THE ANCIENT POWER OF SOLAR POWER
“The Solar Industry Has Been Waiting 60 Years For This To Happen — And It Finally Just Did” businessinsider.com.au/sola (2014)
When it comes to solar power, the headline from the Business Insider is off by several thousand years off.
Millennia prior to human reliance on fossil fuels for energy, electricity, and heat, people relied on the sun for the comforts and necessities of life. The sun was revered by many ancient cultures, often as a god, but certainly as the most powerful element of their world. The concept of using solar power for general purposes it not a modern one.
The Egyptians were the first civilization known to use solar energy on a large scale to heat their homes. Egyptian houses were designed to store heat in thick building walls during the day, which then released the heat after the sun went down to warm the interiors at night. Many civilizations are known to use techniques for putting solar energy to work heating homes and buildings and many other things.
“The Solar Industry Has Been Waiting 60 Years For This To Happen — And It Finally Just Did” businessinsider.com.au/sola (2014)
When it comes to solar power, the headline from the Business Insider is off by several thousand years off.
Millennia prior to human reliance on fossil fuels for energy, electricity, and heat, people relied on the sun for the comforts and necessities of life. The sun was revered by many ancient cultures, often as a god, but certainly as the most powerful element of their world. The concept of using solar power for general purposes it not a modern one.
The Egyptians were the first civilization known to use solar energy on a large scale to heat their homes. Egyptian houses were designed to store heat in thick building walls during the day, which then released the heat after the sun went down to warm the interiors at night. Many civilizations are known to use techniques for putting solar energy to work heating homes and buildings and many other things.
 Ancient Egyptian Housing Image Source: pp.emaze.com/egyptian-home |  |
Furthermore, some researchers believe that the ancient Egyptians developed highly-polished bronze mirrors that were strategically placed at the entrance of monuments and inside them to allow solar energy and sun rays to enter the building, lighting it up.
“The Greeks used the power of the sun by focusing its energy through a magnifying glass, to start their cooking fires. Sun power was also a major consideration in siting buildings. “Socrates taught classes on the art of passive solar architecture—how to build houses and other buildings to best take advantage of the sun’s light and energy.”
cleanchoiceenergy.com/Ancient_Solar
“The Greeks used the power of the sun by focusing its energy through a magnifying glass, to start their cooking fires. Sun power was also a major consideration in siting buildings. “Socrates taught classes on the art of passive solar architecture—how to build houses and other buildings to best take advantage of the sun’s light and energy.”
cleanchoiceenergy.com/Ancient_Solar
 |  |
Ancient Greek Housing Ancient House - Hippocrates Garden Cultural Center
Image Source: pinterest.com/pin/687a Image Source: kosexplorer.com/place/ancient-house
Image Source: pinterest.com/pin/687a Image Source: kosexplorer.com/place/ancient-house
The city of Olynthus in northern Greece became the first solar city of ancient Greece (4th century BC). Its streets were designed so that every house could face south.
The ancient Greeks, Romans, Native Americans, and Chinese also used similar techniques to help regulate the temperature in their homes. The Romans applied the same principles to heating their public baths, which could be quite large.
Image Source: crystalinks.com/romebaths.html
Image Source: crystalinks.com/romebaths.html
THE HISTORY OF SOLAR PANELS
The prehistory of the solar panel began in 1839 when 19-year-old physicist named Edmond Becquerel (French) was working on the coating of platinum electrodes using silver chloride. He discovered a rise in voltage on exposure to light, and the effect was named the photovoltaic effect
The prehistory of the solar panel began in 1839 when 19-year-old physicist named Edmond Becquerel (French) was working on the coating of platinum electrodes using silver chloride. He discovered a rise in voltage on exposure to light, and the effect was named the photovoltaic effect
Twenty years later no one had conceived the notion of the solar panel. It wasn’t even a glimmer in the eye of another Frenchman, Augustin Mouchot, when he predicted that eventually coal would be used up and invented a solar steam engine.
Augustin Mouchot’s solar engine
Image credit: Academie De Touraine
Image Source: ecotality.com/history-of-solar-panels/
Augustin Mouchot’s solar engine
Image credit: Academie De Touraine
Image Source: ecotality.com/history-of-solar-panels/
By 1883, American inventor Charles Fritts had devised the first proper “working” photovoltaic cell. The cell was fashioned from Selenium and had an efficiency of only one percent (1%.). The modules were constructed by coating a wide plate of copper with selenium and then topped it with an extremely thin semi-transparent layer of gold leaf, producing current that was continuous and constant. In 1884 Fritts installed the first roof mounted solar panels in the work in New York City.
Charles Fritts solar panels installed, NY(1884)
Image Credit: Smithsonian Magazine
Image Source: ecotality.com/history-of-solar-panels/
Charles Fritts solar panels installed, NY(1884)
Image Credit: Smithsonian Magazine
Image Source: ecotality.com/history-of-solar-panels/
Over the next two decades research continued on the photoelectric effect and solar cells.
In a famous paper published in 1905, Einstein explained the photovoltaic (PV) effect and postulated that light had an attribute that had not yet been recognized. Einstein said light contains packets of energy which he called light quanta (now called photons).
In a famous paper published in 1905, Einstein explained the photovoltaic (PV) effect and postulated that light had an attribute that had not yet been recognized. Einstein said light contains packets of energy which he called light quanta (now called photons).
The mid-twentieth century marks an important era of developments in solar panels. American engineer Russell Ohl made the groundbreaking discovery of the P-N junction where light causes electrons to flow from negative to positive, resulting in electrical current. He also invented the first modern cell using the P-N junction. Today’s PV cell is a lot similar to Ohl’s cell. Russell Ohl - Image Soiurce:
computerhope.com/1987.htm
In April, 1954 a slightly modified wafer of silicon, called a "solar cell", that converted sunlight directly into electrical energy was unveiled by Bell Telephone Laboratories in Murray Hill, NJ. The solar cell was an outgrowth of transistor research. It worked at an efficiency of six percent (6%), comparable to gasoline engines at the time.
computerhope.com/1987.htm
In April, 1954 a slightly modified wafer of silicon, called a "solar cell", that converted sunlight directly into electrical energy was unveiled by Bell Telephone Laboratories in Murray Hill, NJ. The solar cell was an outgrowth of transistor research. It worked at an efficiency of six percent (6%), comparable to gasoline engines at the time.
The Bell scientists believed that the efficiency figure could be raised to 10 per cent through normal engineering techniques. Daryl Chapin, Gerald Pearson, and Calvin Fuller of Bell Laboratories, publicly demonstrated the first photovoltaic cell. It powered a toy Ferris wheel and a radio transmitter.
The Bell Labs Team Image Credit: Greentech Media
Image Source: : ecotality.com/history-of-solar-panels/
The Bell Labs Team Image Credit: Greentech Media
Image Source: : ecotality.com/history-of-solar-panels/
A solar water heater dated 1929
Image Credit: Library of Congress
Image Source: businessinsider.com.au/solar-water-heater
Since the 1970 the idea of solar heating and solar power has been catching on slowly – boosted later on by the federal and state incentives -- and the sophistication and efficiency of the panels have been steadily improving. Many experimental houses were built under the auspices of universities as part of the early ecology/ save-the-planet movement before there was any public awareness of environmental impacts and no “green” movement.
Image Credit: Library of Congress
Image Source: businessinsider.com.au/solar-water-heater
Since the 1970 the idea of solar heating and solar power has been catching on slowly – boosted later on by the federal and state incentives -- and the sophistication and efficiency of the panels have been steadily improving. Many experimental houses were built under the auspices of universities as part of the early ecology/ save-the-planet movement before there was any public awareness of environmental impacts and no “green” movement.
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Example of 1970s panels - Image Source: Meadowvale Solar Home 1977 (Canada)
dreamstime.com/old-solar-panel-1970 Image Credit: Ottawa: Division of Building Research,
National Research Council - Image Source:
activehistory.ca/solar-heating-in-1970s
dreamstime.com/old-solar-panel-1970 Image Credit: Ottawa: Division of Building Research,
National Research Council - Image Source:
activehistory.ca/solar-heating-in-1970s
The Meadowvale Solar Home was an experimental home was built in 1977 to test the application of solar heating technology in Canada. While a success, it provided heat far less efficiently than the WATSUN model calculated and experienced many more technical problems than the model projected. [Picture Provided by: B. E. Sibbett and H. Jung, Performance of the Meadowvale Solar System (1981)].
THE UGLY-ROOF ERA
As popularity of using solar energy primarily for heating grew, so did the costs of the improved panels and the labor to install. According to solarenergyworld.com, “some people who claim to be pro-environment say they won’t go solar because they do not like how the panels look. This is surprising considering the devastating effect fossil fuels have had on the health of our planet. This proves beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”
THE UGLY-ROOF ERA
As popularity of using solar energy primarily for heating grew, so did the costs of the improved panels and the labor to install. According to solarenergyworld.com, “some people who claim to be pro-environment say they won’t go solar because they do not like how the panels look. This is surprising considering the devastating effect fossil fuels have had on the health of our planet. This proves beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”
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| Trash bags on the roof Image Source: celestialsolar.com/solar-pool-heating/ | Visual incompatibility of materials Image Source: 1.ciampeathehomedesignings.com/ |
One of the reasons solar panels are basically unattractive is because the people who build them – Giving them the benefit of the doubt -- are guided by size and the best and longest exposure to the sun. Aesthetics don’t mean much to a contractor who installs panels. The stark contrast between the solar panel in the second photo and the roofing material is not aesthetically pleasing.
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Layout looks helter skelter Forgotten trampoline on roof Visible boxes and power lines
Source of Images: evelectricity.com/solar
Source of Images: evelectricity.com/solar
In the first photo above, the materials don't look well together but it would look better with a racking system that allows for mounting the panels closer to the roof. In the second photo, the height and size make it appear that someone forgot their trampoline on the roof. The third photo is the way the side of the house looks from the street. Very unattractive.
Of course, most of us have to approach the purchase (or rental) of solar panels from the position of having to retrofit existing housing. Cost is always a factor. These kinds of solutions have been what the average Joe in the US can afford with or without government incentives. New construction has always offered more pleasant alternatives to the roof panel.
21st CENTURY INNOVATION SAVES THE DAY
Only in recent years have the technology and materials been developed to solve these problems. Now days, the entire roof of the house can be the solar energy system for the home.
“Small solar panels are typically miniature or technologically advanced versions of larger systems. This can range from a small solar panel of few solar cells wired together to make a small but easy-to-use solar panel, to nano-materials that are invisible to the naked eye but still produce electric current. Small solar panels can also be found in radio sets, transmitters, calculators and other portable appliances.” solarenergyfactsblog.com/small-solar-panels/
Today, solar panels and miniaturized solar cells come in a variety of forms and colors.
Of course, most of us have to approach the purchase (or rental) of solar panels from the position of having to retrofit existing housing. Cost is always a factor. These kinds of solutions have been what the average Joe in the US can afford with or without government incentives. New construction has always offered more pleasant alternatives to the roof panel.
21st CENTURY INNOVATION SAVES THE DAY
Only in recent years have the technology and materials been developed to solve these problems. Now days, the entire roof of the house can be the solar energy system for the home.
“Small solar panels are typically miniature or technologically advanced versions of larger systems. This can range from a small solar panel of few solar cells wired together to make a small but easy-to-use solar panel, to nano-materials that are invisible to the naked eye but still produce electric current. Small solar panels can also be found in radio sets, transmitters, calculators and other portable appliances.” solarenergyfactsblog.com/small-solar-panels/
Today, solar panels and miniaturized solar cells come in a variety of forms and colors.
Coming Soon - Spray-On Solar Panels
New spray-on solar technology can turn all windows and other exposed surfaces into solar panels. A film of light absorbing meta-nano-particles is sprayed on surfaces like windows to make them capable of trapping the sunlight and converting it to electricity. Perhaps one of the most advanced solar inventions, spray-on films can generate electricity on see-through glass and even exterior walls. However, this technology is still mostly
restricted to the lab.
Tiny spray on solar panel - Image Source: solarenergyfactsblog.com/
New spray-on solar technology can turn all windows and other exposed surfaces into solar panels. A film of light absorbing meta-nano-particles is sprayed on surfaces like windows to make them capable of trapping the sunlight and converting it to electricity. Perhaps one of the most advanced solar inventions, spray-on films can generate electricity on see-through glass and even exterior walls. However, this technology is still mostly
restricted to the lab.
Tiny spray on solar panel - Image Source: solarenergyfactsblog.com/
Thin Film Solar Panels
Thin film solar panels, which are comprised of a super-thin, flexible film, can be quite small and suited to specific purposes (like solar calculators). Their flexibility means that can be used almost anywhere and they’re finding more real-world applications as time goes on.
Thin film solar panels - Image Source: solarenergyfactsblog.com/
Thin film solar panels, which are comprised of a super-thin, flexible film, can be quite small and suited to specific purposes (like solar calculators). Their flexibility means that can be used almost anywhere and they’re finding more real-world applications as time goes on.
Thin film solar panels - Image Source: solarenergyfactsblog.com/
Solar Shingles and Tiles
Solar shingles are a variation of solar panels in the form of roof tiles. These solar panels resemble roofing tiles in size and texture and can be used for a (possibly) more aesthetically pleasing solar array. Modern solar tiles which use copper indium gallium selenide semiconductor films are cost effective
and efficient. There are now a variety of these on the market.Solar Shingles - Image Source: solarenergyfactsblog.com/
Solar shingles are a variation of solar panels in the form of roof tiles. These solar panels resemble roofing tiles in size and texture and can be used for a (possibly) more aesthetically pleasing solar array. Modern solar tiles which use copper indium gallium selenide semiconductor films are cost effective
and efficient. There are now a variety of these on the market.Solar Shingles - Image Source: solarenergyfactsblog.com/
This prefabricated home below has a roof made up of solar panels that do not call attention to themselves as such. Architect: Richard Pedranti.
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A pitched roof optimizes the RPA Prefab LivingHome 1
Image Source: dwell.com/article/plant-prefab-livinghomes
Image Source: dwell.com/article/plant-prefab-livinghomes
Below is the sample house built by Tesla Company using One of the several Tesla Roof Tiles.
 Solar roof tiles by Tesla Company - Images Source: understandsolar.com/pros-cons- solar-energy | Solar panels are extremely versatile in that they can be used anywhere in the world and in numerous different applications. They can be used by homeowners who connect to the utility grid, allowing them to sell excess electricity produced to the utility. |
Solar panels can be used in off-grid applications, allowing extremely remote homes that are too far from the utility grid to have electricity for the first time.
A small solar installation can even be coupled with batteries to create micro-grids shared by several communities, allowing remote villages to have electricity for the very first time.
A small solar installation can even be coupled with batteries to create micro-grids shared by several communities, allowing remote villages to have electricity for the very first time.
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This house in the UK has a roof made of roof tube
Source of Images: /roof-tube.co.uk/no-more-ugly-solar-panels/
Source of Images: /roof-tube.co.uk/no-more-ugly-solar-panels/
 |  | Lft - Solar roof tiles Image Source: goodshomedesign.com/green-electricity Center - Clay-looking solar tiles Image Source: energis.com.au/ |
VARIETY OF USES
In addition to heating houses and other buildings, solar energy is used to power many other things, many of which people see everyday. I found one use, however, that really surprised me.
In addition to heating houses and other buildings, solar energy is used to power many other things, many of which people see everyday. I found one use, however, that really surprised me.
The French have built the first solar panel road in the world. It runs for 1 kilometer through the small village of Tourouvre-au-Perche, in Normandy. It is the first “trial” piece of the French government’s initiative to cover a 1,000 km of the roads in France with solar panels.
Image Source: arch2o.com/first-solar-panel-road/
The road is expected to be used by approximately 2,000 motorists per day, generating 767 Kilowatt-hours which should be sufficient for supplying the 3,400-resident village’s streetlights with electricity. Still it cost 5 million euros which is highly cost ineffective.
Project directors believe that they are “still on an experimental phase,” and have learned new improved methods for the installation and manufacturing of the solar panels which can be used for the rest of the project.
What are these people thinking?
JUST SAYIN
■
Sources:
http://solarcellcentral.com/history_page.html
http://ww1.ciampeathehomedesignings.com/
https://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/what-happens-to-old-solar-panels/
http://solarenergyfactsblog.com/small-solar-panels/
https://ecotality.com/history-of-solar-panels/
https://www.arch2o.com/france-opens-worlds-first-solar-panel-road-normandy/
https://www.businessinsider.com.au/solar-price-terrordome-chart-2014-4
http://www.weatherfast.co.uk/
https://roof-tube.co.uk/no-more-ugly-solar-panels/
https://www.motherearthliving.com/green-homes/basics-passive-solar-home-design
https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2019/03/21/2019-architectural-digest-design-show/
https://www.solarenergyworld.com/most-people-no-longer-believe-solar-panels-are-ugly/
https://www.dwell.com/article/cube-two-x-nestron-035d916a/6848343031185362944
http://www.evelectricity.com/solar/solar-neighborhood.php
https://understandsolar.com/top-10-pros-cons-solar-energy
https://suncityenergy.com/2021/06/23/solar-house-design-considerations/
https://arxiv.org/vc/arxiv/papers/0910/0910.0128v1.pdf
https://cleanchoiceenergy.com/news/Ancient_Solar
http://www.kosexplorer.com/place/ancient-house-hippocrates-garden-cultural-center/
https://resource.cecsb.org/solar-design-in-ancient-greece/
https://www.suryaharapan.com/types-of-solar-panels/
https://www.solarmaxtech.com/blog/p.130303000/the-history-of-solar-power-solar-energy-in-ancient-times/
https://activehistory.ca/2015/11/tomorrow-sunny-the-rise-and-fall-of-solar-heating-in-1970s-canada-part-3/
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/experts-give-their-wisdom-on-todays-best-sustainable-building-practices
https://www.dwell.com/article/plant-prefab-livinghomes-richard-pedranti-architect-516c0549#:~:text=Plant%20Prefab%20has%20teamed%20up%20with%20Richard%20Pedranti,complete%20with%20all%20finishes%2C%20fixtures%2C%20and%20technic
Photos Only
https://antiquatedrecruited.blogspot.com/2019/09/ancient-greek-house-architecture.html
https://www.booking.com/hotel/eg/albabenshal.html#blockdisplay4
https://www.crystalinks.com/romebaths.html
https://www.computerhope.com/history/1987.htm
http://www.kosexplorer.com/place/ancient-house-hippocrates-garden-cultural-center/
https://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photos-old-solar-panel-1970-s-image6698778
https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/87310/egypt-welcomes-its-first-solar-powered-village
https://app.emaze.com/@AOFIFTFR/egyptian-homes-joeseph#1
https://www.goodshomedesign.com/generate-cheap-green-electricity-from-sunlight-with-solar-roof-tiles/
https://www.celestialsolar.com/services/solar-pool-heating/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjabo-_PA8wIV7FnBCh0arg3XEAEYASAAEgLP_vD_BwE
Image Source: arch2o.com/first-solar-panel-road/
The road is expected to be used by approximately 2,000 motorists per day, generating 767 Kilowatt-hours which should be sufficient for supplying the 3,400-resident village’s streetlights with electricity. Still it cost 5 million euros which is highly cost ineffective.
Project directors believe that they are “still on an experimental phase,” and have learned new improved methods for the installation and manufacturing of the solar panels which can be used for the rest of the project.
What are these people thinking?
JUST SAYIN
■
Sources:
http://solarcellcentral.com/history_page.html
http://ww1.ciampeathehomedesignings.com/
https://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/what-happens-to-old-solar-panels/
http://solarenergyfactsblog.com/small-solar-panels/
https://ecotality.com/history-of-solar-panels/
https://www.arch2o.com/france-opens-worlds-first-solar-panel-road-normandy/
https://www.businessinsider.com.au/solar-price-terrordome-chart-2014-4
http://www.weatherfast.co.uk/
https://roof-tube.co.uk/no-more-ugly-solar-panels/
https://www.motherearthliving.com/green-homes/basics-passive-solar-home-design
https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2019/03/21/2019-architectural-digest-design-show/
https://www.solarenergyworld.com/most-people-no-longer-believe-solar-panels-are-ugly/
https://www.dwell.com/article/cube-two-x-nestron-035d916a/6848343031185362944
http://www.evelectricity.com/solar/solar-neighborhood.php
https://understandsolar.com/top-10-pros-cons-solar-energy
https://suncityenergy.com/2021/06/23/solar-house-design-considerations/
https://arxiv.org/vc/arxiv/papers/0910/0910.0128v1.pdf
https://cleanchoiceenergy.com/news/Ancient_Solar
http://www.kosexplorer.com/place/ancient-house-hippocrates-garden-cultural-center/
https://resource.cecsb.org/solar-design-in-ancient-greece/
https://www.suryaharapan.com/types-of-solar-panels/
https://www.solarmaxtech.com/blog/p.130303000/the-history-of-solar-power-solar-energy-in-ancient-times/
https://activehistory.ca/2015/11/tomorrow-sunny-the-rise-and-fall-of-solar-heating-in-1970s-canada-part-3/
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/experts-give-their-wisdom-on-todays-best-sustainable-building-practices
https://www.dwell.com/article/plant-prefab-livinghomes-richard-pedranti-architect-516c0549#:~:text=Plant%20Prefab%20has%20teamed%20up%20with%20Richard%20Pedranti,complete%20with%20all%20finishes%2C%20fixtures%2C%20and%20technic
Photos Only
https://antiquatedrecruited.blogspot.com/2019/09/ancient-greek-house-architecture.html
https://www.booking.com/hotel/eg/albabenshal.html#blockdisplay4
https://www.crystalinks.com/romebaths.html
https://www.computerhope.com/history/1987.htm
http://www.kosexplorer.com/place/ancient-house-hippocrates-garden-cultural-center/
https://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photos-old-solar-panel-1970-s-image6698778
https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/87310/egypt-welcomes-its-first-solar-powered-village
https://app.emaze.com/@AOFIFTFR/egyptian-homes-joeseph#1
https://www.goodshomedesign.com/generate-cheap-green-electricity-from-sunlight-with-solar-roof-tiles/
https://www.celestialsolar.com/services/solar-pool-heating/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjabo-_PA8wIV7FnBCh0arg3XEAEYASAAEgLP_vD_BwE
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