Solar technology at scale refers to the installation of photovoltaic panels for generating electricity on a massive scale, generating electricity for millions of households. Solar energy not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions, but can create thousands of jobs when rolled out at a large scale. It is also vital for lifting people out of energy poverty in Majority World countries.

Large scale solar would likely involve the building of large plants, which are more efficient than lots of separated solar plants, but these do often take up a relatively large amount of space, so efforts must be made to reduce the impact on the environment and local communities. At the same time, there’s no reason that large scale solar could also involve a massive, coordinated effort to install solar on rooftops, for example.

Solar energy production is fairly predictable throughout the day, but it doesn’t tend to line up with energy demand patterns (which tend to peak between 4-7pm) and is also weather dependent. With this in mind, installations over large distances, building solar alongside other clean generation, rolling out flexible tech such as battery storage, and building necessary grid infrastructure all help to ensure that solar energy can reliably meet demand on a large scale.

Solar energy is relatively cheap to install, and the energy it generates is inexpensive too, bringing down prices for energy users, but large scale solar does require investment. Governments can directly invest in solar energy themselves, bringing plants into full or partial public ownership, or encourage investment via subsidies and other methods. National plans to scale zero-carbon electricity, including solar, are outlined by at least 160 countries. These plans, alongside lower costs for low-carbon infrastructure and continuing research and development, can lead to solar expansion.

To activate this Global Project, at least one player must have 3 Solar tags in their play area.

Once active: When a player takes a Local action on a card with a Solar tag that generates Clean Energy tokens, they add 2 more Clean Energy tokens to their player board.

• New Solar Investment Action Agenda (World Resources Institute, WRI)

• Rapidly Scale Up Zero Carbon Electricity Generation (Systems Change Lab)

• Consider investing in a community solar project supporting solar energy projects through crowdfunding platforms.

• Consider installing solar panels on your roof if you have one

• Businesses can invest in panels or purchase renewable energy credits from solar projects to offset their carbon emissions.

• Contact your political representatives to advocate for the integration of solar energy into national and international energy plans.

• Join an organization or group that is pushing for expanded solar energy.