In Greek mythology sun deities were was known as Helios and Apollo. The sun-god Ra, was the first king of Egypt. In different manners, the sun has been worshiped throughout history and has also played a major role in some religions. The suns influence has been seen in Buddhism, Hinduism, and many of the native American tribes, to name a few. Solar energy has influenced mankind for centuries

The appearance of the sun in the sky is prominent due to the fact that it is the closet star to the our planet. The sun not only emits light, but also heat that is transformed into various forms of energy. The simple act of laundry being hung out of doors, uses the suns heat as a form of energy to dry our clothing. The suns light also enables plants to produce food. The uneaten foods would then decay and in a process that took millions of years fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and oil were produced. Exploding stars referred to as nova’s produce nuclear energy through the emission of uranium atoms.

The uses for the suns energy are infinite. Humankind has long made use of its properties. The 1890′s found people heating their hot water with solar energy. Cheaper than wood and coal, it was also a cleaner alternative. In the U. S. The states having the sunniest and warmest number of days emerged as the first ones to use solar energy for heating water. Solar panels to heat water were installed in thousands of homes by the 1920′s. When greater amounts of oil and gas were found and prices plummeted for these fuels, many reverted back to their use. Presently, there is concern that the demand is beginning to exceed the supply and solar energy has moved again to the forefront.

Electricity is another horizon being developed with the use of solar energy. Located in California’s Mojave Desert, one can find row upon row of solar mirrors. These mirrors are called parabolic troughs as they collect sunlight in a specific way. The suns heat becomes so intense that it can boil water and the resulting steam in turn will power a turbine to produce electricity. Other forms of power plants, some still in the experimental stage, are focusing their efforts toward greater efficiency in the production of electricity.

Sunlight can now be changed directly into electricity by the use of PV’s or photovoltaic cells. Modules of these cells now have tracking devices and can collect sunlight continuously. Once the sun hits a solar cell, electrons become loose and travel to a front surface. This in turn will create an imbalance of the surfaces which perform as a connector allowing the electricity to form a current between the sides of the positive and negative.

The immediate availability of use when implementing this direct energy form is an invaluable source of power. It can light city’s as well as individual homes. Illuminated billboards and streetlights; roadside phones; appliances and home heating are all made possible.

There is still much to be discovered with the ongoing research of solar technologists. One of the latest frontiers is the electric powered automobile. The capability of PV cells in turning the suns energy directly into electricity will enable the motor s use of the electricity to keep it running smoothly, efficiently, and cleanly. The pollution created by older methods of power will disappear with the use of the suns energy. Technology that at one time was located miles above the Earth is now literally at our fingertips.

Wind Energy Windy conditions are ideal for placement of wind turbines. Windy conditions are ideal for placement of wind turbines. The more wind there is, the more electricity can be made.

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