Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has once again highlighted the world’s underutilization of solar energy, arguing that most people don’t fully grasp the math behind its potential. In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Musk shared his vision that “all energy generation will be solar” in the future, emphasizing the vast untapped potential of the sun’s energy.

Musk’s remarks came as part of an ongoing discussion on the Kardashev Scale, which categorizes civilizations by their energy use. He wrote, “Once you understand Kardashev Scale, it becomes utterly obvious that essentially all energy generation will be solar.” Musk further clarified that the sun provides more than enough energy to power the world several times over—if only we harnessed it properly.

In February 2023, Musk made a bold claim that solar energy could power a civilization “over 100 times larger than ours,” further underlining his belief in the scalability of solar power.

The Math Behind Solar’s Potential

Musk believes the key issue lies in understanding the math behind solar energy. He explains that every square meter of the Earth receives 1,366 watts of solar energy. Even at current solar panel efficiency rates of 15-22%, this could generate massive amounts of electricity if properly utilized. Musk also pointed out that just a fraction of the world’s landmass, such as 1-2% of the Sahara Desert, covered with solar panels, could power entire regions like Europe.

Why Isn’t Solar Fully Adopted?

While the potential for solar is enormous, Musk acknowledges that obstacles remain. Initial installation costs, energy storage challenges, and outdated grid infrastructure are key factors holding back widespread adoption.

Musk has previously highlighted the challenges of scaling renewable energy, particularly the lack of energy storage. He noted in August 2023 that the intermittent nature of wind and solar power makes stationary battery packs at utility scale increasingly important, especially in places like California and Texas, where renewable energy is widely used.

Musk’s Vision: A Solar Future

Musk has long been a vocal proponent of solar energy. Tesla has already made significant strides with its solar panels and solar roof tiles, pushing for a future where solar becomes the dominant energy source globally. His bold prediction that “all energy generation will be solar” aligns with the ongoing trend toward renewable energy adoption worldwide.

As countries like Nigeria continue to explore solar solutions for their growing energy needs, Musk’s vision of a solar-powered future might not be as far off as it once seemed.