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Humans have been using solar energy since 600 BC, starting with magnifying glasses and mirrors. The history of solar energy continued with inventions such as solar collectors and photovoltaic cells. In the 1980s, the first solar-powered aircraft and car were created, and in the 1990s, rooftop solar power became more popular. Solar energy will continue to transform daily life as technology advances.
Humans have been trying to figure out how to capture light and heat from the sun’s rays for thousands of years. The history of solar energy is quite long, starting from 600 BC and continuing up to the present times. There is no doubt that the story of solar energy will not end anytime soon. Because only a small fraction of solar energy is used, even now, new discoveries and new ways to harness solar energy will push the solar energy timeline into the future.
Early on, humans discovered ways to direct the sun’s rays and point them at an intended source. This early history of solar energy was first seen when humans used magnifying glasses in 600 BC to burn ants. Later, in 200 BC, the Greeks and Romans used mirrors to refract the sun’s rays to light their torches for their religious temples.
In 100 BC, solar energy was said to have been used when the Greeks reflected bronze shields onto Roman ships, causing them to catch fire. While this feat may only be a myth, it has been recreated by several scientists, including the Greek engineer Anthemius of Tralles. As early as AD 600, he reportedly used “burning glasses” and lent some validity to the myth. He recorded his findings in his treatise entitled Mechanical Paradoxes. During the next 1300 years, there are repeated reports of solar energy being used to heat houses, baths and public buildings.
The story of solar energy continues through the 1700s and 1800s. During that time, people were interested in improving the technology used to capture the sun’s energy. For example, in 1767, a Swiss scientist, Horace de Saussure, invented a solar collector which was later used to heat food for adventurers on expeditions. In 1816, Robert Stirling had invented an engine which would later be used to convert the sun’s energy into electricity. The rest of the 1800s was filled with scientists developing ways to harness more of the sun’s energy and create stronger sources of electricity from that energy.
In 1900, photoelectric and photovoltaic effects were at the center of the scientific world. The history of solar energy has begun to be mainstream. Indeed, in the 1940s, one of the most popular books, called Your Solar Home, was printed. He referred people to the best solar architects and told them how they could have a solar home. During the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, photovoltaic cells became more efficient. In 1977, the United States had created a new government facility dedicated to capturing the sun’s energy and converting it into electricity, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
The 1980s were an important time in the history of solar energy. In 1981, scientists created the first solar-powered aircraft. Then, in 1982, the first solar-powered car was driven across Australia in record time. Furthermore, photovoltaic production continued to increase exponentially throughout the 1980s.
The 1990s were times of greater scientific discovery. More efficient solar dishes and solar cells have been invented. A look at the history of solar power also shows that rooftop solar power became more popular during the 1990s. By 2001, rooftop systems could be purchased at local hardware stores, making solar power even more common. In 2000, gas stations, railroads, and other companies began using solar energy in their buildings and day-to-day operations. As technology becomes more sophisticated, solar energy will continue to transform the way people design, build, work and live their daily lives.
