The Thermonuclear Sun is our maternal star. It is responsible for photosynthesis and life. The universe is cold. If it weren't for solar energy, the earth would be a frozen, dark rock. The wind from the sun powered Christopher Columbus' ship.
All buildings use passive solar energy on a sunny winter day.
The hot Sun gives light and life. It is an inexhaustible supply of pollution-free power. The ancient Egyptian Pharaohs solar heated their palaces by capturing solar energy in black pools of water by day and draining the hot water into pipes in the floor of the palaces at night. Affluent ancient Greeks designed their homes orientated to the sun to use winter sunlight for heating. Large south-facing windows were used to collect solar heat, which was stored in massive walls and floors for gradual release throughout the night.