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The University of Sussex has conducted research on the potential of rooftop solar energy to mitigate global warming. The study used geospatial data mining and artificial intelligence models to estimate that covering the world’s rooftops with solar panels could provide 65% of global electricity needs, resulting in a significant reduction in carbon emissions. The research paper, “Worldwide rooftop photovoltaic electricity generation may mitigate global warming,” was published in the journal Nature Climate Change.
The study found that if every suitable roof was equipped with solar panels, it could generate 19,500 TWh of electricity per year, allowing for a nearly complete replacement of fossil fuel-based electricity with renewable energy. The researchers used advanced climate models to estimate that widespread solar deployment could reduce global temperatures by 0.05 to 0.13 degrees Celsius by 2050.
Professor Felix Creutzig, a climate and policy researcher at the University of Sussex, emphasized the benefits of solar energy, including reduced carbon emissions, cleaner air, and improved energy security. He noted that solar energy now outperforms nuclear power in terms of cost, deployment speed, and environmental risks, making it a more viable option for energy generation.
The study also highlighted the need for tailored approaches to rooftop solar deployment, focusing on areas with high solar radiation or rapid urbanization. East Asia was identified as having the highest potential for rooftop solar systems, while North America and Europe were found to have a combined installation potential of over 4,300 GW, one-quarter of global building capacity.
The authors called for global collaboration to expand rooftop solar deployment, particularly in areas with the greatest potential for impact, such as Africa, which accounts for only 1% of current rooftop solar installations. Overall, the study suggests that deploying rooftop solar energy on a large scale could be a key strategy for mitigating climate change, and policymakers and investors should prioritize its development and deployment.