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In some dictionaries life is defined, as a power that demonstrates a purpose to feed, process matter into energy, grow, and reproduce. Life means existence, a state of being. No matter how we look at the definitions, one thing is clear: life is the energy driving the universe and all its happenings, and for humans and all the living organisms, life, or being alive, is a force entirely dependent on special factors such as air, water, light and much more elements that interact to support existence in all its forms and each of them is equally important for the survival of the species…

All these resources are an abundant presence on Earth, but nothing can last forever. Polluted water is not usable, air is itself contaminated on many parts of the Globe, mineral resources are non-renewable and light… natural light has its benefits but also it can constitute a danger for the species if we consider the UV emissions reaching Earth’s atmosphere.

Light influences all life on Earth directly or indirectly. Plants need light for photosynthesis, therefore for growing and in exchange they forward their energy to the animals that consume them. At the same time animals need light for a harmonious evolution and even nocturnal ones require some low level illumination. Lack of natural light causes various disorders by people and the same happens by plants and animals.

UV light can harm living organisms in several ways. For example plants overexposed to UV light reduce size and are more susceptible to specific diseases. The light coming direct from the sun sends to earth three types of ultraviolet: UV-A (380-315 nm), UV-B (315-280 nm) and UV-C (280-10 nm). Due to the absorption in the atmosphere’s ozone layer, 99% of the ultraviolet light that reaches the Earth’s surface is UV-A.

While UV-A causes plants only a little harm, UV-B, which is a shorter wavelength, can damage plant tissue and in humans it can cause skin cancer. UV-C is the part from the UV spectrum with the shortest wavelength and all bacteria and virus get deadly sunburn in an artificial UV-C filter system. Certainly UV light has its paradoxes: even if it is harmful in one way, it is useful in another. Medicine is using this artificial UV light to cure difficult skin conditions such as psoriasis eczema, lymphoma, acne, a-topic dermatitis, and so on.

Fact is that plants don’t need too much UV light, on the contrary. This is why crop production with artificial light means that will eliminate the dangerous UV emissions seems to be the next logical step.

Growing Plants Technology - Crop Production Systems

The target of crop production systems is to develop innovative technologies that lower the costs of harvest and ensure ecologically aware crop farming.

The crop production systems do not disregard important factors that influence plant development: temperature, humidity, light, carbon dioxide, water and nutrients. All these blend to create the ideal environment for a plant to grow and reproduce as well as they influence size, seeds, plant health and so on. Each plant will progress in its own manner, depending on the environment. Since a long time already biologists are studying the factors that influence vegetation’s evolution. Light is a very important factor and researchers were able to determine exactly which wavelengths are the ones plants need for their growth. Some colours in light rays are essential for good plant evolution. Vegetation mirror and receive a small amount of energy from yellow and green emissions of the visible spectrum. However the red and blue fractions of the light continuum are the most valuable energy resources for plant life, and plants necessitate more red (625 to 675 nm) than blue (400 to 470nm). Yellow (525 nm) triggers photosynthesis too, while IR influences seed spurring and UV colour and scent.

How Light Colour Influences Plant Growth

Blue light: plants react to the intensity of blue light. Lessening the blue light will cause poor growth - the strength of the radiation in any other part of the spectrum is not as important as the intensity of the blue, which shapes height and quality.

Red (660 nm) and infrared (730 nm) (also known as IR or far red) light: Intensifying the total of IR in relation with 660 nm red makes plants grow tall and thin. On the other hand if red is increased while IR diminished, plants will be short but thick. Plant reactions are not linear with the red/far red ratio and they can also vary in their response to red and far red light.

Ultraviolet light (UV): While overexposure is dangerous, small amounts of UV light can be beneficial for the flora. In many cases UV light is a very important cause for colours, taste and aroma. But UV-C and UV-B are believed to stop plant spread and this is why they have to be removed from the light under which plants are developed in green houses by UV stabilisers or glass. Removal of the UV up to 400nm is might be effective also in case of virus carrier insects (as insects see partly in UV).

Direct light from the Sun distributes the useful wavelengths only on special times of the day and in small quantum enough for a harmonious growth in some parts of the Earth, yet not enough on others.

Crop production systems are dealing with such problems and find ways to replace natural light with artificial light. The idea of growing plants under artificial illuminators is not new at all. Long time ago NASA started to grow plants in space, and the results were astonishing. Nowadays we know that by using the correct wavelength plants develop harmonious and healthy, sure if they have all the other conditions ensured. Yet getting light of the correct wavelength is not an easy task, especially if one takes into account the costs and efficiency of such light sources.

LED Lighting Technologies to Substitute Natural Light

To substitute natural light is quite difficult also if you consider how hard it is to obtain light near the visible part of the spectrum with traditional luminaries. Light emitting diodes are here to change that difficulty.

SSL (solid state lighting) is the youngest lighting technology and by now is believed to be more efficient than incandescence and fluorescence due to the fact that SSLs produce light at or near the visible part of the spectrum and as a result the emitted light can be used straight or with minor conversion. One of the most important advantages is that SSL technology has eliminated damaging components from the light sources (remember: light emitting diodes contain no ultraviolet unless they are produced as UV LEDs).

NASA is already using SSL in its space farming systems. The reasons are quite simple: incandescent or fluorescent lamps are not efficient enough for such purposes, because they consume a lot of electrical power, generate heat and contain electrodes that burn out (maintenance costs are high). This is why NASA’s plant physiologists started to work with light emitting diodes (blue and red) to grow salad plants such as lettuce and radishes. The researchers found our that blue and red light is essential for plant growth and, in general, a percentage of 8% blue LEDs and 92% red LEDs, both with the same frequency and relative intensity per LED, are enough for a harmonious evolution. Blue has a smaller influence than red; however a percentage between 1% and 20% of blue light can be selected, depending on the plants and their growth requirements. The NASA scientists have tried to create the most cost and energy efficient light sources possible, and this is why they have eliminated from the fixtures other colours normally found in white light. “What we’ve found basically is that we are able to limit the amount of colour we give to the plants and still have them grow as well as with white light.” said the research scientist Greg Goins of Dynamac Corp. LEDs are not the only ones efficient for growing plants: sulphur microwave lamps are the most efficient light sources known to man, that can generate as much light as the noonday sun, perfect for illuminating large-scale systems such as greenhouses. For smaller applications, such as indoor gardens, LEDs seem to be the right choice.

Pros and Contras LED Grow Light Systems

There are some pro and contras when it comes to LED grow light systems. When planning such farming alternatives, one has to carefully consider that plants do use light at all wavelengths from UV to IR, as explained above, needed to convert water and carbon dioxide into sugars. Some plants use more red and blue, less green and yellow, while others use green as much as they use red and blue, as well as the light in between. If LEDs are chosen for brightness, there is one aspect to be underlined: they just look bright because their light is unidirectional and their size is small. To get enough light there are many LEDs needed, that’s why the cost of LED arrays or LED modules is so high. LEDs can be calibrated to emit only the light most efficient for the plants, but not all the light plants need. This is why such light sources are recommended only in places where direct light from the sun is not enough or inexistent - space farming for example. Also in places where light from the sun is too strong and can harm the plants with the high emission of UV, LEDs are a good choice, because UV filters are stopping some of the useful wavelengths too. In wintertime the weather conditions restrain crop production; this is why greenhouses need a substitute for the natural light. It makes sense to deliver plants the minimum lighting conditions for a corresponding evolution.

There are some significant factors to take into account when choosing light sources for such applications and these are low costs, energy efficiency, long life, and ability to withstand voltage fluctuations, modularity in order to grant users the possibility to assemble arrays that gives as much light as needed, where needed. LEDs are pretty efficient in the conversion of electric power to light, in any case more than traditional fluorescent and incandescent lamps. Due to the fact that light emitting diodes can be manufactured to emit a specific wavelength and are expected to have a long life span (from 50000 hours up), many plant physiologists are considering using them in large applications. Compared to LEDs most of the other traditional lamps have to be replaced every two-three years. Other features such as choice of viewing angles, control options, instant turn on times, cold start and much more, recommend the semiconductor devices. At present this is still an expensive technology, but in time LEDs efficiency will be maximized while prices reduced and these details are a good base for future planning.

My-tronic GmbH to Produce LED Grow Light Systems on Request

It is so far clear that in order to produce efficient LED grow light systems a lot of investigation is necessary. It is not enough to mount some blue and red LEDs on a PCB and say: “that’s it; we’ve got the plant growing LED system”. NASA created only a mechanism that delivers the minimum amount of light needed for some plants. For greenhouses on Earth other questions need to be answered: how much blue, how much red? What about the other colours, what about UV and IR? Should the light pulse? Should it be dimmed in the morning and evening to imitate natural conditions (sunrise and sunset?). Do plants need light at night? And the list remains opened.

At my-tronic GmbH there are no plant physiologists, but only engineers ready to bring their technical expertise to scientists in order to build the best light sources for LED plant growth systems. The domain is still new and can be considered a challenge for any researcher. Still my-tronic’s engineers know exactly which are the LEDs’ limitations, what can be done with such devices and what not. And the company’s motto: “bringing light in your lives” is also a statement of commitment to life and development.

About the Author

Mihaela Lica started her career as a reporter for the National Romanian Radio Station, worked as a PR Referent in a bank, later used to work as a military journalist for the Romanian MoD and now she is the PR and Media Manager for the German company my-tronic GmbH.

Algebra is a crucial concept in Mathematics, which deals with equations, inequalities, fractions and expressions. Being one of the main branches of mathematics, it forms an integral part of elementary education. Concepts in combinatorial mathematics, variables, polynomials and factorization are the main areas which algebra deals with. Advanced algebra also deals with symbolizations and set theory where the computation of unknown values is made possible based on certain predetermined facts.

Algebra and its Relationship with Geometry

Geometry is focused on using algebraic expressions to calculate dimensions of a circle, determining if a curve is a parabola or hyperbola or even pinning down the directrix of a hyperbola. From the very fundamental operations of computing the midpoint of a line or the radius of a circle to the more complex operations of determining if a parabola opens up or to compute its directrix, algebra makes its presence visible to a high level of purpose in the field of geometry.

Algebra - Solving Equations & Exponents

Algebra can solve any equations from linear or quadratic to radical or exponential. Using algebraic expressions one can solve inequalities and even graph systems of fractional equations and fractional inequalities. Playing with exponents is no longer an problem when you start using algebra. As in with every other subdivision of mathematics, in algebra too, basic laws and rules can be applied to add, subtract, divide and multiply expressions in order to solve problems.

Simplify Fractions and Polynomials - Using Algebra Calculators

No matter in which area you find trouble when it comes to math, algebra solvers can help you. The algebra software solves problems posted and is able to produce results immediately. Complex matrix problems like inverse matrix and other matrix operations could be solved using algebraic calculators. solving algebraic and arithmetic expressions along with factoring polynomials to determining the Least Common Multiple and Greatest Common Divisor is now a piece of cake with the latest algebra solvers.

Professional Help Within Arm’s Reach

Students often get professional help from tutors who will provide you with a step-by-step solution for your troubles. Math private instructors are at your disposition for those complicated problems which can get you easily bugged. The math solvers that are available in today’s market come with numerous options that will suit your every need. When it comes to algebraic software, you will find different functions from algebraic calculators to other functions that can tackle any math problem.

Algebra is one of the most influential and superior branches of maths. Although at beginning it may look to just fly over your head, a lot practicing helps pupils to understand the subject. pupils will have to study this for many levels, thus it is crucial to create a powerful base from the beginning.

Areas that are Difficult

Algebra covers a large number of topics, graphing curves being one of them. This could include graphing a circle , graphing systems of radical inequalities, graphing inequalities or graphing quadratic equations. Some Other topic that is part of algebra has to do with exponents. This can range from subtracting exponents, dividing exponents or just employing the laws of exponents. Rationalizing, factorizing, matrices, hyperbolas and quadratics all have to do with algebra.

Some students find algebra kind of awful. However, in today’s day and age that is not a trouble as almost all pupil is capable of getting to and using a computer. A pupil can easily use online mathematics computer programs that instruct and test pupils. For practicing and enhancing accomplishments, there are worksheets available in these software program. Online tutors are also available and are easy to reach. The fees can be based on number of hours or per module and this works as if the pupil and the tutor were face to face.

Getting Help with Algebra

There are a large number of software systems that can help students. These programs provide step-by-step guides to help pupils through their troubles. These software packages can aid you with your homework, test preparation and even exam preparation! As algebra has a wide number of sub-sections you can pick out packages that link to your particular difficulty or problem. This could be complex equations, inequalities, functions, or just graphing. Some packages also include games and videos that could further develop your algebraic skills.

Algebra calculators are one of the most essential tools available for helping your skills in algebra. They can help resolve many types of algebraic questions. Mostly these will include questions that have to do with linear equations or radical inequalities. Various calculators allow you to construct graphs at the click of a button.

Though these packages and other aids can aid many individuals master a great number of problems, it is important that other resources are also used for further heightening your algebra skills. Using these facilities for cheating would only be a loss to yourself. It is better to use them to check the answers of your homework assignments rather than using them to complete the assignments.

Mesotheliomawill show a few primary symptoms. The main symptom of pleural mesothelioma is shortness of breath caused by pleural effusion ” the accumulation of fluid in the pleura, or membrane, surrounding the lung. Another common symptomis chest pain because the chest wall is being attacked by the tumor. Symptoms may also include fatigue, loss of weight and night sweats

The main indicator of patients with abdomen mesothelioma, which is centralized in the abdomen, is the swelling of the abdomen because of fluid accumulation (ascites), bowel obstruction, and stomach pain.

Its vital to know that these symptoms could be caused by a myriad of diseases or conditions. But if you have experienced any of these symptoms and have had asbestos exposure, you should see your doctor.

Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose, because many symptoms are also associated with less serious conditions. These symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest or lower back pain associated with an excess of fluid in the pleura
• Burning up
• Nausea
• Raspy voice
• Having trouble swallowing
• Coughing up blood

Self-diagnosis should never be attempted. People suffering from the above symptoms should remain calm and consult a doctor. Performing a biopsy is the standard way to confirm the condition. A pathologist removes a piece of tissue from the suspicious area and performs an examination that will result in a very accurate diagnosis. Usually, biopsies do not hurt.

CT scans (Computed Tomography) are an option to avoid a biopsy. This is an X-ray procedure where a scanner is moved around the body to snap cross-sectional pictures. Once in a while, a dye is ingested by the patient to help define the images. CT scans have an advantage over biopsies by being easier and non-invasive, and they are considered an effective way of diagnosing the disease. Opinions vary whether a CT scan or biopsy is cheaper. If there are abnormalities, a biopsy may be needed on top of the CT scan to confirm whether or not the irregularity is a tumor, and if so, if the tumor is benign or malignant. It is also possible to diagnose pleural mesothelioma by testing a sample of fluid from the pleura for cancer cells.

Any of these methods may also be used to screen for mesothelioma. Patients who may think they are at risk but do not display any symptoms are typically screened, to ensure they are not at risk to get the cancer or to catch the cancer early. Patients should be screened for mesothelioma if they have a history of asbestos exposure.

Algebra is one of the most main and leading branches of mathematics. Although at beginning it may appear to just fly over your head, a lot exercising helps students to understand the subject field. One has to stay studying this subject field at higher educational stages like college, thus it is essential to create a sound base from the start.

The Difficult Areas

Algebra covers a large number of topics, graphing being one of them. This could include graphing a circle, graphing systems of fractional systems of inequalities, graphing inequalities or graphing quadratic equations . Some Other topic that is part of algebra has to do with exponents. This can range from subtracting exponents, dividing exponents or just employing the laws of exponents. Rationalizing, factorizing, matrices, hyperbolas and quadratics all have to do with algebra.

It is normally agreed that algebra is a hard field of study. However, in today’s day and age that is not a trouble as almost all pupil is capable of accessing and using a computer. One can easily use online mathematics computer programs that instruct and test the user. These computer programs also have worksheets to help pupils practice and improve their skills. Online tutors are also accessible and are easy to contact. The fees can be based on number of hours or per module and this works as if the pupil and the tutor were face to face.

Getting Aid with Algebra

There are a large number of packages that can help pupils. These computer programs provide gradual guides to help pupils over their troubles. These software systems can aid you with your homework, test readiness and even exam readiness! As algebra has a vast number of sub-sections you can pick out software programs that relate to your specific difficulty or problem. This could be basic algebra, algebra 1, algebra 2 or just graphs. Some software programs also include games and videos that could further develop your algebraic skills.

Algebra calculators are also available online. They can help solve some types of algebraic questions. Mostly these will include questions that have to do with radical equations or complex inequalities . Different calculators allow you to construct graphs at the click of a button.

Though these software systems and other aids can aid many students overcome a great number of problems, it is important that they are used for the right intention. Using these facilities for cheating would only be a loss to yourself. These software program are ideally used for double-checking your answers of your homework assignments rather than using them to complete the assignments.

Gaining a degree in mechanical engineering which is commonly considered to be the broadest of all the engineering science fields of study you have lots of vacancies in mechanical engineering from which to choose. An enormous range of industries use mechanical engineers, for example power and heating, cooling systems, and also the design and maintenance of air-conditoning; automotive design, plant engineering and upkeep; pressure vessels and piping. Roles may include positions involving business development, administration and management, additional examples are production processes in agriculture or fabrication.

Just how much money can I hope to earn? A mechanical engineering salary study comissioned in 2003 found that mechanical engineering positions most often covers a $40,000 to 93,000 dollars earnings range, salary is dependent on education and experience. The specific division of engineering science that have selected may likewise influence your possible pay. Discovering a job: It’s a necessity to put some effort into a comprehensive and current CV. Once you have fine-tuned your resume to reflect your experience and credentials, it is now time to get going and start your search. So, how can I discover jobs?

Attending job fairs: Relevant local employment fairs should be displayed somewhere in the engineering science department of your college. You will have a tremendous prospect to introduce yourself to the individuals recruiting.

Gaining on-the-job experience with an internship: Any school should assist with obtaining the right position as an intern. Graduating scholars are frequently hired by firms where they were interns, internships can also have an influence on the salary you might anticipate. Engineering groups: Mechanical engineering groups and meetings open up the opportunity of not just learning much more about engineering, but also opens up networking possibilities. Newspapers are a worthwhile resource: Engineering businesses publish adverts in the papers just the same as any other employer. Check regularly; submit applications; follow through. The key is persistence. Make good use of the internet: Place a current CV on one of the job search sites on the web. Log onto LinkedIn, make a profile and make contacts online. Make use of the net to fuel the hunt for the ideal job.

Perseverance in combination with networking are critical in finding a role. Keep your curriculum vitae and details out and circulating; do not fail to follow up on any applications; make good use of the internet for networking and post a personal profile. These are some of the steps you can take to get the position of your dreams.

Algebra as a Science

Algebra scientific discipline is the subdivision of mathematics that is concerned about the study of structure, relation, and quantity. Algebra encompasses working with numbers, variables, sets of elements and also vectors as in linear algebra. You can take algebra as one of the most consequential branches of mathematics, if not the most central. Algebra includes classes such as Linear algebra, Universal algebra and Algebraic geometry.

Want Assistance in Studying Algebra?

Different software applications have been published to help students studying algebra at distinct levels, such software help pupils to go through their courses gradually and develop algebraic problem solving techniques . Nearly all types of algebraic problems can be worked out using these software applications because they support and aid to work around different classes of equations, formulas and inequalities. If you’ve been struggling to solve quadric, simultaneous, exponential or radical and linear equations , you need not worry any more. These software applications most probably will contain an algebraic course of instruction plan and a wizard too; Moreover, algebra calculating systems facilitate a lot of algebraic processes for students interested in mathematics.

Algebra in a Wider Scope

almost all students constantly wonder why we study algebra; they can see no good reason behind it. Well, if we were to talk about usefulness of algebra, then it has both direct and indirect benefits, which I think, algebra students should be aware of. The indirect benefit of studying algebra could be explained in working the mental capacity in an well-conducted design. As per the direct benefit, algebra has a good deal of uses in different scientific disciplines and businesses.

In reality, algebraic applications are used around us, all the time such as in many trades etc, for instance in information technology development or business forecasts. It is also used, in various science researches like physics, quantum mechanics, Informatics and even in the military; one such aspects which will be considered briefly in this article is the algebra applications in programming.

Algebra in Programming

Comparative algebra constructs were the base for the relational database concept. Also, elementary algebra was used in simulating of complex XML models and constructing XML database management systems. Moreover, we can pinpoint usage of algebra for ROM-based Procedural Language and ALF- Algebraic Logic Functioning programming language. Some other advanced programming languages developed for the role of solving algebraic problems as AML-Algebraic Modeling Language, where this language describes the complicated problem, such as compound optimization problems, then calls certain external algorithms to solve the problem.

Mechanical engineering is rightly thought to be the most comprehensive of all the varied engineering fields of study, and on graduation holding a degree, a tremendous choice of jobs are sure to be open for you. A sizable range of industries are available, such as energy production and heating, cooling system design, and air-conditioning systems; the automobile industry, heavy plant engineering and upkeep; pipes and pressurized systems. Jobs may also include roles involving selling, administration and also management, additional examples could be agriculture and production fabrication. How much of a salary can an engineer hope for? A mechanical engineering salary study carried out in ‘03 observed that a position in mechanical engineering can extend an income ranging from 40,000 dollars per year to as much as $93,000, depending on education and experience. Another factor affecting your remuneration is the sector of engineering you opt for.

Finding a position

It’s key to compose a detailed and up-to-date curriculum vitae. When you have come up with a curriculum vitae which highlights your credentials, you need to get proactive and put yourself out there. So, where can I find open positions?

Employment fairs: Applicable nearby job fairs should be advertised somewhere in the engineering science department of your college. These fairs should give you the opportunity to network with the people responsible for recruiting. Employment with an internship: Your school should also assist you with getting the correct internship. Many engineering firms that use interns will employ the same students when they complete their education, internships may also have an influence on the kind of earnings you can anticipate.

Joining groups: Participating in industry groups or attending group meetings provides a means to discover new information about engineering, but additionally gives you a chance to network.

Utilize the papers: Engineering companies place adverts in the newspapers similar to any other firm. Check every day; send your CV and always to follow through. The most important element is persistence.

If you’d like in-depth tips, you are advised to inspect this super resource for mechanical design engineer tips.

Utilize cyberspace: Submit an up-to-the-minute curriculum vitae on all of the job search web sites on the internet. Build a profile on LinkedIn and make new business contacts. Take advantage of the internet and fuel job searching.

Finding a job will take perseverance and lots of networking. Keep your CV and details out and make sure you apply for appropriate vacancies; never fail to follow up all your applications; establish your online portfolio. These actions can help you get the perfect position for you.

Everywhere glaciers are melting at a swifter pace than at any time since measurements were started, reports The Times. Researchers from the International Glacier Monitoring Service, which tracks 30 glaciers across eight mountain ranges, judge that from 1853 to 1973 glaciers receded at a mean rate of 27 centimetres a yr.. Between 1968 and 2000 the amount receding climbed to 60 to 80 centimeters a year. From then the mean has comprised greater than one metre per year. The last winter recorded the greatest reductions up until now of 1.5 metres.

Worldwide glaciers are receding leastwise as swiftly as those in this representative sample with potentially fateful outcomes for nearby residents. In the immediate future there are likely to be increased floodings, and in the not so distant future, streams will dry up, meaning noticeable water dearths.

Chamonix Mont Blanc, with its large no. of glaciers, the outcomes of global warming and the disappearing of glaciers will probably be sharply found. Possibly this is why so many businesses, as well as several luxury ski operators, and locals appear to be more aware of the issues and are therefore seeking to undertake measures to reduce their carbon footprint. Hopefully it is not too late to stay the consequences of climate change and assure a world for our kids.

When politicians start talking about renewable energy, you know we have problems. Solar energy is a significant renewable energy and here is an overview of how the technology has developed.

Historical Advances in Producing Electricity From the Sun

Solar electricity is simply energy produced by harnessing the sun. It comes in many forms including electricity production through panels, home heating through passive systems and mobile packets for powering devices like laptops and RVs to mention only a few platforms.

Historically, sunlight has been used by mankind to produce heat ever since we first built structures. Without electricity, mankind soon learned to orient structures to capture the heat of the sun during the day and store it in ceramic or mud materials much like a blacktop parking lot will radiate heat after the sun has gone down. Early Greek structures show a particular use of this solar strategy as do Egyptian structures.

The production of electricity using sunlight is a much more recent phenomena. In 1901, Nicolas Tesla was the first person to receive a patent related to solar electricity, but he called it radiant heating. He sought a patent for a machine to capture the radiant heat, but nothing much came of the invention.

In 1904, some unknown physicist named Albert Einstein published a paper on the potential electricity production from sunlight. In 1913, William Coblentz received the first patent for a solar cell, but he could never make it work. In 1916, Robert Millikan was the first to produce electricity with the cell. For the next forty years or so, nobody made much progress because the cells were highly inefficient at converting sunlight to energy.

In the 1950s, Bell Labs got involved with NASA. Bell was charged with coming up with a solar platform to power spacecraft once they were in orbit. The solar industry would never be the same.

Gerald L. Pearson, Daryl M. Chapin, and Calvin S. Fuller started researching different areas related to solar, but not active parts of the NASA project. By luck, they meet and exchanged ideas. While their individual projects were failures, their combined efforts produce a much more efficient cell using crystallized silicon to convert sunlight into electricity. The efficiency rate of the cells was roughly 6 percent, a marked improvement over previous technology. In 1958, NASA launched the Vanguard Spacecraft, which was powered by solar panels.

In the following years, solar technology grew in leaps and bounds. Solar panels today are roughly 15 percent efficient, but also much smaller than they use to be. More importantly, companies are abandoning the panel platform and coming out with amazing new products. The first are shingles that look exactly like regular roof shingles and perform as such. Nanotechnology is also offering amazing possibilities with quantum dots, which are essentially solar panels on the quantum level. Eventually, these dots will be incorporated in things such as paint. Yes, the paint on the walls of buildings and homes will eventually also produce all the electricity needed for the structures.

Man has used the power of the sun for heat for a very long time. Only now, however, are we starting to master the technology to turn it into large amounts of free electricity.

Rick Chapo is with www.solarcompanies.com - a directory of solar energy companies. Visit www.solarcompanies.com/articles to read more solar power articles.