How much of the Sahara Desert would need to be covered with solar panels to power the world?
1.2%
If we covered just 1.2% of the Sahara Desert with solar panels, it could, in theory, produce enough energy to meet the entire world’s annual energy needs.
Here’s how it works: A single square metre of solar panels can generate about 200 watts of power under optimal conditions. 1 Over a year, that adds up to around 300–400 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy per square metre.
The Sahara Desert is roughly 9 million square kilometres. Covering just 1.2% of it with solar panels would mean installing them over 108,000 square kilometres. 2
Globally, we consume about 160,000 terawatt-hours (TWh) of energy each year. 3 Based on these calculations, the energy generated from that small portion of the Sahara could meet global energy demand.
Investing in clean energy solutions contributes to securing a sustainable and thriving future for people and planet, helping phase out fossil fuels, improve air quality and address the climate crisis. Solar panel infrastructure is just one of the renewable energy solutions that can be invested in within a Tribe portfolio, alongside solutions like battery storage, electrical grid infrastructure and wind turbines.
Matter of Facts are small insights into inspiring sustainable solutions.
Footnotes
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The Green Watt. How Many kWh Does A Solar Panel Produce Per Day?.Scroll to footnote
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Britannica. Sahara.Scroll to footnote
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Our World in Data. Energy Production and Consumption.Scroll to footnote
