Solar Energy, the Future or the Past?
Solar Energy isn’t something new. It marked its beginning in the 7th Century B.C. This was the time when people in the past used glass and sunlight to light a fire. It took around a time period of hundred years for solar technology to be harnessed.
Now, let us have a look at where we are. So, right now, installation of solar panels is speeding up, all across our green planet. Also, a lot of contribution towards enhanced research into a renewable energy is also running in a speedy way.
In the future, the standards expected from the traditional fuel sources can be fulfilled by more solar energy homes and cars.
The Solar Timeline
Below the U.S. Department of Energy has listed the milestones in the solar technology development from the 7th Century B.C. till date.
700 B.C.
The sun’s rays were concentrated on a fuel using a magnifying glass and light a fire for warmth or cooking.
300 B.C.
Mirrors were used to light torches for religious purposes by the Greeks and Romans.
200 B.C.
A wooden boat 50 meters away was set to fire as the Greek carried out the experiment relating to the use of bronze shields to concentrate sunlight on wooden ships.
20 A.D.
For religious purposes, the Chinese used mirrors to light torches.
100 to 400 A.D.
The Roman bath houses were built with large, south facing windows to utilize the sun’s warmth.
600 A.D.
The Justinian Code established “Sun Rights” so that every building and house is built with sunrooms and no body is deprived of sun’s warmth.
1300 A.D.
South- Facing cliff dwellings were constructed by the ancestors of Pueblo, to feel the warmth of the winter sun.
1700 to 1900 A.D.
Photovoltaic fiber, solar steam engines, solar cells were invented.
1900s
Photovoltaic glass and green roofs came into use in the construction of buildings. Also, a lot of advancements occurred in solar power conversion.
2000s
Residential solar power systems used to supply power, and planes are entirely built using solar energy.
The Future
10 years from now, electricity needed for the entire U.S. will be generated by solar technology. Also, the prices of photovoltaic power will become competitive in comparison to traditional sources of electricity. An electrolysis process that separates the hydrogen and oxygen in water will be carried out using solar electricity.
The price of solar energy systems has gone down a lot, though it is expensive. This does not enable general people to have solar panel systems. But, the experts claim that the five years from now will see a cheaper rate of solar power. Now, this will be good news as more and more people will resort to solar energy. The advent of Solar Energy will lead to an eco-friendly and green planet.
Dark polymer foil is used to make solar panels. When the demand for solar panels will increase with time, the companies will be able to produce it in mass volume and different colors to match with the design of the home.
Solar water heating systems are utilized to generate warm water and also for heating the swimming pool water. The solar radiation can be converted into electricity to be used to light the house. Cars, mobiles and street lights can also run by solar energy.
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