The development of solar power has its roots as far back as the 1860s, when there was the first scare that coal power could not last forever. Shortly after its conception it was put on the back burner for lengthy period of time, only coming back into prominence during the 1970s.

Between the 1970s and the early 1980s solar development went under massive changes with greater technological advantages bringing the costs down and with it increasing the hope that solar would soon be a viable power source. Due to a fall in the price of oil during the mid 80's solar power was put on the back burner for a while.

The next great leap in solar power was during the 1990s. Increased semi-conductor capabilities and manufacturing processes brought down the cost further and increased the yield of the photovoltaic panels. Since 1997 photovoltaic research has increased due to the rise in the cost of fossil fuels and worries about fuel supplies due to wars in the middle east.

In the uk it is now possible to get domestic solar power installations fitted at no cost, due partly in the increase in government grants and the fact that energy companies will pay you a standing charge each year for feeding unused electric into the national grid.

Solar power has come so far that now it can be a viable alternative source of power. Domestic applications include universal solar chargers. These devices can be used to power nearly all domestic electrical devices including mobile phones, laptops and gps systems.

Universal solar chargers can also be used out of the domestic environment and can be used on the go nearly everywhere in the world.

A popular use of these chargers is for festival goers who wish to keep in touch with the outside world, even if they have spent the last 4 days in a muddy field somewhere in England! Campers and caravanners also make use of these devices to keep charged on the go.

Caravans can be fitted with portable solar panels to enable them to keep their batteries fully charged without having to resort to mains power or having to turn on the car to provide charge to the batteries.

The most cost-effective way to have solar power installed into a house is to look into installation companies who will install for free as long as they are paid the standing charge from the electric company.

Next time you are looking to spend sometime away from mains electric then you will not go far wrong to think about purchasing a universal solar charger for your devices. You will miss the convenience of your gadgets a lot more than you think!