The sun's potential remains under-exploited - the Earth gets 5,000 times more energy from the sun than we use in electricity.
A useful way to generate electricity is by using mirrors in desert areas to focus the heat and light onto collectors. Europe are looking into a test project in the Sahara that could help three continents if we pay a fair price for the electricity generated on their land.
A very large solar project is being planed by a consortium of 12 European businesses and headed by Desertec Industrial Initiative to produce solar-generated electricity with a vast network of power plants and transmission grids across North Africa and the Middle East. It aims to supply Europe with 15% of its energy needs by 2050.
The plan has the backing of huge companies including Deutsche Bank, Siemens - and needs $500bn (£303bn) of investment.
But some solar experts are sceptical.
"Part of the problem with the Desertec project is that we are asking somebody else if we can lease their land so we can generate electricity to keep the lights on in Europe," said Prof Tony Day.
"I think that there are political issues and ethical issues that we need to think about," he said.