Blog Updated: September 2026
Solar is a whole industry with a bunch of interesting history and fun facts. As adults, we may be solar nerds, but kids of all ages can enjoy learning about solar energy fun facts. Check out some of our favorite solar energy facts below.
Key Takeaways for Fun Facts About Solar Energy
- Charles Fritts made the first solar panel in 1884.
- In 2024, 6.9% of global energy generation came from solar.
- China uses the most solar power, generating a whopping 1,175 TWh of solar electricity in 2025.
- China’s installation on the Tibetan Plateau is the largest in the world, spanning over 600 square kilometers.
- An area the size of just 1.2% of the Sahara Desert would need to be covered with solar panels to power the world each year.
When Was the First Solar Panel Made?
There have been multiple steps that led to the invention of the first solar panel, starting all the way back to when the Greeks and Romans used mirrors to reflect the sun’s light to start fires. The concept of solar energy was ignited in 1838 when a French physicist named Alexandre Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect. The photovoltaic effect is when light strikes a semiconductor material and increases the mobility of its electrons, the voltage moves them in a specific direction, and an electric current is generated. But we can credit the creation of the first solar device to Charles Fritts in 1883. Charles was able to create a box-like device that produced the photovoltaic effect, and that device became the origin of solar panels. Read more about Charles Fritts here.
Image Source: sacyr.com
How Much of the Energy in the World is Generated by Solar?
Solar energy produced 6.9% of global electricity generation in 2024. And in 2025, it was the first time on record that solar met more of the growth in global energy demand than any other source, providing 27% of energy demand growth. In the U.S., 79% of new generating capacity came from solar, marking the fifth consecutive year where solar was the top source of new capacity added to the grid.
What Country Uses the Most Solar Power?
China uses the most solar power, the U.S. comes in second, and India comes in third. In May of 2025, China had installed a record ninety-three gigawatts of solar power – amounting to a gigawatt every eight hours or almost 100 solar panels every second. Due to their breakneck speed of renewable adoption, in Q1 of 2025 their total carbon emissions had actually decreased. This shows how strong the momentum for renewable energy and solar deployment is.
How Many Panels Are in the Largest Solar Installation?
China recently built 162 square miles of solar panels on the world’s highest plateau, the Tibetan Plateau, which is nearly 10,000 feet high. The solar park contains over 7 million solar panels. These panels cover an area seven times the size of Manhattan or roughly the size of the country of Singapore, soaking up sunlight that is much brighter than sea level. This solar park provides power to distant coastal cities and data centers, but it has also provided another benefit; shade and grazing. New “solar grazing” agreements have been made with sheep farmers to help maintain vegetation under the panels while providing opportunity for local farmers as well.
How Big is a Solar Panel and How Much Does It Weigh?
On average, residential solar panels are about 3×5 feet in size and they weigh around 40 pounds. Each panel contains about 60 solar cells (solar cells are the building blocks in the panel that convert light from the sun into electricity for your home). Commercial solar panels are usually around 3×6 feet in size and contain about 96 solar cells.
Can Solar Panels be Recycled?
Yes! Solar panel recycling is still a part of the industry that is learning and growing, but solar panel recycling is an option. Generally, solar panel recycling involves stripping old modules down to salvage valuable raw materials like glass, aluminum, copper, and silicon.
Check out this blog to learn more.
How Strong is a Solar Pannel and Can it Hold Up to Hail?
Solar panels are made to be resilient since they are exposed to so many elements and weather conditions. During testing, solar panels are exposed to extreme temperatures (both hot and cold), high humidity conditions, strong wind forces, and heavy loads that simulate snow or ice pack. They are also blasted with simulated hail; the international standards require that solar panels can withstand 25mm (1 inch) diameter hailstones traveling at 23 meters per second (51 miles per hour).
How Much Solar Would be Needed to Power the Whole World for a Year?
The sun can provide us with 860,000 times more energy than we need each year, which means we should probably take advantage of that, right!? An area the size of just 1.2% of the Sahara Desert would need to be covered with solar panels to power the world each year.
Image Source: Born to Engineer
A Solar Powered Future
Thanks for nerding out on solar with us and learning about the history of solar along with some really cool, modern solar news. If you’re interested in seeing what solar could look like for your home, let’s talk! Our team is non-commissioned and takes a no-pressure approach to the conversation about home solar. We don’t want you to feel pressured into a decision; we want you to be informed and empowered.
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