With solar power becoming one of the most popular and affordable forms of renewable energy in the UK and around the world, it’s time to take a closer look at just how amazing this technology really is.
At SolarTherm UK, we install solar systems every day—but even we’re still blown away by some of these facts. Get ready to challenge what you think you know about the power of the sun…
1. Just one hour of sunlight can power the world for a year
Every hour, the Earth receives more energy from the sun that the entire world uses in a year. It takes just 8 minutes for light and heat from the sun to reach earth – that’s 91 million miles in just 8 minutes!
2. If 1% of the Sahara Desert was covered in solar panels, we could power the world
The sun shines brighter on the Sahara Desert than anywhere else in the world, and the sheer size of it means just 1.2% of it would need to be covered in solar panels to provide enough electricity to power the world.
3. Solar energy is the fastest growing source of power worldwide
Solar power has outpaced wind, hydro, coal and gas in terms of new capacity added in recent years. It is also the cheapest form of electricity in history.
4. Solar panels are powering space missions
NASA has been using solar panels on spacecraft for decades. The International Space Station and the Mars Rovers have both got solar panels providing their power. The Mars Observer had 6 expandable solar panels generating it’s power from the sun.
5. India is home to the world’s largest solar farm
Tamil Nadu covers 2,500 acres and has around 2.5 million solar panels generating enough power for 750,000 homes.
6. Enough solar panels are installed in China every hour to cover a football pitch
China is adopting solar power at a phenomenal pace, faster than any other form of renewable energy.
7. Solar panels don’t need direct sunlight to work
Solar panels generate electricity from daylight not heat, so work even on cloudy or cold days. The only time your solar panels will not produce electricity is at night.
8. Solar helps cool the planet – literally
By reducing the need to burn fossil fuels for energy, solar power helps to lower CO₂ emissions, causing less climate heating greenhouse gases. On top of that, solar panels reduce the amount of heat your roof absorbs, meaning your home stays cooler in summer.
9. The future of solar power may be in space
The European Space Agency approved funding for Solaris in November 2022, ahead of a decision to be made late 2025 on whether space-based solar power is a viable option for the future. Ground-breaking developments are seeing electricity being generated at a lower cost and less waste as the power is transported back to Earth.
10. Air travel will one day be powered by solar
In 2016 the first flight solely fuelled by solar energy completed a 23 day trip around the world. Departing from Abu Dhabi the Solar Impulse II, the flight set out to prove it was possible to fly using green technology.
Ready to Bring the Power of the Sun to Your Home?
Solar isn’t just impressive—it’s practical, accessible, and one of the smartest energy choices a homeowner can make in 2025.
At SolarTherm UK, we help UK homeowners unlock the benefits of solar with tailored installations, expert guidance, and long-term savings. Contact us today for a free bespoke quote, tailored to your property, usage and future energy needs. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice.
