The University of Sussex recently released a study that sheds light on the potential of solar energy if every suitable roof around the world was covered with solar panels. According to the study, this move could supply 2/3 of humanity’s total electricity consumption, paving the way for a complete transition away from fossil fuel electricity generation.
The study utilized satellite data to identify the total suitable roof area globally that could be utilized for rooftop solar panels, considering factors like roof slope and shading from other buildings. The findings revealed that rooftop solar could potentially provide a staggering 19,483TWh of electricity, which amounts to approximately 2/3 of the global electricity usage in 2023.
Interestingly, this total surpasses the amount of electricity currently generated from fossil fuels, which mainly includes coal and methane, two highly polluting sources. By covering all rooftops with solar panels, the study suggests that the world could completely eliminate current fossil fuel electricity generation, significantly reducing the harmful pollution caused by these sources.
Certain regions, such as East Asia and Africa, are considered to be more conducive for the deployment of solar panels due to various factors like building stock and solar capacity. The study also highlights that this transition could potentially reduce global temperatures by 0.13C, a significant step towards mitigating climate change.
While the study acknowledges the impact of rising temperatures on solar panel efficiency, it also emphasizes the potential for enhancing generation capacity by optimizing tilt angles and utilizing sun-tracking panels. Furthermore, the study solely focuses on rooftop solar and does not account for the potential of large grid-tied solar projects or other low-carbon generation methods like wind, hydro, or nuclear.
While rooftop solar may be sufficient for current electricity needs in an ideal scenario where every roof is covered, other sources will still be required to meet the evolving landscape of electricity usage. This includes the increasing demand for electricity in the transportation sector as it shifts towards electrification.
In conclusion, the study underscores the immense potential of rooftop solar in revolutionizing the global energy landscape and combating climate change. By leveraging existing roof spaces for solar panels, we can make significant strides towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
