Solar power production undercut by coal pollution
Summary
A UK study shows coal-derived aerosols significantly cut solar power generation, with notable regional differences. Researchers used AI-assisted satellite imagery and crowdsourced data to inventory solar facilities and estimate lost production, finding about 500 terawatt-hours lost in 2023 and highlighting coal-related aerosols as a major factor limiting solar growth. The findings suggest policy and energy-system improvements, including cleaner coal generation and accelerated solar deployment.