A Short History of Solar Energy
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by: AdrianFletcher
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Word Count: 568
The history of modern solar power goes back further than you might think. It can be traced back to the middle of the 19th century when scientists, engineers and inventors begin thinking about alternatives to coal. The growing belief that coal was a finite resource that would either run out or lead to political problems seemed to inspire many to start looking at solar energy. This article will detail the history of solar power from this period through to modern times.
From 1860 to 1880, the French inventor Auguste Mouchout constructed a solar powered engine. The idea behind the engine was to use the sun's heat to create steam. This steam could power other machinery used in many of the new factories that were being built.
The French Emperor was so impressed with the device that he gave Mouchout a state subsidy to continue developing the engine. The subsidy eventually lapsed without much headway and cheaper coal resources were negotiated putting an end to the solar powered engine in France.
At this time, a similar developing was taking place in India. William Adams created a rack that comprised many small mirrors around a boiler. This produced an engine with around 2.5 horsepower.
In 1885 through to 1889, Charles Tellier worked on creating a solar power system. He came up with an elaborate system of solar collectors that he installed on the rooftop. The purpose of the collectors was to cool water to power a refrigeration system.
In 1903, Aubrey Eneas began his research into solar power. He was deeply influenced by the work of Auguste Mouchout to the extent that he developed a similar style of solar powered engine. It was a more efficient machine on a larger scale and he managed to sell it. It was sold for around $2000 (a substantial sum in those days) to a Doctor in Arizona. Unfortunately the engine was damaged en route and was never set up and made operational. He made another engine that he sold for a similar sum. This too never made it to fully functional as it was damaged in a hailstorm.
At the same time, Henry E. Willsie developed 2 solar plants that collected energy during the day for use at night. The plants used flat plate collectors that produced an output of around 15 horsepower.
In 1906, Frank Shuman improved on Willsies system to create an engine that had a capacity of 33 horsepower. With further enhancements he eventually got his engine to around 55 horsepower.
The solar industry seemed to go into the doldrums during the war years. Not much of note was developed until 1954. Researchers in the Bell laboratories noticed the reaction of silicon with sunlight. The end result was the invention of photovoltaic cells.
Photovoltaic (PV) cells are the underlying principle behind the solar panels that you see on many a rooftop today. It creates direct current from sun light.
During the 1970's, gas shortages and increasing oil prices kick started interest in alternatives to fossil fuels. More time and money was dedicated to alternative energy, including solar power. Most of the research in solar power centered on getting PV cells more efficient while being less expensive.
PV cells are now far more efficient and cheaper than they used to be. Given the numerous government incentives, solar panels are within the reach of the average household. Funding has also been increased to make solar power research more successful.
About the Author
For more solar power information visit solarpowerappliances.com. You will find products and features on solar applications, including twilight solar outdoor lighting and rebates on solar systems.
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