Stuff You Should Know Solar Power: The Future or What?
Aug 13, 2019
Discover the quiet rise of solar energy and its potential to phase out fossil fuels. Explore the historical journey of solar power, from its 1839 origins to modern advancements that make it a viable energy source. Learn about the financial benefits of adopting solar for homeowners, as well as the fascinating technology behind photovoltaic cells. Delve into innovative energy storage solutions that combine solar and hydroelectricity. Plus, enjoy some light-hearted discussions on the quirky side of solar energy!
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Solar Energy Potential
- The sun's rays offer immense energy potential, with Texas alone receiving 700 terawatts per hour at noon.
- This dwarfs global human-made energy production, highlighting solar's vast untapped potential.
Early Solar Discoveries
- In 1839, Alexandre Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect, but its mechanism remained unknown.
- Charles Fritz built the first (inefficient) rooftop solar array in the 1880s, showcasing early potential.
Einstein's Solar Contribution
- Einstein's 1905 explanation of the photoelectric effect, not relativity, earned him the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics.
- This breakthrough illuminated how solar cells convert light into electricity.