The challenges facing the Solar Revolution
As the sun begins to set on our series exploring the enormous potential of solar power, Dezeen looks at some of the barriers to achieving a Solar Revolution.
Our Solar Revolution series has focused on the idea that the world is currently at a tipping point when it comes to energy ? with climate change and the Ukraine war meaning that a major shift to renewables is desperately needed.
Many experts argue that solar is best-placed to lead the way, along with wind power. It is now the cheapest form of energy at the point of production and has an astonishing range of uses ? from photovoltaic windows or textiles on buildings to possible applications for cars, clothes and gadgets.
Read: Solar power could "become embedded like a second skin in our everyday life" says Daan Roosegaarde
By the middle of this century, a quarter of the world's electricity needs could be covered by solar power, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
But, like all energy technologies, solar is imperfect and there are multiple challenges that must be overcome in order to realise a solar-powered future. Here, we explore some of those challenges.
Intermittency
The major appeal of fossil fuels is that they can be burned to produce energy on demand. For solar, energy can obviously only be generated when the sun is shining ? but people need power at any time.
That gives rise to issues with storage and connectivity that are disc...
-------------------------------- |
Husos adds plant-filled "bathyard" to apartment in Madrid |
|
Patricia Residence: Bright & Spacious Expansion
28-04-2024 09:39 - (
Architecture )
TreeLoft Apartment: Innovative Space Transformation in Lantau Island
28-04-2024 09:39 - (
Architecture )