Following the early 1970s energy crisis, the concept of generating electricity from the sun rather than from nuclear-powered plants or fossil fuel reached mainstream American awareness. That is when Congress introduced the first laws mandating government funding for the evolution of solar energy solutions. The Solar Energy Research, Demonstration, and Development Act was introduced in 1974 and eventually passed during the Carter administration in 1978.
However, research on solar power already had begun more than a century before. In 1839, Edmond Becquerel, a 19-year-old French physicist, observed and published the photovoltaic effect: the ability to create energy from sunshine. How's that for foresight? And Becquerel's findings piqued the scientific community's interest in learning more. A flood of patents followed, covering ideas such as a solar-powered motor and printing machine. However, it took additional 75 years for anyone to start making money from solar energy. Bell Labs did not introduce the first viable solar cell until 1954. A year later, they developed their first solar panel, which was utilized to generate power by a phone company in Georgia.
Globalization of Solar Power
Fast forward to 2018, when the worldwide solar energy market was valued at $52.5 billion. It is estimated to exceed $223 billion by 2026. That is an exceptional pace of growth, which is wonderful news for individuals who care about the environment. According to a Pew Research Survey, while just 6% of Americans have put solar panels in their houses, the number of Americans who say they are considering solar has climbed to 46%, a 6% rise over the last four years. South-Atlantic residents are among the most enthusiastic about the solar rooftop system for homes.
Let There Be Light
And ideally, a lot of it. If you live in a regularly sunny area and your house isn't shaded by a lot of trees, constructing a system for your home may be a little easier. Your architect will calculate the number of “peak solar hours” that your home receives each day. Peak solar hours are when your home receives 1,000 watts per square meter of energy. Southern places see more peak solar hours, and we all experience more of them throughout the summer. Solar panels may not be recommended for your home if you get less than four peak sun hours each day, according to experts. However, the engineers of the residential solar systems are working around these hurdles. Solar panel placement and angle can be modified to enhance peak time. In addition, some strategic tree removal might make your home more solar-ready.
