Solar Energy
Discover Solar Energy
Solar power is one of the world's fastest-growing energy solutions. It is notably efficient as it harnesses energy from the sun, an abundant and sustainable resource. This renewable source is not only very cost-effective but also easily installed compared to other energy sources.
Powering the Future
Adding more solar power to our electricity grid is key to using less fossil fuels and moving towards a more sustainable future. As electrification gains momentum and the global need for clean electricity increases, solar energy contributes significantly to providing clean energy to power our homes, businesses and infrastructures. In fact, every 90 minutes, the Earth receives enough sunlight to meet the entire world’s annual energy needs. The potential is enormous. Yet, solar power only counts for a fraction of the world’s total energy production.
Luckily, this is changing. Solar photovoltaic technology (used for solar panels) is on the rise, driven by increased efficiency and attractive production costs backed by environmental concerns and a growing desire for European energy independence.
Solar Advantages
Renewable Source
The sun is an almost infinite source of energy – through solar photovoltaic technology, we are able to transform sunrays into electrical energy for years to come.
Clean Energy
The production of solar panels and parks releases greenhouse gasses, but in contrast to traditional energy sources, solar has very low greenhouse gas emission during its operational lifespan of 30 years or more.
Independence
Solar power has the potential to help create national energy independence. This will enhance energy security and reduce exposure to the volatility of global energy markets.
Decentralised Operations
Our solar parks, once up and running, only need the sun and regular maintenance to ensure electricity production. This flexibility allows us to place our solar parks strategically, ensuring access to energy resources across diverse locations.
Simplicity
The cost of solar park maintenance is relatively low, and it takes approximately 11 months to build a park. Once built, it will keep transforming energy until decommissioned.
Fast-track Renewable
The journey from idea to a fully constructed, operating solar park is short and therefore it constitutes a fast solution for establishing renewable energy capacity. Numerous phases of the process have become more straightforward, including cost-effective materials and a knowledgeable workforce in the field.
Solar Evolution
For decades, humans have turned to the advantages of the sun. Ancient civilisations optimised building designs for passive solar heating, and across cultures, solar cooking methods using mirrors and reflectors emerged. In the 19th century, solar water heaters emerged. Even thousands of years before solar panels, the concept of harnessing the power of the sun was widespread.
Today, our connection to the sun's energy continues, evolving into sophisticated solar technologies that light up our homes and power our modern lifestyle.
Explore the history of solar energy.
7th century B.C
Ancient architects embraced the advantages of solar energy in their designs. Romans used the sun’s energy to warm their bathhouses, using a system where hot air circulated in hollow spaces beneath the floors, creating a steamy environment. Ancient Egyptians also utilised solar energy, capturing the sun’s warmth during the day and releasing it at night to keep their homes warm.
1839
French scientist Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect at the age of 19. While experimenting in his father’s laboratory, he discovered that some materials could generate voltage and electric current when exposed to light.
1873
Willoughby Smith made the discovery that the element selenium could effectively generate an electrical charge.
1883
Charles Fritts created the first solar cell by coating selenium with a thin layer of gold, generating a continuous electric current from sunlight. Despite its low efficiency, this marked a crucial step in the development of solar cell technology.
1954
Bell Labs researchers Daryl Chapin, Calvin Fuller and Gerald Pearson developed the first practical silicon solar cell. With an efficiency of around 6% this was a significant breakthrough in harnessing solar energy.
1958
The U.S. launched the Vanguard 1 satellite, equipped with a small one-watt solar panel to power its radios, marking one of the earliest practical applications of solar power in space.
2010-2020
Larger solar panel factories, more efficient production and better automation have made production of solar panels cheaper. From 2010 to 2020, the average cost of a solar panel went down by 90%.
Impact
Our Impact
We are on a mission to make everyone benefit from solar energy. But we are also on a mission to carry out dedicated ESG work. We are constantly striving to integrate and develop sustainability in all aspects of our business and organisation, including everyday life that shapes Nordic Solar.
