This TED Business podcast features an interview with Jenny Chase, a solar industry analyst, discussing the surprising growth and challenges of solar power adoption globally. Chase highlights the unexpectedly low cost of solar panels, illustrating their affordability with the example of their price relative to a cup of coffee. She details the difficulties in accurately tracking solar installations due to underreporting and data inconsistencies, particularly in countries like Pakistan, where satellite imagery is used to supplement official figures. The interview concludes by emphasizing the positive impact of solar power in reducing reliance on fossil fuels, particularly in California, where solar energy now leads to power exports during peak sunlight hours. Listeners gain insights into the complexities of data collection in emerging markets and the significant role solar power plays in the global transition to cleaner energy sources.
