History Of Solar Panels In The Us

The odeillo solar furnace located in odeillo france was constructed.

History of solar panels in the us. Solar power has undoubtedly developed in leaps and bounds from nothing more than a futuristic sci fi concept to not only a viable energy source but australia s preferred energy source. Solar cells begin to power navigation warning lights and horns on many. In theory solar energy was used by humans as early as 7th century b c. Photovoltaic cells convert light into an electric current using the photovoltaic effect.

The solar heating and cooling demonstration act of 1974 ordered the installation of solar heating and cooling units in federal buildings by 1977 to acclimate the public to the new technology. Later in 3rd century b c the greeks and romans were known to harness solar power with mirrors to light torches for religious ceremonies. Congress passed five energy bills in 1974 two of which cited solar power as a potential solution to the energy crisis. Elliot berman with help from exxon corporation designs a significantly less costly solar cell bringing price down from 100 a watt to 20 a watt.

When history tells us that humans used sunlight to light fires with magnifying glass materials. Solar power is the conversion of energy from sunlight into electricity either directly using photovoltaics pv indirectly using concentrated solar power or a combination concentrated solar power systems use lenses or mirrors and solar tracking systems to focus a large area of sunlight into a small beam. As we enter an important new era in solar power s history it s more important than ever to remember just how far solar power has come.