Using solar energy goes way back



Recollecting the history of solar energy brings us back to the 1970s energy crisis and oil embargo which caused long lines in gasoline stations, high gasoline prices, and even caused panic among consumers and investors alike in the United States. Knowledge about oil being a non-renewable resource has been around since the 1800s. But it was only during and after the 70s energy crisis that people really began to realize the consequences of depending too much on an already depleting energy resource.

However, utilizing the sun’s energy is not really a recent development. It has been used by ancient civilizations for warmth, for food and crop preparations and various agricultural purposes. What’s new are the technologies involved in harnessing this energy and utilizing it for man’s daily use.

The technology began in the 1830’s when Edmund Becquerel made public his studies on how solar light can be harnessed into usable energy. However, nobody followed up on this idea nor explore any practical use. The next breakthrough on solar power came after thirty years Becquerel published his works.

In 1860s, the French Monarch commissioned Augusted Mouchout to find other sources of energy. And Mouchout looked up in the sky for inspiration. His series of solar powered contractions were quite impressive back then. His inventions included a motor that run on solar energy, a steam engine that uses the sun’s light, and an ice maker that fully rely on solar power.

After Mouchout, there were several other notable achievements in the line of solar power. Among these is the works of William Adams in the 1870s which utilized mirrors to channel the power of the sun to make a steam engine run. Adams’ power tower design concept is still in use today. Another notable work is by Charles Fritz in the early 1880s. His studies were attuned on turning sunlight into electricity, which he later accomplished.

But one of the most significant development in modern solar energy occurred in the 1950s. Early in the decade, R.S. Ohl discovered that sunlight produces large numbers of free electrons when it strikes silicon. Then in the mid-1950s Gerald Pearson, Calvin Fuller, and Daryl Chaplin was able to capture those free electrons and convert them in electricity. Today, silicon cells are used to make solar cells and solar panels for harnessing the sun’s energy.

Immediately these solar cells were made into good use and the first among to use them was the field of space aeronautics. These silicon based solar cells were used to power satellites that orbit the earth. The satellite Vanguard I was the first one launched out to space which rely on solar cells for power. More satellites followed.

Nowadays, more and more research and studies are being conducted on how best to utilize the sun’s energy. Especially today where it is said that about 30-50 years from the now, the world oil reserves will be totally depleted. Thus, the search for alternative sources of energy continuous. The sun is expected to die out in a couple of thousand of years, it’s to long to worry about and man can have all the sun’s energy until that day.

The challenge today is creating solar energy power in more efficient and cost effective e way. Admittedly, the costs of those photo cells are not that cheap to be accessible by most of the ordinary consumers. The movement today in the science and technology committee is to be able to provide cheap alternative source of energy.




Comments

Nowdays lots of people are crazy with regard to Supra Skytop Shoes which are one of several top skateboarding Cheap Supra Shoes.It's unique quakeproof system can certainly help protect feet in addition to Supra Justin Bieber.Juicy Couture Tracksuits up the smashing excellent,large sustainability thus also general to Juicy Couture Outlet to preserve.Supra Skytop III Shoes are consider for the Moncler Sortie De which state to make you better which might be advertised through ads as well as news flash memories.This Supra TK Society from the united states,she produced fast any exclusive identifying in addition for you to high grade with regards to Juicy Couture Watches.
Cheap supra shoes - By Cheap supra shoes - Homepage
14th December 2011 - 7:16pm

The reliable quality replica designer handbags such as Hermes handbags, Fendi bags will only be priced around one hundred to 200 dollars, so never buy an individual that prices above $300. Conversely, if a retailer is selling a purse for close to $100, be wary and shell out extra interest to your handbag’s materials and facts.
copy luxury handbags, cartier handbags - By celine boston blue - Homepage
14th December 2011 - 11:51pm

The reliable quality replica designer handbags such as Hermes handbags, Fendi bags
copy luxury handbags, cartier handbags - By celine boston blue - Homepage
14th December 2011 - 11:56pm

*Name:
*Email:
Website URL:
Title / Subject:
Hide my email
*Comments:
*
 



Menu


Articles

The Future Of Solar Energy On Transportation
Wind Power Vs. Solar Energy, An Even Match?
Solar Energy In Households
Facts About Solar Energy – Some Things To Ponder And Why
The Pros And Cons Of Solar Energy
Analyzing The Benefits Of Solar Energy
How To Conserve Solar Energy Through Your Little Ways
How Does Solar Energy Work
Things You Should Know Before Investing In Solar Energy
Solar Energy Simplified
Solar Energy Is The Future
Net Metering And Solar Energy
Solar Energy - How Does It Benefit The Agricultural Sector
Arguments Against Solar Energy
Using Solar Energy Goes Way Back
The Downsides Of Solar Energy
The Benefits Of Solar Energy
Technologies For Harnessing Solar Energy
The History Of Solar Energy
Countries On The Helm Of Solar Energy Technology
The Future Of Solar Energy – How It Looks And How It Affects Nature
You Can Have A Home Powered By Solar Energy
You Need A PV System To Generate Solar Energy






Articles


The Pros And Cons Of Solar Energy Solar energy is one of the best forms of renewable energy. But why don’t we..


Things You Should Know Before Investing In Solar Energy There is no doubt that there are a lot of benefits in using solar energy...


Solar Energy In Households The sun is a great source of energy. It would be great to use solar..



Related Videos:

Related News:

 
Solar Power to Pay Nevada City's Debt, Government Costs for Decades - CleanTechnica

    

Solar Power to Pay Nevada City's Debt, Government Costs for Decades
CleanTechnica
Boulder City, Nevada is best known as the home of Hoover Dam, once the largest hydroelectric power plant in the country. But the rapid expansion of solar power projects is quickly making a name for the city as the first solar-financed town in America.
Solar projects take home of Hoover Dam back to futureLas Vegas Review - Journal

all 2 news articles »



California company pushes limits of solar efficiency - GetSolar.com

    

PhysOrg.com

California company pushes limits of solar efficiency
GetSolar.com
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory recently announced that California-based Alta Devices' most recent solar panel was verified as being 23.5 percent efficient, which is the highest efficiency ever achieved. The new solar panel that the company ...
Two US startups break records for solar efficiencyVatorNews
Solar start-ups set new efficiency recordsPhysOrg.com
Alta Devices Announces Solar Panel Efficiency RecordEnergy Matters
Engadget -TPM -MarketWatch (press release)
all 36 news articles »