Invisible Wells, Visible Gains: Why Geothermal Quietly Outshines Solar
When we think of renewable energy, images of vast solar farms soaking up the sun often come to mind. But beneath our feet, another clean energy source is working 24/7 — quietly, reliably, and with remarkable results.
This infographic reveals a powerful comparison between geothermal and solar energy, each with a capacity of just 1 megawatt electric (MWe). The numbers may surprise you.
The Power of Capacity
With a 90% capacity factor, geothermal systems operate almost continuously, delivering consistent baseload power. In contrast, solar — limited by daylight hours and weather — averages just 20%.
Over 20 Years, the Gap Widens
A 1 MWe geothermal well generates 158 GWh of electricity over two decades. The same-sized solar installation? Just 35 GWh.
And when it comes to revenue — assuming an offtake price of $0.15/kWh — geothermal pulls ahead significantly, generating $24 million versus solar’s $5 million.
Why It Matters
While solar and wind remain essential in the energy transition, geothermal offers something unique: invisible infrastructure with visible gains. Its small land footprint, low intermittency, and long-term economic performance make it an underutilized powerhouse — especially in countries seeking stable, sustainable energy.
What’s Next?
At IGA, we’re on a mission to bring stories like this to light. In this new section of our website, we’ll regularly publish visual insights that help demystify geothermal energy and its role in the clean energy mix.
Because when it comes to the future of energy, what’s underground might just be our greatest untapped advantage.