Solar Energy and Future Trends

Israel's leadership in solar hot water is due to post-1948 war energy shortages and policies like the 1980 law requiring solar heaters in new buildings.
The U.S. has fewer solar water heaters due to cheap fossil fuels and lack of strong solar policies.
Silicon solar PV cells were invented in 1954 and first used on space satellites in 1958.
Earth intercepts about 173,000 TW of solar energy, far exceeding global energy use.
Solar cells use n-type (extra electrons) and p-type (missing electrons) silicon to create a p-n junction, generating electricity.
Electric current in a solar cell is created when sunlight knocks electrons loose, pushed by the p-n junction's electric field.
Solar cells last 25–30 years, but solar power is limited by sunlight availability, high costs, land needs, grid issues, and fossil fuel industry influence.
Solar PV cells are 15–22% efficient; powering the world would take approximately 500,000 square kilometers of solar panels.
Residential solar panel power increased by about 60% in the last decade.
Hawaii and California lead in solar PV due to high electricity prices, strong policies, sunny climates, and environmental awareness.

Electric vehicles (EVs) were the most popular car technology in 1900 (38% of U.S. vehicles).
Oliver Fritchle promoted EVs by driving from Nebraska to NYC in 1908, showcasing battery range.
The Ford Model T had an average mileage of 21 mpg.
An EV won the 1908 race between EV and ICE (gas) vehicles.
Wealthy individuals, particularly women, were early EV adopters due to quietness and ease of use.
Gas cars became dominant due to longer range, faster refueling, better infrastructure, and cheaper production.
GM's EV1 failed due to being a