Solar Power History and Uses

Times are changing for solar power

Solar energy has been around for quite some time, dating all the way back to the earliest humans.  Since this has been around for millions of years you can see that even the humans then used solar power in some way.  It is said that early man used the sunlight for warmth, and not to long after that learned how to create fires with it. 

Thousands of years past but some very smart individuals learned to harness the energy more precisely. 

Back around the turn of the first millennium, a working steam engine was devised by the Hero of Alexandria.  One of the biggest benefits during this time was that some models used solar energy to heat the water.  However, it wasn't until 1767 that the modern solar collector was born.  A Swiss scientist by the name of Horace de Saussure decided to use glass boxes, which eventually turned into solar ovens.  Seventy-two years later, Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect.  It was a huge discovering, considering that sunlight could generate a current into specific electrolytes.  Although each innovation was magnificent, it was the PV cell produced in 1954 that allowed solar power to flourish.

At some point solar power is going to become the viable technology that will be used for energy.  But since 1954 there has been a never ending array of devices that have improve energy efficiency at a substantial amount less then it is in today's world.

The applications that have been discussed in this article, have been installed in thousands of homes.  Whether its using PV (photovoltaic) modules to generate electricity, or collector systems to heat the water, solar power in homes is already in motion.

As it remains somewhat more expensive for some applications, the power generated will be relative to the power generated by the utility companies.

There are many different uses for solar energy that are used around the house today.  Some people use the solar panels to illuminate their yards without wires or batteries.  Battery chargers, electric fences and many more applications use solar power as their primary source of energy.

There are countries out there still today that are trying to adopt the way of solar energy.  The ones that have taken on solar energy may very well be using the simple methods of pouring water in a gallon jug and letting it set in the sun for a few hours.  But it also can consist of a solar still that will not only kill disease causing pathogens, but purify at the same time.

Some people who wish to adopt the solar energy method but can't afford the upfront cost there are other methods that are relatively cheap.  There are some other sophisticated applications that are used in more rural areas of the U.S. and other developed countries face similar circumstances.

Solar power has so many different uses whether its, producing non-polluting electricity, or enhancing health, or just providing a recreational vehicle.  With the cost coming down, and the price of materials on the rise, it's safe to say that these applications stand a good chance of increasing.  

So as you can see using solar power can benefit us all.