Marcus Garvey once said, “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.” At Solenergy Systems Inc., we are committed to ensuring that we remain deeply rooted in our rich history with solar energy. Join us as we traverse 6,000 years of solar energy’s vital role in human civilization.
Tracing the History of Solar’s Importance
Did you know that John Perlin authored a 451-page book on the history of the Sun? We’ve distilled the most crucial insights into this engaging article. Here, we highlight some fascinating practices and details about how ancient civilizations revered the Sun and harnessed its energy.
Sun Gods Across Cultures
In ancient times, many cultures worshipped the Sun as a deity, signifying its paramount importance in daily life and natural events. For instance, in ancient Egypt, Re was celebrated as the Sun god and creator of the world. The Celts revered Lugh, while the Aztecs of central Mexico worshipped Tonatiuh. The Greeks and Romans paid homage to Apollo, while the African Fon people honored Liza. The ancient Chinese believed in the existence of Ten Suns, and early Japanese civilizations worshipped Amaterasu as their Sun goddess. Such deep faith underscores the Sun’s critical role in sustaining life on Earth, a belief that continues to resonate in many cultures and religions today.
Harnessing Solar Energy in Ancient Architecture
The use of passive solar energy has been prevalent since ancient times. In civilizations such as Greece, Pharaonic Egypt, and among Native American societies, homes and communities were strategically designed to optimize sunlight. Most structures were south-facing to capture ample winter sunlight. Notably, the Greeks constructed porticos with thick, evenly spaced pillars to filter sunlight for heating and lighting. They even established ‘Sun laws’ to protect individuals’ rights to sunlight. Marvels like the Mesa Verde cliff palace exemplify the precision and understanding of solar principles by ancient architects.
Solar Power in Warfare
Around 1000 BC to 1800 BC, the ancient Chinese ingeniously used concave reflectors to convert sunlight into fire as a means to combat adversaries. Over time, civilizations harnessed materials like glass and metals to further exploit solar power. From the creation of the first practical solar engine in 1906 to today’s advanced solar panels, humanity has significantly evolved in its use of solar energy.
The Future of Solar Energy
As one of the oldest sources of energy, solar power holds the key to mitigating climate change and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. Embracing solar technology is imperative for a sustainable future. If you are seeking a reliable partner for your solar project in the Philippines, Solenergy stands as the leading choice for transforming sunlight into sustainable energy.
Source: Tracing the History of Solar’s Importance for the Last 6000 Years