What is solar energy?

Solar energy is the radiation from the Sun capable of producing heat, causing chemical reactions, or generating electricity. The total amount of solar energy received on Earth is vastly more than the world's current and anticipated energy requirements. If suitably harnessed, solar energy has the potential to satisfy all future energy needs.

When was solar power first used?

In the late 1700s and 1800s, researchers and scientists had success using sunlight to power ovens for long voyages. They also harnessed the power of the sun to produce solar-powered steamboats. Ultimately, it's clear that even thousands of years before the era of solar panels, the concept of manipulating the power of the sun was a common practice.

What is the potential of solar energy?

Solar energy potential Earth's photovoltaic power potential. The potential for solar energy to be harnessed as solar power is enormous, since about 200,000 times the world’s total daily electric-generating capacity is received by Earth every day in the form of solar energy.

Why is solar energy important?

Solar energy is also essential for the evaporation of water in the water cycle, land and water temperatures, and the formation of wind, all of which are major factors in the climate patterns that shape life on Earth. Solar energy potential Earth's photovoltaic power potential.

Can solar energy be used as a thermal energy source?

Solar energy has long been used directly as a source of thermal energy. Beginning in the 20th century, technological advances have increased the number of uses and applications of the Sun’s thermal energy and opened the doors for the generation of solar power.

When was the First Solar System built?

In 1966, NASA launched the world's first Orbiting Astronomical Observatory, powered by a one-kilowatt array. In 1973, the University of Delaware was responsible for constructing the first solar building, named "Solar One." The system ran on a hybrid supply of solar thermal and solar PV power.