Yearly Solar Fluxes & Human Consumption: Energy Given in (EJ) 10 278 Consumption As of Year 2010
Yearly Solar Fluxes & Human Consumption: Energy Given in (EJ) 10 278 Consumption As of Year 2010
Yearly Solar Fluxes & Human Consumption: Energy Given in (EJ) 10 278 Consumption As of Year 2010
The potential solar energy that could be used by humans differs from the amount of solar energy
present near the surface of the planet because factors such as geography, time variation, cloud
cover, and the land available to humans limit the amount of solar energy that we can acquire.
Geography affects solar energy potential because areas that are closer to the equator have a
higher amount of solar radiation. However, the use of photovoltaics that can follow the position of
the Sun can significantly increase the solar energy potential in areas that are farther from the
equator.[4] Time variation effects the potential of solar energy because during the nighttime, there
is little solar radiation on the surface of the Earth for solar panels to absorb. This limits the
amount of energy that solar panels can absorb in one day. Cloud cover can affect the potential of
solar panels because clouds block incoming light from the Sun and reduce the light available for
solar cells.
Besides, land availability has a large effect on the available solar energy because solar panels
can only be set up on land that is otherwise unused and suitable for solar panels. Roofs are a
suitable place for solar cells, as many people have discovered that they can collect energy
directly from their homes this way. Other areas that are suitable for solar cells are lands that are
not being used for businesses where solar plants can be established. [4]
Solar technologies are characterized as either passive or active depending on the way they
capture, convert and distribute sunlight and enable solar energy to be harnessed at different
levels around the world, mostly depending on the distance from the equator. Although solar
energy refers primarily to the use of solar radiation for practical ends, all renewable energies,
other than Geothermal power and Tidal power, derive their energy either directly or indirectly
from the Sun.
Active solar techniques use photovoltaics, concentrated solar power, solar thermal collectors,
pumps, and fans to convert sunlight into useful outputs. Passive solar techniques include
selecting materials with favorable thermal properties, designing spaces that naturally circulate
air, and referencing the position of a building to the Sun. Active solar technologies increase the
supply of energy and are considered supply side technologies, while passive solar technologies
reduce the need for alternate resources and are generally considered demand-side technologies.
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Note:
Total global annual solar energy potential amounts to 1,575 EJ (minimum) to 49,837 EJ (maximum)
Data reflects assumptions of annual clear sky irradiance, annual average sky clearance, and available land
area. All figures given in Exajoules.
Quantitative relation of global solar potential vs. the world's primary energy consumption:
Ratio of potential vs. current consumption (402 EJ) as of year: 3.9 (minimum) to 124 (maximum)
Ratio of potential vs. projected consumption by 2050 (590–1,050 EJ): 1.5–2.7 (minimum) to 47–84 (maximum)
Ratio of potential vs. projected consumption by 2100 (880–1,900 EJ): 0.8–1.8 (minimum) to 26–57 (maximum)
Source: United Nations Development Programme – World Energy Assessment (2000) [4]