Solar energy comprises less than one-tenth of 1% of worldwide electricity production. This form of energy uses sunlight to create electricity. One common method of producing solar energy is through the use of solar panels, which are made of materials that generate electricity when they come into contact with sunlight. Although solar energy comprises less than 1% of all energy throughout the world, it has increased at a rate of about 20% per year. Germany, Japan and the United States are among the top producers of solar energy. In 2013, Germany was recorded as using 59% solar power in the middle of the day on two separate occasions.
More about solar energy:
- Only about one-fourth of commercial and residential rooftops are suitable for installing solar panels.
- The sun is estimated to provide enough energy in one hour to satisfy the global population's energy needs for a whole year.
- Solar energy is projected to increase to one-third of the world’s energy production by the year 2060.
