From Guest Blogger Teogindac: 2015 to be the Warmest Year On Record–An Opportunity for Renewables?

For many years, climate change has been subject to many debates and certain skepticism. However, it is almost impossible to underestimate the relevance of such phenomenon if we pay attention to what is going on with the record breaking temperatures the Earth is currently experiencing. The year 2015 has been recently tagged as the warmest year on record by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the past month of June has been the hottest ever.

The consequences of this scenario are worse than one could imagine. High temperatures have caused deaths, even in countries like Germany where this was unthinkable some years ago. Registered temperatures of over 35 degrees in Italy, Spain, France, Germany are causing chaos with public transport and the energy supply, not to mention the devastating effect the heat wave has had in African countries where water supply is an issue.

However, in every crisis there is an opportunity. Why not take this scenario as an opportunity to squeeze the benefits of renewable sources of energy? Africa is at the same time, one of the continents where high temperatures are having the greatest impact, and one with the greatest potential for solar energy. However, it is estimated that 70% of sub­ Saharan African inhabitants do not have a reliable access to electricity.

The Opportunity for Renewables

The potential of solar energy is still untapped not only in Africa but all around the world. For years, the argument against this source of energy has been its high cost and not­so promising efficiency. However, as demand for solar panels increased and the technology has improved, prices of the equipments have dropped considerably whilst their efficiency has risen. Additionally, the urge to invest in alternative sources of energy has been intensified by the clear effects of climate change. It is evident now, that a solution is necessary to tackle the growing greenhouse effect and its harm to the environment.

As a hope, it is interesting to note that, contrary to popular thought, solar power can be harnessed not only in those countries with strong sunlight all year round, but also in those countries mostly known for their grey skies. In Denmark and the UK, for example, solar panels are an increasingly popular feature in many houses, which provides the household with enough energy to cover its basic energy needs.

On average, the actual technology is able to produce energy for a house of 2­3 people with a 3kWh system and for more than 4 with a solar system with the size of 5kW. The efficiency is constantly being developed as well as the batteries and energy storage features. This makes it possible to use solar power to run appliances even when the sun is not shining.