Information on Solar Electricity
It was the ancient Greeks in the 5th century B.C. who discovered solar energy could heat their homes. From ancient Romans to early Americans, the sun continued to be an alternative source of heat. In 1862, the first device was created to heat water with sunlight. Continued research into solar energy eventually led to the development of solar electricity, which today powers everything from road signs and homes, to satellites, oil rigs and airplanes. Does this Spark an idea?
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The Origin of Solar Electricity
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Photovoltaics, according to the California Solar Center, is the conversion of sunlight to electricity using semiconductor materials such as silicon. The word "photovoltaic" comes from the Greek word for light, "photos," and "voltaic," which refers to Alessandro Volta, a pioneer in the study of electricity.
The first major discovery that led to the development of solar electricity occurred in 1876 when William Grylls Adams and Richard Evans Day learned that an electrical current can be created in the element selenium just by exposing it to light. At that time, not enough power could be created from selenium solar cells to power anything, but the discovery proved that a solid material could generate electricity from the sun without any moving parts.
The First Viable Solar Cell
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In 1953, a physicist at Bell Laboratories, Gerald Pearson, created the first solar cell out of silicon, and two other scientists at Bell improved that model and created a solar cell that could power everyday electrical devices. But because of the high cost of solar cells, they were only used to power toys and radios.
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Solar Electricity in Space
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It wasn't until the late 1950s that solar cells began powering devices on a grand scale, when the military began using the sun to power Earth-orbiting satellites. Solar electricity can power satellites for years at a time, and are cheaper and more efficient than the batteries which were used formerly. Today, solar electricity is the accepted power source of the world's satellites and powers the International Space Station.
Down to Earth
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Solar electricity began to find its terrestrial niche in the early 1970s when the oil industry began using it to power offshore oil rigs. With help from the Exxon Corporation, Dr. Elliot Berman designed a solar cell using less-expensive materials, bringing the cost down from $100 per watt to $20 a watt. Due to the ease and cost efficiency of solar electricity, the oil and gas industry made major solar cell purchases, giving the up-and-coming solar industry the boost it needed to stick around.
Continued Applications
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In the 1970s, the Coast Guard began to power its buoys, lighthouses and navigational aids with solar electricity. Railroad companies grabbed hold of the technology to power their signal devices and communications systems. Telecommunications companies began using solar cells to make telephone and television service accessible in rural areas. Solar electric water pumps were bringing fresh drinking water to underdeveloped areas around the world. Those living in rural or poverty-stricken areas like in Mexico, Central America, Tahiti and the West Indies, who for years lived without electricity, were finally able to power their homes with solar energy. Now solar electricity is being used to heat and power homes and businesses, appliances and Jacuzzis.
How you Can Harness Solar Energy
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According to WiseGeek.com, homes that use solar power can cut energy consumption by 50 percent to 70 percent. You can use solar power to heat your home, generate hot water and power electric devices. The simplest way to harness the sun's energy is with photovoltaic (PV) panels that can be freestanding or mounted on your roof. These panels convert the sun into electricity through a modified power grid. The system has a meter that measures the amount of solar power used as compared to conventional power. The amount of solar power you've generated is subtracted from your utility bill. The system is also able to store power for later use.
There are numerous companies that will install solar power in your home or business, or you can install solar panels yourself. It is estimated that the cost of solar electric installation will have paid for itself in 12 years, says WiseGeek. Many states provide tax credits, power rebates and other incentives if you use solar power. Not only will you save money on your monthly power bills, you will reduce your carbon footprint, thereby helping to improve the environment for future generations.
The Future of Solar Electricity
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In many places around the world, solar electricity is the preferred method of energy. With environmental problems such as pollution and global warming, plus the high cost of conventional fuels and power, it is becoming increasingly urgent to harness the natural and cost efficient power of the sun. The U.S. Department of Energy hopes that by 2020, solar-powered homes will be commonplace.
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