Solar Aviation
It is possible to fly a plane with solar power. The first fully solar powered flight dates back to 1974 with an unmanned aircraft called Astro Flight Sunrise. One of the main issues with solar powered flight is the weight involved. Batteries and solar panels are not light!
Solar Power Causes No Pollution
In case you didn't know, solar power is non-polluting! There are no poisonous emissions involved when using solar power like there are with fossil fuels.
Noise Free
One of the best facts about solar energy is that it is noiseless. Solar panels do not make any noise when they are absorbing the sun's rays!
Predicted By Da Vinci
Da Vinci was not only an artist, but also a scientist and an extremely intelligent man. He predicted the use of the sun for power way back in 1447. He was a true visionary.
Federal Solar Tax Credit
The Federal Solar Tax Credit is offered in all 50 states in the U.S. This credit allows you to receive 30% off the installation by tax claim.
Cell Phones
Cell phones and other small electronics can now be charged using solar power. You can find them all over the internet, but be sure to check their ratings and costs.
San Francisco's Solar Power
San Francisco, California has enough sunshine year-round to supply electricity to all its schools and government buildings. All they need to do is put solar panels on their roof tops!
John Herschel
Scientist John Herschel used solar energy to cook his food on an expedition in Africa in the 1830s. The device he used was called a "hot box," which was invented in 1767 by scientist Horace de Saussure. Solar power has come a long way over the past 200 years.
On a side note, John Herschel's father discovered the planet Uranus! His name was Sir William Herschel.
On the Market in 195
1956 marks the first year that solar energy panels were put on the market. The cost of a single watt solar panel was $300. By 1958, space programs were using solar power, too!
Primary Life Source
Even though we humans think we are embarking on some newfound way to harness energy, solar power in itself is the life force for all living things since the beginning of time. Without the sun, there would be no life on earth.