Direct Use of the Sun's Energy

by George Alfred Baitsell

The Earth's resources are being consumed at a rapid rate. If we do not solve this problem, we will all be extinct soon.This book discusses in layman's terms the various areas of research into converting the Sun's energy into ways the energy can be stored and put to practical use.The only inexhaustible supply of energy that we have is energy from the Sun. Green chlorophyll has the ability to convert energy from the Sun into organic compounds that we and other animals eat. This is nature's solution to the problem of capture and storage of energy.Scientists are working to develop photosynthetic processes suitable for commercial development - a complex but not insoluble problem.The author, Farrington Daniels, was a top nuclear scientist at the leadership of the Manhattan Project to develop the A-Bomb.After the conclusion of World War II, he switched over to the study of Solar Power because he recognized that nuclear power has the potential to evaporate the world.

374 pages, Hardcover

First published March 11, 1964

About the author

1885-1971

Reviews

[Joshua]

Despite being written in 1964, there is nothing fundamentally missing from this book. If one takes a look at "Solar Energy" and similar journals, people are still working on the same basic ideas for solar heating, refrigeration, stills, etc.

In that sense, it is rather disappointing how little progress has been made. On the other hand, the slim chapter on photovoltaics, which indicates a price of $175/watt has probably advanced the most (remember, this is in 1964 dollars, so that is about $1750/watt in 2010 dollars...), which is truly remarkable. No basic theoretical improvement, just 45 years of good engineering and Moore's law.

Perhaps the exotic super-materials that everyone is making these days may revitalize some of the other proposals.

[David Cerruti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life, in some small ways. It's technical, but a college education isn't necessary for understanding. It was published in 1964, and is still valid. I'm amazed at how much progress we have made, and have not made.