Total Surface Area Required to Fuel the World With Solar
Summary
This post presents a 2009 information graphic by Land Art Generator Initiative that estimates the land area required to power the world solely with solar energy, using 2009 energy-demand projections and a 20% solar conversion efficiency. It calculates a needed area of about 496,805 square kilometers (roughly the area of Spain) and compares it to benchmarks like the Sahara Desert, US highways, and golf courses, then discusses the role of wind, hydro, wave, and nuclear to reduce the land footprint. The article also notes updates and ongoing discussions about data assumptions, rooftop vs. ground installations, transmission losses, and future improvements.