How Does Solar Power Work?

Solar power converts sunlight into usable energy. It provides two main types of energy: electricity and heat . Solar panels are key to this process. They range from small rooftop setups to large solar farms spread across rural areas. Is Solar Power a Clean Energy Source? Yes! Solar power is renewable, endless, and produces no harmful greenhouse gases. As long as the sun shines, solar energy will be available. Solar panels have a low carbon footprint and last over 25 years. Plus, many materials in the panels are recyclable, making them even more eco-friendly. When Was Solar Power Discovered? Humans started using sunlight as early as the 7th century B.C. when they used shiny objects to reflect sunlight and start fires. By the 3rd century B.C., Greeks and Romans used mirrors to light ceremonial torches. In 1839 , French physicist Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect at just 19 years old. This showed how sunlight could create electricity. In 1954 , scientists at Bell Labs...