The power of solar - renewable energy for improved access to clean, cheaper electricity.
Why solar?
Solar power is a renewable energy source. Put simply, it harnesses and stores the heat of the sun, in order to create energy and electricity. If we assume that the heat of the sun is endless, so it is an energy source that can be created over and over again. This is in comparison to fossil fueled energy which can be used once (coal and gas) and until a specific supply of it runs out.
Renewable energy is better. And for many reasons. It is cleaner - it’s production and use doesn't create pollution in the same way that coal-powered energy does. And in the case of solar power, it doesn’t necessarily require huge financial investment and large infrastructure to make it a reality. This in itself is important for many reasons.
Solar panels can be placed almost anywhere, including on private homes. This means they can be used in remote, rural, poorer areas who may still be lacking crucial access to electricity. These areas need a fast, cheap solution - and solar energy is more often than not, a great option, not just in terms of sustainability and environmental protection, but in increasing access to energy sources and electricity. Access to electricity can empower rural and less affluent communities - providing economic opportunities that were previously hindered by a lack of electricity, it also improves the quality of life of those living within these areas.
The rise of solar
The use of solar power is on the rise. While it has many benefits as a renewable energy source, there are some limitations. Storage of the energy it produces can be expensive and difficult, and distributing energy between those who produce a lot (with their own panels), to those who have none is another issue.
However, these limitations aside, many of the world’s developed and developing countries have taken it upon themselves to initiate their own solar power commitments and programs, in an attempt to diversify their energy sources, to build and develop energy sources more compatible with a healthy planet, to reduce pollution created by fossil fuel energy production and use, and to increase access to energy sources across wider parts of their populations.
As of 2019, the current leading solar power nations, by installation and energy generated were - China, the US, Japan, Germany, and India.
SPACE10- Solarville, bringing the future to life
As part of their Playful Research Project SPACE10 recently introduced their Solarville - a miniature neighbourhood built to a 1:50 scale. Their miniature neighbourhood represents a new vision for energy and electricity production and distribution which will prioritize not only renewable energy through solar, but also more accessible and cheaper solar powered energy too. In a nutshell Solarville is made up of those households with their own solar panels on their home, which allows them to produce electricity for their own dwelling and family. Those who produce excess energy, beyond what they can use, will be able to redistribute this energy to someone who does not have their own solar panels and energy production capabilities. This energy would be sold through the use of blockchain technology.
Solarville is one of the examples of a potential self-sufficient community, able to produce its energy and electricity needs for its own usage, in a sustainable way, with solar as the vision for the future.
At Vonder we believe in sustainability. We believe in innovation. Projects and potential neighbourhoods like those pioneered by SPACE10 excite us, as we all look forward to better ways to power our cities, and our communities.
We currently have co-living London, Berlin, Warsaw and Dubai locations.
