History of Solar Energy

When people talk about solar energy, a lot of people think of certain solar energy sources that are pretty common to them, such as wood, and even dried animal droppings. Aside from these possible sources of solar energy, people also associate the concept of solar energy as one of the possible causes for global warming.

However, there are still a lot of things that people don’t know or fully understand about solar energy yet, like what it is, and how to use it to its greatest potential. In order to fully understand more about solar and sustainable energy, and what the future holds, you need to learn more about the history of solar energy. This article will give you a chance to research in deeper into solar energy’s fascinating history.

Historical Role of Solar Energy

One of the common and more popular roles the sun, or solar energy, played during those ancient times was that of a force that was able to sustain life based on its ability to give off renewable energy. That was probably the main reason as to why the people during those times, especially in native South and North America, as well as in many other parts of the world, worshipped the Sun.

Ancient Greece built temples devoted to worshipping their sun deities, namely, Helio and Apollo. Also, the Greek’s use of solar energy were not limited to religious purposes only, they even used to incorporate passive solar design in the construction of their houses so that they could get more solar energy into their houses.

The Romans simply improved the Greek’s design and also incorporated windows into their structures, allowing them to be able to catch more solar heat. This actually played a major role in their ability to produce a good growing condition for plants.

Solar Hot Water Heater Prototype

Unknown to a lot of people, but the original prototype for solar hot water heater is actually a result of do-it-yourself projects of people in hopes to be able to boil water, and keeping the water hot for a longer period of time. Scientists during the 18th century were able to discover that covering a box with a glass top while heating it would actually get the water to reach boiling temperature. But it wasn’t until someone tried to separate the solar heat collector with the water tank that was the first prototype for solar hot water heaters was created.

Discovery Of Solar Energy Cells

Solar energy cells, also known as PV cells, were actually created when three Americans discovered transistors that build with silicon. This was during the 1950’s. PV cells weren’t actually an affordable solar energy source back then, however, due to its practical use in the satellite; the solar energy cell industry became sustainable. PV cells serve as the main fuel source for satellites out in space.

Solar Energy Today

Nowadays, in this technologically advanced time, solar energy has now garnered a lot of renewed interest and focus, especially when solar energy has become more affordable, and offers more use and application in our modern day needs. Solar energy cells are actually being used in a lot of businesses and homes today, and are responsible for powering most household appliances, office equipments, and even used to power cars.