Some key facts on solar energy highlight its significant potential in resolving the climate change crisis:
- Will Never Run out: The Sun has sufficient helium mass to provide the Earth with energy for another five billion years. It emits enough energy to power humankind for an entire year in 1/816,000th of a second!
- Just a fraction of it: The Earth receives only one half of one billionth of the Sun’s radiant energy, but in just a few days it gets as much heat and light as could be produced by burning all the oil, coal and wood on the planet.
- Clean, cheap and free: Worldwide, some two billion people are still without electricity. For these populations it is more economically viable to install solar panels than to extend established electricity grids.
Harnessing this power can reap significant benefits for businesses, individuals and governments alike. For example, businesses can use solar energy to:
- Reduce the risk of volatile and rising fossil fuel prices, thereby reducing or stabilizing operating costs, particularly as governments move to tax carbon emissions.
- Take advantage of government incentives and rebates which are designed to increase the use of renewable energy sources.
- Reduce the risk and cost of power outages.
- Strengthen relationships with key stakeholders such as customers and the community, by showing concern for climate-related issues.
