Most people are familiar with solar panels, and their main use. What fewer are familiar with is using solar as a source to power their homes.
Here are four historical facts you may not know about solar energy.
1. It's Incredibly Abundant
Solar energy is one of the most abundant energy resources on earth with 173,000 terawatts of solar energy strikes the Earth continuously. That's more than 10,000 times the world's total energy use.
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2. We Used Solar Power to Go to Space
The space industry was one of the earliest adopters of solar technology. The space industry began to use solar technology as early as the 1950s to provide power aboard spacecrafts. The Vanguard 1 was the first artificial earth satellite powered by solar cells, and remains the oldest manmade satellite in orbit —logging more than 6 billion miles.
3. Demand for Solar Keeps Growing
Today, demand for solar in the United States is at an all-time high. The amount of solar power installed in the U.S. has increased more than 23 times over the past eight years -- from 1.2 gigawatts (GW) in 2008 to an estimated 27.4 GW at the end of 2015.
4. Solar Is Cost-Effective
Solar energy is becoming an economical energy choice for American homeowners and businesses.
Stay tuned for more Energy Facts on the Gexa Energy blog.
Renewable energy is energy that is sustainable. Gexa Energy provides great prices on residential electricity plans powered by 100% green energy. Choosing renewable energy plans in Texas just got a whole lot easier. Find a plan today!
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