Solar power is a common topic of discussion these days, and particularly with a nod to the future of power creation and consumption. How much solar power would it take to power an entire city? You may not believe it at first, but this is a question city planners and government officials in many countries, including the USA, have already begun to consider for the next few decades.

At Intermountain Wind & Solar, we're proud to serve as one of the top solar energy companies in Salt Lake City, Utah and Boise, Idaho, offering unmatched residential and commercial solar power solutions. Here are some basics on how solar power needs are determined for a given area, the kinds of solar power capacity that would be required to power an entire city without any support from the electrical grid, and when we may begin to see these questions turn into realities.

How Solar Power Needs Are Determined

When it comes to determining solar power needs for an area, there are several factors that must be taken into consideration. These can include:

• Climate: The amount of sunlight a region receives is one of the biggest determinants of its potential for solar energy production. Areas with more sunshine will naturally require less solar capacity compared to areas with less direct sunlight.
• Population and consumption: The size of the population in a given city or area, as well as their average energy consumption habits, will also play a role in determining solar power needs. More people and higher energy usage mean more demand for solar power generation.
• Energy goals: Many cities have set goals to reduce their carbon footprint and increase reliance on renewable energy sources like solar. These goals may factor into the determination of solar power needs for a given area.

Solar Power Capacity for an Entire City

Without any support from the electrical grid, powering an entire city solely with solar energy would require a significant amount of solar power capacity. The exact amount would depend on factors like climate and population, but it could range from hundreds of megawatts to multiple gigawatts.

For example, in 2018, Los Angeles set a goal to become carbon neutral by 2050 and generate all its electricity from renewable sources by 2045. To achieve this, the city would need approximately 9-10 gigawatts of solar power capacity – enough to meet the energy needs of over 1.5 million households.

How Many Panels Would it Take?

While exact figures here would depend on the types of panels and solar technology used, a general estimate for residential solar panel capacity is around 250 watts per panel. Using this average, it would take hundreds to thousands of panels to generate enough solar power for an entire city.

In fact, many cities are already taking steps towards implementing large-scale solar power systems. Cities around the US, UK and Australia are investing in solar farms and rooftop solar panels to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and traditional grid systems.

When Can We Expect to See Solar-Powered Cities?

While the idea of an entire city being powered solely by solar energy may seem far-fetched, it's actually not as distant a reality as many may think. With advancements in technology and increasing support for renewable energy sources, we can expect to see more cities becoming partially or completely powered by solar energy in the near future.

One major factor that's fueling this growth is battery storage technology. With the ability to store excess solar energy for later use, cities can become less reliant on the traditional electrical grid and more self-sufficient with their own renewable energy sources.

The potential for solar power to completely transform the way we generate and consume electricity is immense. While it may take some time for an entire city to be powered solely by solar energy, many cities are already taking steps towards this goal and we can expect to see more following suit in the coming years.

As a leading provider of residential and commercial solar solutions, Intermountain Wind & Solar is proud to be a part of this movement towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. Our team is dedicated to helping cities, businesses and homeowners make the switch to solar energy and reduce their carbon footprint. Contact us today to learn more about how solar power can benefit your community and help create a brighter tomorrow, whether you're in SLC, Utah or Boise, Idaho. We're here to take your call!