Human use of solar energy is nothing new, although the technological developments that have allowed us to harness it and convert it for a variety of uses is relatively new. Spacecrafts have used solar cells since the 1960s. In fact, Vanguard 1, the first orbiting satellite launched in 1958, carried a solar-powered transmitter.

Vanguard 1 is still in orbit. The solar-powered transmitter stopped operating in May 1964.

Other interesting facts about solar energy include:

• Alexandre Edmond Becquerel is credited with discovering the photovoltaic effect in 1893. The photovoltaic effect explains how sunlight can be converted to electricity.
• In 1941, Russell Ohl invented the solar cell.
• In 1954, Bell Laboratories invented the first commercial photovoltaic cell.
• The first solar cells were available to the public in 1956.
• Solar One is one of the earliest solar projects sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy. The Department of Energy began investing in solar power in the 1980s. In 1996, Solar Two joined Solar One in California’s Mojave Desert.
• Sunlight takes around eight minutes to reach Earth and solar panels. The photovoltaic cells in the panels cause a reaction between photons and electrons, causing the electrons to separate and then be channeled into usable electricity.
• Solar energy can run just about anything at home or work.
• Contrary to popular belief, solar panels don’t need direct sunlight to produce electricity. However, the more sunlight that beams onto the panels, the more efficiently they work!
• Just 191,000 square miles of solar panels can power the entire planet. Since the earth has 57 million square miles, there’s more than enough space.
• The sun strikes the earth, continually, with over 173,000 terawatts of energy. One terawatt is equal to one trillion watts.
• A rooftop solar panel system can reduce pollution by 100 tons of carbon dioxide in the lifetime of the panels.
• California leads the United States in solar energy production. The
• United States is one of the five global leaders in solar energy production, along with China, the European Union, Vietnam and Japan.

Solar is for kids, too

Converting energy from the sun into energy that can be used to improve lifestyles is with us to stay and is only going to get better. Future generations are going to continue to contribute to scientific advances and creative ways to get the most from the sun. The inquiring minds of kids can get an early start in learning about solar with some fun experiments.

Science Buddies, a 501 (c) 3 public charity that offers free science education resources to teachers and students has some fun solar energy projects for kids. Visit the Science Buddies website and learn how to build a solar oven or a solar-powered bristlebot.

Learn more about the benefits of solar energy

Reach out to the solar system experts at Premium Power Systems, the Arroyo Grande solar company to learn more about how solar energy can benefit your home or business.

Premium Power Systems has been a strategic part of powering the future for Arroyo Grande and the entire Central Coast since 2016.

One of the most experienced and long-standing names in the eco-friendly solar industry, the company brings a high level of expertise, knowledge, and diligence to every residential, commercial, and agricultural project.

In addition, Premium Power Systems’ services support on and off-grid solar systems, solar battery backup, and EV charging systems.

Call today and ask about your free solar system design!