Solar Energy Facts

Interesting Facts About Solar Energy

Even though it has been used for thousands of years, it has only been recently that solar energy has become an increasingly popular way to fix the world’s energy problems. Learning about Solar Energy Facts will help you stay up-to-date on why solar energy is the better option for individuals, business, families and the environment. Solar energy is not only good for the Earth it will also greatly reduce homeowner’s utility bills. Furthermore, solar energy facts will help you understand the importance of utilizing the energy created from the sun, wind and water.

Solar energy does not just apply to sunlight it also includes energy generated from wind and water. Many interesting solar energy facts are available for those who are interested in an alternative way to power their homes or business.In addition, solar energy facts is a great way to teach children about the benefits of renewable resources.

• Besides creating electricity, sunlight can also be used to heat and cool a home.
• Solar energy is a renewable energy source that can replace all of the energy needs.
• The cost of solar panels have been decreasing making solar energy a more affordable option.
• Solar panels typically consist of silicon and where first made available for purchase in 1956.
• The use of solar power is not a recent phenomenon. In 7^th Century B.C., people used magnifying glasses to start fires with the sun’s rays.
• The demand for solar energy is increasing.
• In 1990, the airplane Sunseeker successfully crossed the United States using solar energy.
• More than 10,000 houses in the United States are powered by solar energy only. This number continues to rise on a regular basis.
• Every hour the sun’s rays hit the surface of the earth that equals enough energy to power the world form one year.
• In 1767, Horace de Saussure (a Swiss scientist) invented the solar energy collector box.
• During the 1830s, John Herschel (a British astronomer) cooked his food during an Africa expedition with a solar energy collector box.
• In 1921, Albert Einstein won the Nobel Prize for his photovoltaics and solar power experiments.
• In 1982, California opened the first large solar power plant with 1,000 acres and nine solar thermal plants located in the Mojave Desert.
• In the 15^th century, Leonardo da Vinci discovered the use of concave mirrors and sunlight to heat water.
• One half of the world’s solar panel product is purchased by the Japanese.
• Solar panels capture the sun’s rays so the structure can be powered during the day as well as at night.
• Solar energy panels and systems require little maintenance and will last for decades. Many newly constructed homes and buildings are being built with solar energy systems.

As the use of solar energy increases, more information and solar energy facts will come to light. http://dnr.mo.gov/energy/renewables/solardata.htm