Knowing the Facts on Solar Energy

The Basics of Solar Energy

Solar energy is a newly popular concept when it comes to the discussion of energy usage today; it is of the utmost importance that you understand some of the basic facts about solar energy so you can appreciate all of its applications and potential. Because solar energy is one of the most ecologically friendly energy resources available today, it is easy to see why it is becoming the most popular alternate energy source.

Here are some of the key facts of how solar energy all got started.

The idea of using the sun as an energy source is not new to mankind; in fact, almost every ancient civilization realized the sun's potential. Many years later, Leonardo da Vinci began working on the idea of heating water through an industrial solar energy machine. Science was forever changed by the sun as well when the French scientist discovered the photovoltaic effect on electrolytic cells. Centuries after da Vinci's solar water heater model was developed, it was finally patented by an inventor in 1894, which kick-started the whole solar energy trend.

Another man, in 1913, then built the world's first solar thermal power station. The power station, which was situated in Egypt, was used to heat water which in turn powered a 65 horsepower engine that pumped water from the Nile to surrounding crops. Finally, in the year 1954, Bell Laboratories designed the photovoltaic solar cell, which was the first modern solar cell of its kind.

Here are some very interesting facts about the technical aspects of solar energy.

There are only two main types of solar devices; there are active devices and passive devices. Active devices utilize photovoltaic cells while passive devices are thermal based. The most common energy transformation devices available today use photovoltaic systems because they can directly turn solar cells into electrical energy. When there is a passive thermal based device being used, it usually uses molten salts as solar energy holders. What is great about all of this is the fact that by the year 2060 it is estimated that almost 33% of the entire world's energy will be solar based.

As we are becoming more and more in touch with the earth as well as technology, solar energy is becoming an obvious solution to many energy problems. The possibilities are limitless when it comes to the endless energy of the sun. When it comes to clean energy, there is no competing with solar power; solar energy is almost the only power resource to not emit any greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. As mentioned earlier, solar energy also requires very little upkeep; a solar energy system can be in place for nearly thirty years without the need for repairs or additions. With all these facts about solar energy in place, you are now prepared to go on and research solar energy yourself and decide if it is right for you.

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