The future of solar energy is rapidly evolving, with its global generation capacity doubling recently to account for 7% of the world’s electricity. In the first half of 2025, solar and wind energy collectively surpassed coal as the leading electricity source for the first time, thanks primarily to solar’s enormous growth. As the technology for solar power continues to advance, experts believe that solar could soon become a dominant force in the renewable energy landscape.
The impressive rise of solar energy in recent years raises the question of whether it can eventually meet all of the world’s energy needs. Currently, solar accounts for a significant share of new electricity, but efficiency has posed challenges. Traditional silicon photovoltaic panels convert only about 20% of sunlight into power, necessitating a large volume of panels to match the output of other energy sources. Research is underway to improve these efficiencies, with innovations such as tandem solar cells—which have the potential to reach 35-37% efficiency—representing a crucial roadmap for the future.
In terms of deployment, solar energy’s advantages include its low installation costs—down nearly 90% over 15 years—and its ability to be implemented in various locations. While the overall land requirement for solar energy is minimal, potential trade-offs with agriculture can arise. Countries with ample sunshine year-round, particularly in the sun belt regions, stand to benefit the most, as energy storage solutions become more affordable, with lithium-ion batteries seeing significant price drops recently.
Conversely, regions with less consistent sunlight face hurdles, as solar can’t provide reliable energy in winter months. For these areas, incorporating wind power and advancing interseasonal energy storage technologies will be essential to maximize solar’s effectiveness.
The advancement of solar technology and energy storage systems is critical, but political inertia remains a significant challenge. For instance, US policies currently hinder some solar development efforts, highlighting the complexities that hinder wider adoption. However, the economic case for renewable energy, particularly solar, remains compelling.
Over the next few decades, as the demand for energy continues to rise—especially with the expansion of data centers driven by artificial intelligence—solar energy is set to play a critical role. In parallel, adjustments to the electrical grid to accommodate renewable sources will require significant investment. Despite some setbacks, industry experts foresee a future where solar could supply up to 80% of the world’s electricity by 2100, significantly transforming the global energy landscape into a clean and sustainable model.