A Brief Guide to the History of Solar Power

It's hard to believe, but the first use of solar energy dates back to the 17th century B.C.

That's over 4,000 years of history to draw from. Humanity has tried a lot of different ways to harvest energy from the sun. After all that time, how has this sort of technology only now begun to pick up in popularity?

Many people don't realize that we've been using it for millennia. Solar power just started to go commercial during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Let's go over the history of solar power to see how we got to where we are now.

The History of Solar Power in Ancient Times

Since the beginning of time, the sun has been a powerful energy source. The sun provides us with warmth, light, and energy.

As mentioned earlier, the first known use of solar power was in the 7th century BC when the Greek engineer, Heron of Alexandria, invented the first steam engine. In the 3rd century BC, the Greek mathematician, Archimedes, used a large mirror to focus sunlight and heat a Roman ship. This is known as Archimedes’ principle.

Solar power has been used for many other applications throughout history. In the 17th century, solar ovens were used for cooking food. At the onset of the 19th century, solar power was used to power homes and businesses.

In the 20th century, solar power was used to generate electricity for spacecraft and satellites.

Today, solar power is one of the most popular renewable energy sources. It is used to generate electricity for homes, businesses, and utility companies. Solar power is also used to heat water, power vehicles, and provide light.

The Rise of Solar Power During the Industrial Revolution

Solar power is one of the most ancient forms of energy production, with evidence of its use dating back to the 7th century BC. Although early solar energy systems were very inefficient, they were used for various purposes, including space heating, desalination, and powering chariots.

The industrial revolution saw a marked increase in the use of solar power, as it became an essential source of energy for factories and other industrial facilities. This continued into the 20th century when solar power was used to control everything from homes to vehicles.

With the advent of more efficient solar technologies, solar power is becoming a popular choice for both home and industrial use. It is clean, renewable, and increasingly affordable, making it a vital part of the fight against climate change.

The Decline of Solar Power After the Industrial Revolution

Solar power has been used since the 7th century BC in the form of fire torches, but it wasn’t until the 17th century that the first solar-powered device was invented. Swiss scientist, Horace-Benedict de Saussure, created the first solar collector in 1767, which was later used to power a small steam engine.

Solar power experienced a decline after the industrial revolution as coal and oil became the dominant energy sources. However, it began to make a comeback in the early 21st century due to the oil crisis and concerns about climate change.

Solar power is now used to generate electricity, power homes and businesses, and even power vehicles.

The Resurgence of Solar Power in the 20th Century

The sun is the ultimate source of energy for life on Earth. Solar power is the conversion of sunlight into electricity, and it has been used since the 7th century BC. Solar power was first used in solar water heaters and solar cookers for practical purposes.

In the 19th century, solar energy was used to power ships and lighthouses. However, it wasn't until the 20th century that solar power began to be used on a large scale.

The first solar power plant in the US was built in California in the early 1900s. Solar panels began to be used extensively during the energy crisis of the 1970s. Today, solar power is one of the fastest-growing energy sources globally.

The rise of solar power is due to the increase in demand for energy efficiency, the decrease in the cost of solar panel installation, and the decrease in the price of storing solar energy.

The Future of Solar Power

As the demand for sustainable energy sources increases, the future of solar power looks bright. Solar power technology has come a long way in recent years and continues to improve rapidly.

The cost of solar panels has fallen dramatically, making them more affordable than ever before. And as solar technology continues to advance, the efficiency of solar panels continues to increase, making them an increasingly attractive option for homeowners and businesses alike.

In the coming years, solar power is expected to play an increasingly important role in the battle against climate change and increase energy efficiency. More and more people and organizations are committed to reducing their carbon emissions.

With the costs of solar power continuing to fall and its environmental benefits becoming more and more evident, the future of solar energy looks bright indeed.

How To Find The Right Solar Panel Company

If you're looking for a solar panel company, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind. Find a company with a good reputation. This means looking for companies that have been in business for a while and have a good track record.

You can find this information by reading online reviews or asking friends and family for recommendations.

Once you have a few companies in mind, you'll want to compare prices. This means getting quotes from each company and comparing the cost of the solar panel installation and warranty.

It's essential to find a company that offers a competitive price without sacrificing quality. One example of a strong company for your needs is Blue Raven.

Welcoming the Modern Solar Age

Solar power is one of the most promising forms of renewable energy, with the potential to provide a clean, sustainable source of electricity for homes and businesses. With a proper insight into the history of solar power, we can determine the necessary developments for our solar energy systems today.

With advances in technology and increasing investment, solar power has become more accessible and affordable, making it a viable option for a more sustainable future.

If you like this article on the history of solar energy, check out the rest of our blog for the latest information!