Solar power 'could provide quarter of electricity'

Article date : 16/05/2010

As Feed-in Tariffs make it more economical for Britons to invest in solar panels, it has been revealed that the clean energy could be utilised to provide almost a quarter of the world's electricity output.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has predicted that between 20 and 25 per cent of electricity will come from such sources by 2050, but in order to compete with traditional utility suppliers, more government investment will be needed.

Currently, around 0.5 per cent of global electricity is generated using solar panels.

However, a report from the group claims: "Without decisive action, energy-related emissions of CO2 will more than double by 2050 and increased oil demand will heighten concerns over the security of supplies."

According to Reuters, rooftop roof-top solar panels are likely to reach grid parity by 2020.

Under the government's Feed-in Tariff, homeowners who use solar panels to generate their own power will receive money for doing so, in addition to the cash they save on their energy bills.

They could also receive a tax-free sum for any power they direct to the National Grid.

Written by Tony Harrison

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