Interesting & Fun Facts About Solar Power

Although the term solar power has been talked about frequently of late, there is still quite a bit you may not be aware of. While you are probably aware that it is better for the environment, do you really know the facts about solar power? If not, read on to find out more.

Here are some basic facts to get you up to date:

Solar energy reaches Earth from the sun through its rays.
This energy that comes from the sun comes in the forms of light and heat. This is why it is perfect for solar home heating and electricity. However, that is certainly not all you can do with solar power.
While the term solar energy refers to the use of energy from the sun, it more specifically refers to the utilization of the sun's energy for electricity.

Here are some fun facts about solar energy:

More than 10,000 homes in the United States are powered entirely by solar energy. This number would most probably be far higher if people knew the benefits of solar power.
There is enough sunlight that falls on the Earth's surface every hour to meet the overall world energy demand for an entire year. Why waste energy when you can reuse the abundance we receive every hour?
Silicon from just one ton of sand that is used in photovoltaic cells can produce as much electricity as you will find burning 500,000 tons of coal.
The first big solar power plant opened in California in 1982. More than 25 years later a lot has evolved. However, it is going to take many more people using solar power for a difference to be seen.
In the 1830's, the British astronomer John Herschel used a solar collector box to cook food during an expedition to Africa. This shows you that almost two centuries ago people were using solar energy. Not only that, but it was used for cooking which can certainly be done today as well.
Albert Einstein won the Nobel Prize in 1921 for his experiments with solar power and photovoltaics.