Today's solar power is a far cry from what was implemented in centuries past
While its the 21st century and solar power is on the rise, some may think that solar is the next, great thing. However, there is actually a long history of use of the renewable resource. In other words, perhaps we are finally catching up with our ancestors in harnessing and using energy from the sun.
One of the earliest uses of solar energy was by the Romans, who positioned bathhouses near southern-facing windows to harness passive solar power to warm the room and the water. In the 18th century, Napolean III watched a demonstration of a solar-powered printing press, and ice machine.
But truly, humans didn’t entirely embrace solar power until they had to.
Although coal is apparently plentiful and cheap, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, fear of a coal shortage resulted in interest in solar technology.
So much history and potential for solar power!
While solar had great potential from the start, the discovery of massive oil fields that offered cheap power, literally eclipsed solar power until the 1970s. So what does the future now hold? From a political standpoint, there have been fits and starts for solar power since Carter’s administration (he installed solar panels on the White House) until today.
Here are some fast facts:
- 1913: A large array of solar panels were constructed in Egypt to power a farm – including an irrigation system- 24/7
- 1954: the first modern solar cell unveiled at Bell Laboratories
- 1958: the first solar-powered satellite was launched – it is still orbiting!
- 1978: first solar-powered calculator (Royal Solar 1)
- 1979: Solar heating panels installed on the White House by President Jimmy Carter
- 1981: the first solar power plant was constructed in the Mojave Desert: utility-scale solar comes to light
- 1987: Solar Challenge automobile race – victory goes to GM for the fastest solar-powered vehicle
Starting in the 1990s, solar technology exploded! From panels on houses encouraged by the Kyoto Protcol, to thin film solar technology showing up on handbags, backpacks, clothing and more…. But its not all about consumerism. In developing third world countries, solar cookers can make a significant difference.
Solar power on the rise here and worldwide!
Today, in my hometown of Bend, Oregon, rooftop solar panels are prevalent! In fact my neighbor across the street just had panels installed last week. Businesses and homeowners alike are enjoying the convenient, free power from the sun.
PV panels generate electricity, and solar hot water heaters use solar energy to provide cheap, emissions-free hot water – for bathing, laundry and cooking.
Solar technology is changing rapidly. New manufacturing processes emerge regularly, and scientists are finding new ways to increase efficiency of solar cells. From utility scale solar plants in Spain and Portugal (the countries generate 40% of their power from solar energy) to individual PV panels installed on rooftops in California under the Million Solar Roofs program, government incentives and lowered cost of panels will result in more solar installations in the coming months and years.
Truly, solar power is on the rise! Its time to get on board.
Tags: history renewable resource, history solar panels, passive solar power, residential solar, solar power rise, solar technology
