A recent global poll conducted by research firm Glocalities has unveiled a remarkable trend: over 68 % of people worldwide express their support for solar energy, a figure that significantly surpasses those backing fossil fuels, which stands at just 14%.
Solar Energy is Becoming More Cost-Competitive than Fossil Fuels
The world is catching up with the solar power trend as more households use a renewable energy source as an electricity substitute. With many people relying on low-cost solar panels, solar energy is now in the position to be more cost-competitive than fossil fuels.
According to Interesting Engineering, the transition from the use of fossil fuels to solar power has shown significant progress in the solar power infrastructure.
With the likes of the US, China, and India taking the lead, more solar panel installations and solar farms are expected to be available soon.
Government Support Powers Solar Energy Use
Government incentives and legislation, such as renewable energy targets, tax rebates, and feed-in tariffs, have played pivotal roles in encouraging the adoption of solar energy. These policies have propelled solar power as a formidable contender in the energy landscape.
Solar energy's impact extends to off-grid areas and developing nations, where access to conventional energy sources is limited. It has emerged as a reliable and sustainable alternative, improving the quality of life in these regions.
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What the Survey Says About Solar Power and Fossil Fuel
Glocalities's survey which is backed up by The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative and Global Citizen has asked 21,000 respondents from 21 countries.
The data was gathered from January to June 2023. According to the findings, solar power is the most favored source of energy with two-thirds of the votes (68%). It was followed by wind energy at 54%, hydropower (35%), and nuclear energy (24%).
Meanwhile, only 14% of the participants preferred to use fossil fuels over other alternatives.
Challenges in Solar Adoption
While solar energy garners widespread support, it faces challenges that hinder its complete adoption. These include issues with intermittency, energy storage, and the need for grid infrastructure adjustments to accommodate dispersed solar power sources.
Glocalities emphasizes the need for global leaders to demonstrate greater support for solar energy and renewables to drive broader adoption of clean energy. The organization believes that global users should consider the transformative impact of solar power.
With the gradual decline in the use of fossil fuels, is it time to fully embrace solar power in our daily lives? Only time will tell, but if there's a way, people will seek safer solutions that can benefit both of them and the environment at the same time.
Elsewhere, researchers discovered that there's a special bacteria that can eat up plastics in our oceans.
The latest study from scientists at North Carolina State University suggests that a genetically modified microorganism can be the solution to get rid of our plastic waste in the seas.
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