Solar PV and wind, how big is it in electricity generation

Renewable energy is becoming an increasingly important part of the global energy mix, and solar PV and wind power are two key drivers of this growth. Both technologies have seen significant increases in capacity and deployment over the past decade, and are expected to continue to play a major role in the shift towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

Solar PV

Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has been around since the 1950s, but it is only in recent years that it has really taken off as a mainstream source of energy. The basic principle of a solar panel is to convert sunlight into electricity, using semiconductor materials such as silicon.

One of the key advantages of solar PV is its scalability - it can be used on a small scale to power individual homes, or on a large scale to power entire communities or even countries. This versatility has helped to drive down the cost of solar PV over the years, making it one of the most cost-effective sources of renewable energy.

Another advantage of solar PV is its relative simplicity. Unlike some other renewable technologies, such as wind or tidal power, solar PV does not require complex mechanical components, and is therefore relatively easy to install and maintain.

Today, solar PV is one of the fastest-growing sources of renewable energy in the world, with capacity increasing at a rate of around 30% per year. In 2020, global solar PV capacity exceeded 760 GW, up from just 10 GW in 2006.

Wind power

Like solar PV, wind power has been around for many years, but it is only in recent decades that it has really taken off as a viable source of energy. Wind turbines work by converting the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy, using a rotor and a generator.

One of the key advantages of wind power is its scalability - it can be used on a small scale to power individual homes, or on a large scale to power entire communities or even countries. This versatility has helped to drive down the cost of wind power over the years, making it one of the most cost-effective sources of renewable energy.

Another advantage of wind power is its high capacity factor. Unlike solar PV, which only generates electricity when the sun is shining, wind turbines can generate electricity around the clock, as long as the wind is blowing. This makes wind power a reliable and predictable source of energy.

Today, wind power is one of the fastest-growing sources of renewable energy in the world, with capacity increasing at a rate of around 20% per year. In 2020, global wind power capacity exceeded 750 GW, up from just 59 GW in 2005.

Conclusion

Solar PV and wind power are two of the most promising sources of renewable energy in the world today. Both technologies offer significant advantages in terms of scalability, cost-effectiveness, and reliability, and are rapidly gaining market share as a result.

As the world continues to transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future, it is likely that solar PV and wind power will continue to play a major role in meeting our energy needs. With continued investment and innovation, these technologies have the potential to transform the global energy landscape and help us to build a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.