Solar Energy's Percentage of World Electricity: Small but Sky Rocketing Fast

Solar energy as it stands now is a very small percentage of the world's overall power demand, in fact hovering a little under 1% at the moment, though they are rapidly moving towards that mark. As the technology continues to grow, and the demand rises heavily, one thing is certain: solar energy's percentage of world electricity will continue to grow.

The upside for solar energy is hard to imagine. In fact, the sun provides more energy to the Earth in one hour than the entire world uses in an entire year. Even better, it's not like there's a limited amount of solar energy. Using solar energy doesn't reduce the amount of power available - making it a far more appealing choice than fossil fuels, which pollute and run out.

Currently, solar energy only accounts for .05% of the world's electricity, but the demand is growing 25-30% a year, every single year, which is amazing. Some studies in Europe estimate that solar energy could produce 2.5% of the entire world's electricity by 2025, and a full 16% by 2040 . . . and that's just assuming growth goes as it is. This isn't even taking into account expanding technology, or an increased demand by governments for clean power based on rising oil prices.

When looking at solar energy as a percentage of the world's electricity, it's important to note that the technology is advancing rapidly, and is only now beginning to become affordable for poorer third world nations. Not only has solar energy increased 25-30% over the past year, but solar energy demand has grown at this rate for the past 15 years, as well, showing that this is not a fly by night trend. The U.S. Market grew by a whopping 57% in 2007, and as oil and gas prices sky rocket, that trend could climb even higher.

This is a point where the solar industry is moving from a niche energy market to a mainstream option. The sooner this happens, the better, as in many parts of the world without electricity, solar power would be the best option. Think of the energy African nations could pull from the Sahara alone.

As the technology continues to improve and expand, the solar energy percentage of world electricity will continue to climb until one day it might be the main source.