March 13

Solar Appreciation Day

An environmental advocacy day on the second Friday in March celebrating the benefits of solar energy as a clean, renewable source, promoting adoption, energy independence, and environmental sustainability.

Yearly Date

Second Friday in March

Observed in

United States

Introduction

Celebrate Solar Appreciation Day on the second Friday of March and show your appreciation for the sun! This day was created to recognize the positive environmental impact that solar energy has had on our planet. The sun is an amazing source of renewable energy that can be used to power homes, businesses, and cities all over the world. Solar technology has also helped reduce emissions from fossil fuels and create a more sustainable future. So let's take this opportunity to appreciate the sun and all it does for us!

Solar Appreciation Day Timeline

1839

Photovoltaic Effect Discovery

Alexandre-Edmond Becquerel discovers the photovoltaic effect, which explains how electricity can be generated from sunlight.

1880s

First Solar Cells

Charles Fritts develops the first solar cells made from selenium wafers.

1954

Silicon Solar Cells

Bell Labs creates the first practical silicon solar cell, marking a significant leap in solar technology.

1977

Solar Power Milestone

Worldwide, solar power generation crosses the 500 KW threshold.

1990s

Residential Solar Panels

Solar panels become more commonly installed on residences, indicating a shift in individual energy consumption habits.

2015

Solar Appreciation Day

Solar Appreciation Day is officially recognized, encouraging individuals worldwide to acknowledge solar energy's potential and benefits.

How to Celebrate Solar Appreciation Day

1 Take a solar tour

Check out your local college or university to see if they offer solar tours. Most universities have some form of solar technology that you can visit and learn about. Take a guided tour and learn more about solar energy.

2 Visit a solar farm

Check with your local utility company to see if they have any solar farms in your area. Solar farms are large fields of solar panels that generate electricity for the grid. Take a trip to the solar farm and learn more about solar energy.

3 Make a solar oven

Making a solar oven is easier than you might think. All you need is a cardboard box, aluminum foil, and some black paint. Cut the box into the shape of an oven, cover the inside with foil, and paint the outside black. Put the oven in direct sunlight and you have your own homemade solar oven!

4 Build a DIY Solar Panel

Building your own DIY Solar Panel is not as hard as it seems. With some basic tools and basic skills, you can build a simple panel that will generate electricity from the sun's rays. You'll be surprised at how easy it is to build your own.

5 Attend a Solar Lecture

Check for local events related to solar energy. Many universities offer free lectures on solar energy and its applications. Attend one of these lectures and learn more about how you can benefit from solar energy.

Why Solar Appreciation Day is Important

Solar energy is renewable

Solar energy is a renewable, clean source of energy that is available to us every single day. Unlike fossil fuels, solar power does not emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and it does not deplete natural resources. Solar energy is also free after the initial installation costs

Solar energy helps reduce air pollution

By replacing traditional sources of power with solar energy, we can drastically reduce the amount of harmful pollutants being emitted into the air. This will help improve air quality while reducing the overall costs associated with healthcare and environmental damage caused by air pollution.

Solar energy helps create jobs

The growth of the solar industry has created thousands of new jobs in the past decade. With more access to solar technology, communities can benefit from improved employment opportunities and an increased local economy.