Solar energy has grown exponentially over the past ten years. The Smithsonian National Museum of American History added a new exhibit highlighting how solar has evolved since scientists began trying to harness the sun’s power. The Smithsonian National Museum of American History has added a show to highlight the exponential growth of solar over the last ten years. The Solar on the Line examines the technology and innovation behind solar energy as a renewable resource. It also presents multiple perspectives on solar’s potential benefits and challenges. I was lucky to be able to help the Smithsonian put together several items that were used in the exhibition.
CONCENTRATING SOLAR Power
Solar energy was used to heat buildings as early as 1880. The exhibit, for example, features a solar heater patented back in 1880. The device uses a moving frame to track sunlight and adjustable reflectors that focus light onto a small area to generate heat. This primary device has evolved into concentrating Solar Power, or CSP. Mirrors reflect and focus sunlight onto receivers, which collect energy in the form of heat. Nearly two dozen U.S. power plants use CSP today to generate electricity. SunShot supports research and development of new technologies, such as the Falling Particle Receiver, which allows CSP to run more efficiently.
CALLING PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER
The photovoltaic cell was developed by Bell Telephone Laboratories technologists in 1954. PV cells were the first to convert over one percent of solar energy into electricity. This influenced the way most commercially manufactured cells are constructed today. Bell’s newly developed solar cells were initially used to power telephones in remote areas, but by 1958, they had powered the U.S.’s first satellite. By 1962, NASA’s Telstar 1 was covered with Bell’s Telstar 1 solar cells to expand our communication infrastructure. Silicon solar cells can now be produced on mass production lines with an average efficiency of 25%. SunShot’s funding programs, such as Photovoltaic Development and Research, have helped accelerate these advancements.
The durability of PV Panels
The Mariner VI test panel is one of my favorites in the museum. Museum visitors can use their smartphone flashlights to generate electricity using the Mariner VI circuit. The meeting was made in 1960 to test cells intended to be used on spacecraft to send to other planets. The panel still produces electricity at the same efficiency when assembled. This shows how durable PV panels, which have no moving parts, are. This is a popular attraction with children who visit the museum, and it can spark their interest in solar careers. Solar job opportunities continue to increase. There are more than 260.000 people in the industry today. This creates nearly 1,000 high-paying new jobs each week.
Solar on the Line exhibit shows how solar has evolved and grown. SunShot played a crucial role in solar’s exponential rise over the last six years, and it is ready to continue contributing to its progress. Read more on SunShot’s 2030 goals.