Is desert-based solar energy a viable solution for sustainable power generation?

Desert-based solar energy has emerged as a promising solution for sustainable power generation. In fact, with a vast expanse of available land and abundant sunlight, hot deserts are arguably one of the best places on earth for solar energy production.

Are deserts a good place for solar energy?

In fact, with a vast expanse of available land and abundant sunlight, hot deserts are arguably one of the best places on earth for solar energy production. Some suggest the sun's power in desert regions could store enough energy to provide power 24/7, despite the weather or time of day. Desert solar farm. Image used courtesy of Unsplash

What are the benefits of desert-based solar?

This article explores the benefits of desert-based solar and some potential challenges and solutions associated with rolling out large-scale solar farms in the desert. Desert-based solar energy has emerged as a promising solution for sustainable power generation.

Could large solar farms in the Sahara Desert redistribute solar power?

Large solar farms in the Sahara Desert could redistribute solar power generation potential locally as well as globally through disturbance of large-scale atmospheric teleconnections, according to simulations with an Earth system model.

Could solar power power the Sahara Desert?

Leveraging the benefits of solar energy production in the desert could be a huge step toward achieving this goal. In fact, covering just 1.2% of the Sahara Desert with solar panels could generate enough energy to power the world.

Are desert photovoltaics a good idea?

Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA. As land degradation becomes more severe (see Nature 623, 666; 2023), desert photovoltaics are a triple-win, fostering not only clean-energy generation but also ecosystem recovery and local poverty reduction. Panels provide shade, cutting surface water evaporation by 20–30%.