Solar Energy History

The history of solar energy began when the suns rays first touched the earth four billion years ago. In the early 1900s people used the suns thermal energy to heat water and in the early 1950s research began into solar electric cells (Photovoltaic) for generating electricity.

In the 1970s solar energy history was changed when President Carter began promoting renewable energy. Through the eighties and early nineties research into solar cells brought about increased efficiencies and manufacturing increased. As a result of these changes solar cells became more affordable and the average homeowner had better access to this growing technology.

In the earliest stages photovoltaic power was not much more that a curiosity because it was so inefficient but today the solar energy future looks brighter than ever with manufacturers regularly doubling capacity which helps to drive prices lower.

Today solar energy is used in two main forms, Solar Thermal which uses the suns energy to heat water or some other liquid such as glycol and Solar Electric which uses the suns rays to create electricity by utilizing photovoltaic cells.

Solar electric energy is a very promising technology in the world today and advances in this technology are happening regularly. When compared with fossil fuel and other non-renewable energy sources, its advantages are very clear. There are no moving parts to break down, requires very little maintenance and does not cause pollution.

Solar technology has advanced to the point that homeowners can install their own solar energy systems and remain off grid entirely and not rely on electricity generated from a central power station. Not many years from now solar energy history will undoubtedly be changed again as new and more efficient technologies are developed.

Solar Power How It Works

There are basically two categories that solar energy can be split into. Solar Thermal and Solar Electric

Solar Thermal Method And How It Works

• The sun heats water and the water is then circulated throughout your home to maintain a desired space temperature. Water or a glycol solution is circulated through heat exchangers that absorb heat from the sun and circulate this water throughout the space to be heated. The heat from the water is absorbed into the cooler space that requires heat and then returns to the heat exchanger to be heated again.
• Another variation of this is to use the sun to heat water for domestic use. The domestic water can be heated directly by circulating it through the heat exchanger or can be heated indirectly by using a system similar to the home heating method.
• A third example of solar thermal is to utilize the suns heat to directly heat air, which is then circulated through the space to be heated.

Solar Electric Method And How It Works

• In the solar electric method energy from the sun is converted into electricity through the use of photovoltaic cells.
• The materials that these cells are manufactured from react chemically to sunlight and create electricity. These photovoltaic cells are made up of many smaller cells and the electricity produced within each cell is combined to obtain a desired voltage.
• The electricity can be stored in batteries for later use or used as it is produced.

Interesting Facts About Solar Energy

As most of us know, solar energy comes from the sun, which is located about 93 million miles from the earth.

What Can Solar Power Be Used For?

The suns energy can be used for heating our homes, heat water, generate electricity, power solar cars and operate communications equipment just to name a few of the endless potential uses for solar energy.

Without solar energy we would not exist. There would be no plants, no heat, no food and no people. Since everything relies on the suns energy it only makes sense that we utilize its potentially endless supply of energy to reduce, and maybe someday stop the decline of our natural resources.

The amount of solar energy available depends on the amount of sunlight that is available each day and this is determined by weather conditions and even pollution among other things. England for example, may have limitations to solar power that will not be encountered in Oklahoma because of the amount of sunshine. Solar cell research is advancing rapidly to improve on this limitation, for example, mirrors are being used in some systems to concentrate the suns rays for more efficient use.

What Impact Does Solar Energy Have On The Environment?

Are there any environmental impacts related to the use of solar energy? Sure there are, but let’s put things into perspective. There are advantages and disadvantages to all methods of power generation. There are many more benefits to using solar energy than any of the alternative energy sources.

• The process of manufacturing solar components requires the use of fossil fuel but the end product emits no pollution. The alternative is to use fossil fuels day after day and continue adding pollution to our environment until supplies are depleted.
• The manufacturing processes and materials used for making some photovoltaic panels can be harmful to the people working with them. At first this may seem like a reason not to look to solar energy as a solution to our energy problems but compare it the safety concerns of people who mine coal, people who handle spent fuel from nuclear power plants, or what about the harmful emissions from power plants that we use for generating our electricity. These types of emissions are destroying our planet.
• To generate 20 - 50 megawatts of solar electricity requires about 1 square kilometer of land. This land usage affects wildlife and is another negative aspect of solar energy. But currently we are cutting our forests down at an alarming rate, and our trees are a critical part of the environment. Our trees produce much of the oxygen we breath. Many millions of people burn wood to heat their homes. What if we could eliminate just that? That alone would have a positive effect on our environment.

There is a lot of discussion about solar energy and the debate will continue. Lets not let the debate go on until we have used all of our natural resources and destroyed our planet.

Decide for yourself if solar energy is the best alternative for your future energy needs. Don’t rely on information supplied by corporations who have a vested interest in our current energy supplies. If their business relies on selling us their product then they are perhaps not the best source for accurate information.

Many utility companies are researching solar energy and are finding ways to use it today in conjunction with traditional methods of power generation. As consumers we have the power to apply pressure on utility companies because they want our money. Installing a solar system in your home is certainly something should be considered. The benefits are many and the biggest benefit will show in your power bill.