solar energy for the home
Long before the advancements we see today in photovoltaics, or solar panels, the Greeks and Romans understood the power of the sun. Their homes were built facing the sun so the warmth could be collected within the walls of the home. While these ancient people probably had little idea how powerful their choices really were, they undoubtedly understood that the sun was warm and they wanted to harness that warmth in some way. When homes were built facing the sun, the amount of wood used in the home for fuel was lessened.
The Photovoltaic Effect
Solar energy as we harness it today, is based on the photovoltaic effect and this is where AE Becquerel comes into the picture. In 1839, this scientist discovered the process by which the sun’s energy could be transferred into electricity. Once the effect was understood, the scientific community took hold and started experimenting with its use in real world situations.
Auguste Mouchout invented the first solar energy powered motor during the Industrial Revolution. While everyone was pushing the use of coal as the primary means of fuel, this scientist swore the coal would eventually run out and tried to convince others of this fact. No one listened.
Other scientists would take the power of the sun very seriously throughout the years with some, like Albert Einstein, winning awards for their work in the field. But, despite the intrigue, solar energy was just not important or affordable enough to worry about until the effects of global warming became evident.
Find out who discovered solar energy.
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Solar Energy/Hope for the Future [VHS]
$14.98 ... |
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Who Killed the Electric Car?
$8.66 IN 1996, ELECTRIC CARS BEGAN TO APPEAR ON RAODS ALL OVERCALIFORNIA. THEY WERE QUIET FAST, PRODUCED NO EXHAUST & RAN WITHOUT GASOLINE. 10 YEARS LATER, THESE FUTURISTIC CARS WEREALMOT ENTIRELY GONE. WHAT HAPPENED? WHY SHOULD WE BE HAUNTED BY THE GHOST OF THE ELECTRIC CAR?... |
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Modern Marvels: Renewable Energy
$12.74 MODERN MARVELS:RENEWABLE ENERGY - DVD Movie... |
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A Complete Guide to the Installation of Off-Grid PV Solar Power Systems
$55.00 This DVD set is a 4 hour, 16 chapter comprehensive course on the installation of Off-Grid photovoltaic solar power electric systems. It is designed to take the complete beginner to full competency. The course is taught by Bob Nagy who is the teacher in over 40 videos on high-tech subjects. Bob's bio includes 20 years at the University of Texas, ABC TV, and NASA. His clear and friendly style bri... |
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Energizer Rechargeable Batteries
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Westek SLC6CFL 100W Programmable Screw-In Light Control, White
$6.50 Adds safety security and convenience. Programmable off-timer from 2,5,8 hours random off timer deters intruders. Contact plunger allows adjustment of sensor window direction for optimum performance. Works with incandescent and compact fluorescent bulb. Digital microprocessor for full brightness and no flicker operation. Turn lights on at dusk and off at programmed time.... |
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C. Crane BNB Bright Night LED Nightlight Bulb
$4.95 Finish:Black The CC Vivid Bright Night puts out less light than a conventional 4-watt incandescent bulb, but it does serve the purpose of low illumination at night and lasts a long time. E12 type Candelabra base bulb Last 20,000+ hours Run cool Won't shatter like glass Energy efficient. Fits most standard night-light fixtures 1.3 watts 2-year limited warranty... |
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ReVIVE Series Solar ReStore External Battery Pack with Universal USB Charging Port for Portable Smartphones / E-readers / MP3 Players and More USB Powered Devices
$27.99 Portable Extended Battery Charge Pack This easy-to-use, multi-functional charger let's you take charging on-the-go. It's equipped with a universal USB charging port & a powerful internal backup battery that stores backup power for when you are away from outlets. Charge it up by the power of the Sun, USB or an AC outlet to provide a full-charge to most mobile devices. It's also designed with a conv... |
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PowerCost Monitor TM
$99.99 As unobtrusive as a small electric clock, the PowerCost MonitorTM is a powerful real-time direct feedback display device that measures home electricity usage. It tells at a glance, in real-time, how much electricity your home is using in dollars and cents and in kW. Domestic energy use studies have demonstrated that real-time feedback yields energy savings anywhere between 10 and 20 percent. The ... |
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Solar Mobile Charger w/Built-in Li-ion Battery & 6 Power Tips (Black) - Recharge Your Mobile Devices On The Go!
$12.35 Solar Mobile Charger w/Built-in Li-ion Battery & 6 Power Tips (Black) - Recharge Your Mobile Devices On The Go!... |
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Convert Your Home to Solar Energy (Paperback)
$22.2 This colorful volume presents information on all of the major methods of harnessing solar energy for your home. Intended for home owners and designed to cover most aspects of the solar conversion, the work walks the reader through the planning, install... |
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LED Solar Light Black Labrador Dog Lantern
$37.99 Solar-powered, energy-saving dog-lantern turns on automatically when darkCanine lamp-holder is corrosion-resistantDog-lantern includes rechargeable Ni-Cd AA battery |
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Accent Solar Garden Fence Cap Lights (Set of 8)
$68.57 Solar garden fence cap lights come in a set of eightEnergy-saving garden lighting is water-resistantSolar-powered lights each contain one super bright white LED bulb |
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White Square Solar Fence-mount Post Lights (Set of 6)
$53.99 Easy to install, these square solar fence-mount lights save energy and charge by sunlight. These lights feature a water-resistant design, white finish and can be placed on posts measuring 4-5 inches wide. |
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Stainless Steel White LED Solar Lights (Set of 12)
$62 White LED solar lights come in a set of 12Energy-saving landscape lighting is made with stainless steelSolar-powered lights require no wiring |
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Shepards Hook Solar Hanging Lantern (Set of 6)
$64.99 Brighten your outdoor decor with a set of hanging lanternsGarden lights are powered by the sun, no wires requiredEnergy-saving lights come with a durable stainless steel Shepards hook stand |
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Stainless Steel Color Changing Solar Lights (Set of 12)
$75.99 Solar lights come in a set of 12Landscape lighting is constructed of stainless steelEnergy-saving lights change color |
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New Solar Comfort Metal Infrared Electric Space Heater
$0 Heat your home with an energy efficient New Solar Comfort Metal infrared electric space heaterHouseware item offers metal finishHeater features thermostat |
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Rock Solar Spot Lights (Set of 6)
$61.99 Brighten your outdoor decor with a set of rock spot lightsGarden lights are powered by the sun, no wires requiredEnergy-saving lights are fast and easy to install |
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Plastic Solar-powered Landscape Lights (Set of 12)
$51.04 Solar-powered plastic solar lights come in a set of 12Landscape lights require no wiringEnergy-saving garden lighting is recharged by sunlight |
