Solar Energy History
April 25, 2009 by admin
Filed under Residential Solar Power
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.
