Solar power energy has been in existence quite literally for the entire history of the earth. Solar energy describes the energy imparted from the sun, a good deal of which reaches earth in the form of light and heat. This article examines how solar energy has been utilized throughout the years and takes a look at the many ways it is employed in modern times.

The history of solar energy as well as the development of solar panels

All through history mankind and indeed all types of flora and fauna have taken advantage of solar energy. Light and heat energy generated by the sun has been used to heat water, dry fur or clothes and to aid plants for example grow. Romans as well as Greeks alike used the sun’s rays for all types of inventions for example heating buildings and baths! The fantastic thing about solar energy was that and indeed is reliable: it will always be there and will never run out for the conceivable future of mankind.

The limitations history has had to deal with however is the fact that even though solar energy may perform certain things, it could never be focused enough to do anything more useful. However, with the advent of the first solar power panels it was all of a sudden feasible to use solar energy to produce electricity, making solar electricity infinitely more valuable! Through making use of photovoltaic cells light energy can be transformed into electricity. Although the first solar panels just weren't very efficient, present day solar panels power properties, businesses and cities! In fact solar panel installations have become by far the most desirable way of sustainable energy production across the UK and even the whole world. With solar panel installations now costing a median sized household close to £10,000, a solar panel installation has become an accessible sort of energy generation for many. Specially when one considers the economic rewards which may also be gained in many European counties. In the UK for instance as the system currently stands a typical sized residence may gain over £1000 in fiscal rewards annually! When one factors this into the reasons why the ancients loved solar energy i.e. its reliability, you'll be able to realise why solar panels have grown to be such an exciting and popular technology.

How solar panels are used today

Many European countries are increasingly turning to solar panels to satisfy their energy needs. In many instances solar panels are being used to create electricity to feed right into household or industrial circuits. Once inside the system when you use your Television or washing machine in the day time you're going to be making use of the electricity that your solar panels created. A more simplistic approach is that taken by many houses in Greece, who use solar panels largely for heating water. An additional use across Europe of a type which is becoming increasingly popular is using solar panels to power road signs. If you look properly in the UK and France for instance many road signs which light up or show information have solar panels connected up to them which are often visible. This greatly reduces energy bills, especially when one considers the number of electronic road signs you will find across Europe!

Right now solar panels can simply change light energy into electricity, but do not yet have the capacity to store energy and release it when needed. As it stands if you have a solar panel installation you'll be using solar electricity throughout the day but not through the night. The next move as well as the future for solar panels then is a system whereby light energy is converted into electricity and also stored so you will always be making use of free electricity for those who have a solar panel installation!