HOW CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGIES ARE POWERING THE NEXT ENERGY REVOLUTION

In the year 2000, solar energy accounted for a mere 0.2% of the world's energy mix. Fast forward to 2024, and that number has impressively surged to 7%. This exponential rise isn't just a testament to the urgency of climate action—it underscores a pivotal technological transformation in how we capture, store, and share solar power.

- RAVI KUMAR

From flexible panels to blockchain-enabled trading, solar energy is experiencing a renaissance that could redefine global power dynamics.

THE FLEX FACTOR: PANELS THAT BEND THE RULES One of the most futuristic evolutions in the solar ecosystem is the flexible solar panel. Although currently twice as expensive and half as efficient as traditional rigid panels—making them four times costlier in energy generation—they offer significant advantages. Lightweight and adaptable, these panels can be mounted on curved surfaces, vehicles, and even clothing, creating opportunities that rigid panels cannot. They are becoming increasingly popular in transport and defense applications where space and weight constraints are paramount.

OPEN ACCESS AND PPA: THE DEMOCRATISATION OF SOLAR ENERGY The concept of open-access solar is gaining strong momentum, particularly among commercial and industrial users. By signing Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), businesses and large consumers can procure solar energy directly from independent power producers (IPPs) at nearly half the price of traditional grid electricity.