Solar Energy is a renewable source that harnesses sunlight to generate electricity or heat. It is clean, inexhaustible, and essential for reducing carbon emissions.
Recent and Most Used Technologies:
Currently, the most widely used technologies in the solar industry include crystalline silicon photovoltaic panels, concentrated solar power (CSP) systems, and innovative perovskite solar cells. Photovoltaic panels dominate the market due to their efficiency and accessibility, while CSP systems use mirrors to concentrate sunlight and generate large-scale thermal energy, particularly for industrial plants. Meanwhile, perovskite cells are emerging as a promising technology with the potential to exceed the efficiency of traditional panels and lower manufacturing costs. Additionally, bifacial systems, which capture light on both the front and rear of the panel, are being integrated to significantly increase energy output.
Production Costs and Capacities:
The average installation cost of solar systems has dropped significantly in recent years, ranging from approximately $1,000 to $2,500 per kilowatt (kW) installed for residential photovoltaic systems and $850 to $1,200 per kW for large-scale installations. This cost reduction is due to technological advancements and economies of scale in panel manufacturing. In terms of capacity, a large-scale solar plant can achieve production levels of hundreds of megawatts (MW), such as the Noor Abu Dhabi solar park, with 1,177 MW of installed capacity. The productivity of these installations depends on local solar irradiation, but locations with high sunlight levels can achieve capacity factors above 20%, consolidating their viability as a competitive energy generation option.
