His comment came after a post on X in which the author attempted to estimate the amount of solar energy that did not reach Earth during the total solar eclipse on August 12.
The author of the post, Luis M. Batista, calculated that while the lunar shadow passed over the Earth, the planet effectively missed out on about 10²⁰ joules of solar energy. According to his estimate, this is roughly comparable to the annual global electricity production.
The calculation was based on roughly multiplying the intensity of solar radiation—1,400 watts per square meter—by the area of the shadow, comparable to the surface area of the Moon, and the approximately three hours it took for the shadow to move across the planet’s surface.
“The Sun produces energy on an absurd scale,” wrote the author of the post.
In response, Musk stated: “All other energy sources combined are completely insignificant compared to the Sun.”
The eclipse sparked a discussion about solar energy
The total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, was visible in parts of Greenland, Iceland, and Spain. According to observations, the width of the totality path at its maximum was about 294 kilometers, and the maximum duration of totality reached approximately 2 minutes and 18 seconds.
The post to which Musk responded drew attention not so much for its astronomical calculations as for its comparison of the scale of solar radiation with the amount of energy produced by human civilization.
However, the estimate of 10²⁰ joules cited in the post is the author’s own calculation, based on a simplified model. It should not be considered an official scientific estimate of the amount of energy actually blocked by the Moon during the eclipse.
Nevertheless, the discussion itself underscores the fundamental role of the Sun in Earth’s energy system. Solar radiation is not only a source for direct solar power generation but also underlies many natural processes related to wind energy, the water cycle, and biomass.
For Musk, this topic is also directly related to his long-term views on the development of the energy sector. The founder of Tesla and SpaceX has repeatedly advocated for the large-scale development of solar energy, energy storage systems, and electrification.
The Sun Versus Humanity’s Entire Energy System
Musk’s statement is, of course, a generalization: the modern global energy sector depends not only on the available amount of energy but also on the technologies for its conversion, storage, transmission, and use.
It is precisely these limitations that currently determine the actual scale of solar energy use.
However, Musk’s comment once again raises a key issue for the energy transition: the problem with the future of energy lies not in a shortage of the Sun’s energy, but in humanity’s ability to efficiently collect, store, and deliver it to consumers.
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