tesla, one of the most popular EV manufacturers, also manufactures solar panels and other solar-related products, such as storage batteries.

Fact #114:  Solar panels don’t even require heat to function. As long as they are receiving sunlight, they can create energy. 

Fact #115:  Solar batteries are made of lithium-ion, allowing the batteries to store as much energy as possible.

Fact #116:  Before solar is installed on your home, your solar contractor will acquire building and electric permits in order to deem your installation safe.

Fact #117:  Some popular solar-related jobs include solar installers, journeyman electricians, and solar electricians.

Fact #118:  Solar windows are projected to hit the solar market in the upcoming years. Similarly to solar panels, the goal behind solar windows is to generate electricity for your space.

Fact #119:  If you’re a Massachusetts solar owner, you’re eligible for a 15% (or $1,000, whichever is larger) tax credit. 

Fact #120:  Solar power can also be used to power heating and cooling systems. 

Fact #121:  Researchers are attempting to design solar fabrics.