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Solar Energy

Solar Energy: The Only Consistent Fuel Without Waste


"The use of solar energy has not been opened up
because the oil industry does not own the sun."
- Mr. Ralph Nader

Our entire country is being controlled by the fossil fuel that we call oil. Not only do all of our motor vehicles depend on it but with out oil the country would literally be shut down unable to function. Every one of us is affected by fluctuation of gas prices at the pump. But humanity has always been in search of a fuel that never runs out, has multiple uses, and can be used in every day life that is cost effective. Most of the Solar power that exists today has been a combined result of the understanding and harnessing of the sun's power. We need to look at solar energy seriously as a possible solution. Looking at solar energy's history gives the reader a broad look at this alternative energy choice.
Ever since the dawn of time, the sun has been a resource we cannot live or do without, so it's not such a shock that man has come up with the idea of solar energy. Solar energy had many uses. Some can be dangerous and some, a very valuable asset to the modern world. Solar energy is energy derived from the sun in a form of ultra-violet rays. Its was first applied to use in 212 B.C., by the Greek genius Archimedes. Solar energy was used to defend the harbor of Syracuse against the Roman fleet. Archimedes used a mirror or "burning mirror" as they had called it, to set fire to the ships of the Roman fleets while standing on shore (Cheremisinoff). It wasn't until 1615 when

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Salomon de Caux constructed the first solar device; a solar engine. His device was made of glass lenses, supporting frame, and an airtight metal vessel containing water and air.
This produced a small water fountain when the air heated up during operation. This was considered to be more of a toy than a device, but it was the first published account of the use of solar energy since the fall of the Roman...