illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Economist or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Seventy years after AT&T’s Bell Labs introduced solar technology, solar panels now cover an area half the size of Wales and generate about 6% of the world’s electricity
• This growth far surpasses the initial vision of powering remote equipment

🔭 The context: Originally showcased by Bell Labs with a toy Ferris wheel, solar technology was seen as a futuristic solution
• Today, it has evolved from novelty to a significant global energy source, demonstrating exponential growth in both application and efficiency

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Solar power's continued expansion is critical for reducing global reliance on fossil fuels, decreasing carbon emissions, and addressing climate change
• The technology's potential to provide clean, renewable energy is pivotal for a sustainable future

⏭️ What's next: The rise of solar power is expected to accelerate, driven by ongoing technological advancements and increased investment
• This growth trajectory suggests an energy-rich future with greater access to renewable resources

💬 One quote: "Powering devices with light alone showed how science could make the future seem wonderful," reflecting the transformative vision of early solar technology pioneers

📈 One stat: Solar panels currently provide nearly three times the electrical energy as the entire U.S. consumption in 1954

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