The History of Solar Energy
Throughout man's history the sun has always been a subject of speculation and worship. In fact, most ancient cultures have deified the sun, due to its life-giving and energy-giving qualities.
Thus, the subject of solar energy is one of the oldest subjects on earth. It has gone through many evolutions and has been the subject of many schools of thought - starting with religion, and ending up in the field of science.
In fact, though not many people know this, a large portion of the western civilization celebrates the returning of the sun each year, just as the ancients did thousands of years ago.
I am referring, of course, to Christmas - which dates back to the celebrating of the winter solstice, the point in time when the earth has reached its furthest point away from the sun, and starts returning.
Of course, the story of Christmas has radically changed from its original meaning. It has gone through its own evolution. Originally being a celebration of the sun's return, it then became the celebration of the birth of Christ, and eventually wound up with a friendly old man bringing Coca Cola on Christmas Eve. But this last point is simply modern marketing at work.
Thus, the subject of solar energy is one of the oldest subjects on earth. It has gone through many evolutions and has been the subject of many schools of thought - starting with religion, and ending up in the field of science.
In fact, though not many people know this, a large portion of the western civilization celebrates the returning of the sun each year, just as the ancients did thousands of years ago.
I am referring, of course, to Christmas - which dates back to the celebrating of the winter solstice, the point in time when the earth has reached its furthest point away from the sun, and starts returning.
Of course, the story of Christmas has radically changed from its original meaning. It has gone through its own evolution. Originally being a celebration of the sun's return, it then became the celebration of the birth of Christ, and eventually wound up with a friendly old man bringing Coca Cola on Christmas Eve. But this last point is simply modern marketing at work.
The First Uses of Solar Energy
It is almost impossible to exactly date the first uses of solar energy.
But we do know that the ancient Greeks and Romans civilizations, among others, made use of "passive solar energy" in their building designs.
Passive solar energy is the use of architecture in order to capture the sun's heat and light, for use in buildings.
But we do know that the ancient Greeks and Romans civilizations, among others, made use of "passive solar energy" in their building designs.
Passive solar energy is the use of architecture in order to capture the sun's heat and light, for use in buildings.
Socrates and the Romans
Even the famous Greek philosopher Socrates has commented on the benefits of facing one's house toward the south, in order to make use of the heat provided by the sun in the winter.
The Romans also used this technique of positioning their houses facing southward, but they took it a step further, by installing more windows on the south side, allowing heat and light from the sun to freely enter the buildings.
With the above methods they managed to reduce the amount of fuel they needed to heat their homes. And considering that you had to go out and chop your own wood in those days, it was well worth it.
The Romans also used this technique of positioning their houses facing southward, but they took it a step further, by installing more windows on the south side, allowing heat and light from the sun to freely enter the buildings.
With the above methods they managed to reduce the amount of fuel they needed to heat their homes. And considering that you had to go out and chop your own wood in those days, it was well worth it.
The Early History Solar Energy
A Timeline
As you can see, solar energy is not a new subject.
The following time line begins with the first most basic uses of solar energy.
The following time line begins with the first most basic uses of solar energy.
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700 B.C.
An early form of solar energy is invented: the use of a magnifying glass to concentrate the sun's rays on a fuel and thus light a fire - for light, for warmth, and for cooking. This method is still in use, though the technology has advanced a bit. -
300 B.C.
Greeks and Romans use mirrors to reflect and concentrate solar energy when lighting torches for religious purposes. -
200 B.C.
The Greek scientist, Archimedes, uses concentrated solar power technology, by combining reflective properties of many polished bronze shields, to focus sunlight and thus set fire to an invading Roman fleet while it is besieging Syracuse.
(In 1973, The Greek navy recreated this scenario as an experiment, and succeeded in setting fire to a wooden boat 50 meters away.) -
20 A.D.
The Chinese use solar energy by employing mirrors to light torches at religious ceremonies. -
100 to 400 A.D.
Throughout the first four centuries after Christ, Roman bath houses employ passive solar heating by building the bath houses with large, south-facing windows, to let the sun's warmth in. This aspect of passive solar technology is still used by architects today. -
600 A.D.
Sun rooms on houses and public buildings become so commonplace, that laws are established regarding "sun rights" to ensure that buildings have access to the sun. These laws are recorded under the Justinian Code. -
1300 A.D.
The ancestors of the Pueblo people known as the Anasazi build their cliff dwellings in south-facing cliffs, so as to capture the warmth of the winter sun.
The History of Solar Energy in the Industrial Age
The above events cover the early history of solar power and solar energy utilization.
The next major advancements occurred in the 17th century, and were of a more technical nature. This is where solar energy technology really came into existence.
The book, Alternative Energy Resources: The Quest for Sustainable Energy
, covers the history of solar energy from the Industrial Age into the present day.
This book also discusses the various available sources of renewable energy sources available, such as hydroelectric energy, wind energy, biomass, and geothermal energy. It also discusses other forms of alternative energy - nuclear energy, and the use of hydrogen.
This book evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of each source of energy. The author takes into account our energy requirements, environmental impact, and the availability of different forms of alternative energy, and he proposes his own suggestion as to what he thinks would be the most viable and feasible energy source for us in the modern day.
The next major advancements occurred in the 17th century, and were of a more technical nature. This is where solar energy technology really came into existence.
The book, Alternative Energy Resources: The Quest for Sustainable Energy
, covers the history of solar energy from the Industrial Age into the present day.This book also discusses the various available sources of renewable energy sources available, such as hydroelectric energy, wind energy, biomass, and geothermal energy. It also discusses other forms of alternative energy - nuclear energy, and the use of hydrogen.
This book evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of each source of energy. The author takes into account our energy requirements, environmental impact, and the availability of different forms of alternative energy, and he proposes his own suggestion as to what he thinks would be the most viable and feasible energy source for us in the modern day.
Modern Uses of Solar Power
The last two decades has seen an upsurge in the use of solar power, with more and more useful solar gadgets hitting the market.
Here you can see a few examples of the modern uses of solar power:
Here you can see a few examples of the modern uses of solar power:
Learn More about Solar Power and Alternative Energy
These are some books and eBooks which you can use to increase your education and understanding of solar power and other clean energy solutions.
Solar Power
Updates and News
These are the latest posts from our blog about solar power and alternative energy.
Popular Sites
These are popular websites on the subject of solar power.
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termit_bronx
Oct 18, 2009 @ 11:49 am | delete
- Really nice lens with a powerful information! I give you 5 star rating because i really like this topic. I agree that people should use solar power at their homes. I also created one lens on solar power, but it's in slovene language -> Ploscati Soncni Kolektorji. We should use natural factors eg. sun more often, because it's for free and there will always be enought power for everyone. This would help to make the earth more clean.
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