ABSTRACT
The use of solar energy for the production of food, fiber, and heat has been known to mankind for a long time. Research over the last five decades has also made it possible to produce mechanical and electrical power with solar energy. Although the potential of solar radiation for disinfection and environmental mitigation has been known for years, only recently has this technology been scientifically recognized and researched. For anyone who has observed colors fading over long exposure to sunlight, certain materials deteriorating in the sunlight, or skin getting sunburned, it is not hard to imagine sunlight causing reactions that could be used beneficially to break up toxic chemicals. Older civilization considered it essential that human dwellings be designed to allow sunshine in. This may have been for disinfection or to keep the growth of microorganisms in check.
