How much energy could solar panels covering the Sahara generate?
The production capacity of a solar panel is calculated by multiplying the area, solar radiation, and solar panel efficiency. Europa's average global horizontal radiation is 4 kWh/m²-day (approximately 1,500 kWh/m²-year). Modern monocrystalline modules have a conversion efficiency of 20-23% and an active cell area of 1 m² corresponding to approximately 200 Wₚ of power.