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Solar energy is the phrase that we use to describe the process of obtaining energy from the Sun. Most people tend to think about solar panels when they imagine solar energy, but in reality we should also consider wind, hydro, and biomass energy because these forms of power are also dependent upon the Sun. Wind is caused by high and low temperatures and eventually creates the waves and water which form hydro power.
Another interesting fact about solar energy is that it has been harnessed for thousands of years. Many ancient inhabitants of the earth successfully used the Sun’s heat for activities such as cooking, heating, and lighting. Leonardo Da Vinci is widely considered to be the first person to picture an industrial use for the sun’s rays by using recessed mirrors to heat water for the public.
Solar energy is becoming much more available and cost efficient for the general public. Government subsidies have recently been increased and the cost to engineer the photovoltaic cells that are used in solar panels has dramatically decreased. The production of solar cells worldwide has increased by more than 50% in the past 7 years. During the year 2005 it is predicted that more than 5,300 megawatts of power was harnessed worldwide thanks to solar panels. Another fact about solar energy is that 1 kilowatt of solar energy is equivalent to the energy that can be released by burning over 150 pounds of coal.
Europe has paved the way in the solar energy industry and the Bavaria Solar Park in Germany covers roughly 62 acres. The region has nearly 60,000 photovoltaic panels. However, the largest solar park in the world, also located in Germany, is the Arnstein Solar Electric Plant which provides more than 12 megawatts of energy to 3500 homes in the region.
If we hope to truly harness the power of the sun and use its energy to power our cars, heat our homes, and cook our food, then we need to understand the facts about solar energy.
