Solar energy

Solar energy can generate clean, reliable power with little maintenance and free fuel. The most promising solar technologies in the short-term are those that capture the heat of the sun’s rays to heat indoor space or water.

Trends

Countries such as Germany and Japan are leading the world in the implementation and manufacturing of solar systems and provide clear examples of what can be quickly achieved if the right policy mechanisms are in place.

More than 29 million homes around the world use solar power for hot water and heating. In the German city of Freiburg, solar panels are commonly found on homes, hotels, sports arenas, schools and businesses. In Canada, Solar energy can provide up to 50 per cent of residential hot water heating and 15 per cent of commercial hot water heating at a cost below the price of heating water with electricity.

Economic benefits

The worldwide market for solar photovoltaic cells grew 34 per cent in 2003 to more than $4 billion (U.S.). Forecasts indicate the market will exceed $30 billion by 2013. Its high growth rates are leading to a downward trend in prices.

Canada sits well behind the global curve, with per-capita spending on solar cells that is one-sixth the world average. Canadian solar firms are industry leaders internationally, however, their focus is on exports as there is a lack of domestic markets for their products.

Employment in the solar sector is found in manufacturing, installation, operations and maintenance. About 18,000 people are employed in the German solar thermal industry.