Clean, silent, renewable and climate-friendly ... solar power is the holy grail of energy. And there's no shortage of sunlight out there: enough falls on the surface of the planet each day to power human society many thousands of times over. Edited by a leading solar expert, The Solar Century provides a groundbreaking vision of a sun-powered world. The first definitive book on the subject, it covers everything from how ancient societies viewed the sun through to present-day panels thin enough to be delivered 'by the roll'. Presented in stunning full-colour throughout, The Solar Century showcases solar applications from the household scale through to great public architecture; from solar as a force for good in developing countries through to giant solar power stations planned for the world's deserts. The book also debunks many myths about solar - such as the idea that it and other renewable energies will always need fossil-fuel stations on standby. Essential reading for anyone interested in science, energy and the future of our planet.