Ever wondered where exactly the movement for renewable energy began? Try picturing the Romans building a water mill in France circa 250-400 AD and you'll understand the breadth of time that green energy covers. The term green energy may seem hip and contemporary with all of the media attention it's grabbing at the moment, but the time line of renewable energy events in history proves otherwise.

800-1500 AD
The Vikings sailed the many seas, and consequently were on of the earliest civilizations to truly use wind power, and led to their domination of the ocean during the height of viking exploration.

500-900 AD
The Persians developed windmills to help pump water for agriculture, as well as grinding grain.

1888
This year marked the introduction of the first wind turbine used for generating electricity in the U.S.

Beginning of the 20th century
The Italians were the first to harness hydrothermal power and convert it to electricity used for commercial purposes.

1950's
First silicon solar cell is invented in the U.S. at Bell Telephone Labs. The cell produced approximately 5 milliwatts of electricity.

1970's
National Renewable Energy Laboratory is formed, gathering initial support for the research and development of renewable energy technology.

1980's
First U.S. wind farm is constructed. Consequently, the two largest wind farms in the world now reside in Texas.

Current
The Renewable Energy Standards (RES) are setting new bars of achievement for providing customers with electricity produced from entirely renewable resources. Several states, including Texas, have adopted these standards as a means of reducing U.S. dependency on foreign fossil fuel resources.

With new wind farms being built, agricultural research into biomass energy, wave energy research and more to come, it's easy to forget that renewable or green energy has been a part of our energy history for many, many years. Now with the push for renewable energy standards growing annually, the opportunities for families to enjoy the comforts of home while maintaining and improving the sustainability of our environment are multiplying.

For a more detailed time line, check out the Energy Information Administration site.