Among the booths of large panel manufacturers at Intersolar North America, I found John Perlin sitting at a simple desk. But due to big success of his book (which has sparked interest and praise across the solar industry from those like Clean Technica’s Zachary Shahan and SEIA’s Rhone Resch), and the 60th anniversary of the silicon solar cell, I knew I had to get a few minutes with him. Here’s what I found out.
Q: What’s the book?
“Let It Shine: The 6,000 Year Story of Solar Energy discusses just what the title suggests — the story of the genesis of solar energy. It’s the first and only comprehensive history of humanity’s use of the sun for it’s betterment.
Q: How long did it take to write it?
“You don’t want to know. I traveled the world doing extensive research, I even hired people to translate documents in Chinese and other languages, so you won’t find this information anywhere else. But when you’re passionate about something, you find a way to do it. And I do things right. I even lived outside for three years.”
Q: And why were you so passionate about writing it?
“You rarely get a chance to do something unique. I want the world to be better. Solar can make life better.”
Q: Is solar energy really 6,000 year old?!
“Yes. More than 6,000 years ago, those in the ancient civilization of Banpo in Northern China used the sun to moderate the temperature in their homes throughout the year. They purposely left the south side of their homes open to let in the sun during the coldest time of the year. Overhanging thatched roofs kept the sun out of the home during the hotter months. About 3,000 years ago the Chinese started concentrating solar with optics for their dinner fires. Then everyone credits Edmond Becquerel for discovering the photovoltaic effect in 1839, but he just discovered the photogalvanic effect (the photochemical effect). It was really Williams Grylls Adams and Richard Evans Day who discovered photovoltaics in 1876. It’s important to pay proper tribute because without their discoveries we, as an industry, wouldn’t be here.”
Q: What do you love about solar?
“Among many things, I love how solar has motivated people to ameliorate bad situations, such as wood shortages, and is even used to combat global warming. There’s also a great social justice aspect to it — so many of us take electricity for granted.”
Take some time to speak with John at Intersolar NA booth 7033 on the first level. You can grab a copy of his book (and have him sign it!) for $20.