Desert solar power generation and energy storage technology

Why are desert areas suitable for solar power stations?

As renewable energy development is accelerating globally, more and more PV power stations are built in desert areas to meet the growing demand for sustainable energy. Desert areas are suitable for solar power stations due to their high levels of solar radiation and large available land.

Why do desert areas need a photovoltaic system?

Desert areas benefit from high irradiation levels , and the photovoltaics power potential in these areas exceeds 2100 kWh/kWp . This means only a small area of desert covered by PV modules can potentially cover today's world's need for electricity , and this drives the major installation market to these areas .

What are the Photovoltaic Desert Control Projects?

In recent years, the Chinese government has carried out a series of Photovoltaic Desert Control Projects, aiming to combine the efforts to develop the solar PV sector with measures to control desertification.

How can solar energy help combat desertification?

Solar energy is considered one of the key solutions to the growing demand for energy and to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In China, solar photovoltaic (PV) projects have helped combat desertification, with the greening area increasing by 30.80 km² compared to 2010, and improving people's welfare in desert areas.

What makes deserts convenient for PV power station maintenance?

These deserts become hot spots for the deployment of PV power stations because of the convenience for maintenance (i.e., road density).

How much solar energy does the Sahara desert use?

The solar energy received by the worldwide desert regions within 6 h is roughly estimated more than the energy consumed by humankind in a year . To put it another way, electricity produced by covering 1% of the area of the Sahara desert with solar thermal plants is enough for the world annual power consumption .