Solar energy is a hot topic these days. Solar power, along with other forms of alternative power, continue to gain popularity not only with individuals but with companies, governments, manufacturers, etc.

You may be aware that global wind energy took a big jump in 2009.  And while that is a great and needed advance in the alternative energy arena, solar energy also managed to hold on strong. Per a report from the Solar Energy Industries Association, the U.S. solar energy industry continued to expand in 2009. Residential photovoltaic (PV) installation doubling in size was a key factor that helped rocket solar energy installations by 37% in 2009.

But let’s be honest, State and Federal incentives and credits may have had a little impact on that increase as well.

Here’s a quick look at how photovoltaic solar cells got where they are today:

As we know, the sun has been used as a source of power and energy for centuries. As early as the 7th century B.C. man was using the sun’s rays to make fire or even to burn ants (which is something kids still do today to show the power of the sun).

Between the 1st and 4th centuries A.D. Roman bathhouses would often have south facing windows and/or open roofs to let in the sunlight and use it to warm the bathhouse.

That type of design is still used in buildings today so homeowners and business owners can take advantage of the natural light/warmth the sun provides. It saves on heating and electric expenses without even the need for solar panels.

Skylights, daylights, lots of windows or even a small atrium are simple and relatively inexpensive ways to let the sun provide light and warmth to a building.

In the late 1700′s Horace de Saussure was credited with building the world’s first solar collector. That same solar collector was what Sir John Herschel used on his South African Expedition, during the 1830′s, to cook his food.

De Saussure also put together a small greenhouse around the same time period, in order to test how effective glass would be at harnessing the power of the sun.

Greenhouses and solar ovens/cookers continue to provide us with a way to grow and cook using the power of the sun. Go here for more information on de Saussure’s work.

In 1839 French Scientist Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovaltaic effect. Years later, in the early 1900′s, Albert Einstein even got into the “solar field” when he published a paper on the photoelectric effect. His research and paper helped win him a Nobel Prize in 1921.

In the 1940′s, as a result of scarce energy due to WWII, many families and builders voiced a strong demand for solar.

Then in the early 1950′s Photovoltaic technology was officially born in the U.S. At the Bell Telephone Laboratory, three men developed a silicon PV cell. It was “the first solar cell capable of converting enough of the sun’s energy into power to run everyday electrical equipment“.

The initial solar cell had 4% efficiency and was later improved upon to reach 11% efficiency.  Since then different solar cells vary on their efficiency and even include solar cells that collect energy at night.

Towards the end of the 50′s, despite the fact that the silicon solar cell hadn’t caught on commercially, it did become the accepted energy source for space applications/satellites, etc. It remains so today.

Now we not only have solar panels on our roofs, but we have solar shingles, solar skylights that pump energy into dark interior spaces, solar vehicle charging stations, entire solar farms, solar heaters, solar lights, solar cookers, solar radios, solar flashlights, solar spray, solar cell phone chargers, etc, etc. I could go on and on.

However, renewable energy sources on Earth, such as wind and solar, will only be able to go so far. How long until we no longer want to see large wind or solar farms polluting the landscape and taking up every inch of usable land in order to generate enough energy?

Well, that’s where Space Solar Power hopes to step in as a possible future for solar energy. By using space-based systems, the sun’s energy can be captured and converted into usable power here on Earth.

The future of solar continues to evolve as we learn and experiment with new and brighter ideas on how to capitalize from the energy of the sun. Where do you think the future of solar is going to lead?

For a more complete history of solar, check out “The History of Solar” from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Images courtesy of: lauren keith, spacepleb and doug88888 via flickr, archinnovations.com, blog.modernmechanix.com, sunflowerdaylighting.com and space.com.

When someone starts talking to you about solar, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Well, if you’re like most people, you probably think of the solar panels that are installed on homes and businesses around the world.  But, solar panels aren’t just for homes anymore. These days there are many creative ways people are using the sun to power up. You can find anything from solar backpacks to solar cell-phones and chargers to solar cookers to solar powered bicycles, cars and more.

Do you consider yourself solar-minded? Do you have a favorite solar powered gadget? What is it?  Here are a few creative and/or odd solar gadgets for the solar-minded individual:

1) Solar Powered CoolerBot: If you were hoping this was a solar powered beer cooler, I’m sorry to let you know it’s not. But it is a very cool robot made from a cooler. It was designed to be used for nature photography and surveillance. It’s rugged, water-proof and built to withstand the outdoors to help you get that perfect nature shot.

2) Solar Powered Water Bottle: That’s right….it’s a water bottle by day and a lantern by night. I know, it’s not exactly one of those jump up and down about gadgets. But if it works, it’s something that might come in handy while out camping or on an evening hike.

3) Automower® Solar Hybrid: The Automower® is like a Roomba® for your lawn. While it may be a little bit of a hassle to set up, it is the world’s first fully-automated lawn mower that is in part powered by the sun. During the day the solar cells help increase mowing time between recharges.  On top of that it comes with a timer and anti-theft alarm (so you don’t have to worry about the neighbor snagging your new mower). This is definitely not your daddy’s lawn-mower!

4) Sun Oven® (aka a solar oven/BBQ): This is a great solar gadget for people who enjoy the outdoors. Rather than hauling out and firing up the BBQ, only to deal with all the smoke, flames, etc., you just pull out the good ‘ole sun oven. It apparently requires only minimal sun to bake, boil or steam foods including meats, vegetables, breads, soups, etc. Your food won’t have that “cooked on the grill” taste, but that doesn’t mean it won’t taste good. Just let the sun do the work.

5) Solar Panel Mat: Just what any outdoor person needs, right?! Well, if you truly are an outdoors-type person then yes. The solar panel mat is a simple, flexible and easily transportable method of getting energy in a pinch. Whether you need to charge your cell phone, your laptop, your camera, your car battery, etc. the solar panel mat is the gadget of choice. Just lay it down and start charging.

6)  Solar-powered bra: This gadget is designed for the seriously solar-minded female to promote clean energy and eco-awareness. The solar-powered bra can be used to power a variety of electronic devices including cell phones, i-pods and even its built-in “chest-mounted electric billboard”.  Then as an added bonus, it comes with a pair of re-usable drink pouches. Interesting concept, but do you think it will catch on?

So, if you are a truly solar-minded individual, then you might want to get more information on some of these solar powered gadgets.  You may find they are right up your alley. Let me know what solar-powered gadget is right for you!

Image by Mike Weston (via Flickr)

Many people have taken advantage of solar technology as it is a great source of alternative energy during the summer months when the sun is high in the sky.  But what about during the winter months?  Will your solar panels work the same during the winter?  What about if the panels get covered with snow?

One good thing is that since solar panels work on light not heat, cold winters aren’t a factor in keeping your solar panels generating energy throughout the winter. However, during the winter months there are shorter daylight hours, so you’re pretty much guaranteed your panels won’t generate as much energy as they do during the summer. Additionally, snow is a factor in keeping your solar panels working. If the panels get covered by snow they might stop producing power.

Did you know “because of the way solar panels are wired together, a little bit of snow – or bird droppings or leaves – blocking just a portion of an array can dramatically cut the output“? Needless to say, your panels will work better with no snow on them.

So even though it’s not on the top of your list during the holidays, you’ll want to keep your solar panels clean and functioning as best as they can during the winter. Solar panels can still generate energy under overcast or cloudy conditions, but if your panels are covered with snow, it is less likely light will be able to get through.  Some tips I’ve heard about removing snow from your solar panels include:

1) Use a roof rake or similar tool to pull the snow off the panels.  Be careful though as you don’t want to scratch the panels.  Some people recommend adding a squeegee strip to the bottom of it, as it will be softer on your panels.

2) Clear away a small patch of snow and let the sun do the rest.  Once a small patch is removed, the solar panel attracts the sun and it can sometimes assist in getting the rest of the snow to melt on its own.

3) If it isn’t too cold, spray the snow off the roof and panels with a garden hose.

4) If you can keep your solar panels tilted, the snow will be easier to get off and sometimes will slide off on its own.

But don’t forget, even though your solar panels may not be producing as much energy as they did during the summer months, you may have accumulated excess energy during the summer that can help offset your winter usage.  (Check with your local utility.)

If you don’t already have solar panels, it’s definitely an investment worth considering…you can get federal tax credits for energy-efficient improvements too. If you do have panels and have any other great tips for keeping your solar panels working during the winter, I’d love to hear them!