The Sun, reaching temperatures of 11,000°F, releases 5 million tons of matter into pure energy every second. For centuries civilizations have realized the awesome power of the Sun and some like the Incas have worshipped it. But along with worshiping it, the Ancient Egyptians used its energy to keep their homes warm. In recent times, people have found other ways to heat their homes like using natural gases and coal but these resources are limited and can cause irreversible damage to the environment. But today, with a new sense of responsibility people are starting to change their ways and are beginning to once again use the power of Sun for solar heating.
This show takes a look at the renaissance of solar energy in this era. We first talk to Rebecca Nourse Van Meter, the designer of a solar heating system using water storage and transfer. Then, we talk to Oliver Hong, a professor of petroleum at MIT who discusses the problems of having a society reliant on natural gases and petroleum. Finally, we interview two designers of a solar home, Haoshu Yang and Ning Qin of Hingkorp Industries.
For a fuller version of the show look at the script.