Discover the history of solar power and how it has developed as a renewable energy source over the last 100 years.
In this day and age, solar power is a renewable energy source that we may take for granted. Offering us power and electricity, solar power is the conversion of sunlight into energy. In theory, the use of sunlight to power our everyday lives seems like a no brainer; it powers plants and animals, so why not our homes and gadgets? However, the expansive use of solar power has only recently come into favour within the last 10 to 15 years. That’s not to say, however, that the world was not utilizing solar power previously.
You may be surprised to discover that solar power, in its first stages, was discovered in the 1800s. Since then it has been studied and cultivated for various uses, gaining momentum in its popularity. Back in the 1960s and 70s, solar power was responsible for projects that were not available to the masses, such space endeavours, while also powering smaller objects that anyone could purchase, such as watches and calculators. Since then, it has been very exciting to see the emergence of solar power as an energy source for everyday life.
Learn more about the entire history of solar power in The Solar Timeline infographic below.
Click on the infographic to enlarge.
(Infographic via Visual.ly)