For two centuries, scientists have made groundbreaking discoveries about solar energy. Discover the evolution of solar power, from its early origins to the innovations that have shaped our world today.
Discovering the Photovoltaic Effect
Edmond Becquerel, a physicist, discovered in 1839 the photovoltaic phenomenon, which produces electric current when certain materials are exposed to light. This discovery was pivotal in the development of solar energy conversion.
Solar-Powered Engines by Augustin Mouchot:
In the 1860s, mathematician Augustin Mochot, inspired by Becquerel, developed solar-powered engines, which demonstrated solar energy as an alternative.
Aleksandr Stoletov & the Photoelectric Effect
In 1888, Aleksandr Stoletov, a Russian scientist, developed the first photoelectric solar cell, which paved the way for the modern technology of solar cells.
Melvin Severy Solar Cell Patents
Melvin Severy, an American inventor, received patents in 1894 for solar cells that harness solar heat to produce electricity. Severy’s designs included mechanisms that tracked the sun’s movement for optimal energy harvesting.
Harry Reagan Thermal Batteries
Harry Reagan, an inventor, patented thermal batteries in the late 1890s. These thermal batteries stored and released thermal power. These batteries did not store electricity directly, but they were crucial in using thermal energy through conventional turbines to produce electricity. Bell Laboratories & Silicon Solar Cells
Bell Laboratories, in the 1950s, made a breakthrough in solar-cell technology. Daryl Chapin, Calvin Fuller, and Gerald Pearson were the pioneers in developing efficient silicon solar cell technology. These cells converted sunshine into electricity at an impressive 6% efficiency. They were expensive at the time, but they were a major milestone in the conversion of solar energy into electricity. Bell’s groundbreaking work opened the door to harnessing sunlight. However, there was a challenge: cost. The cost of producing silicon solar cells made them unaffordable for many people. Solar panels that combine multiple cells were more expensive.
First Solar Building
In 1973, the University of Delaware built one of the world’s first solar buildings, “Solar One.” This building used a combination of photovoltaic and solar thermal power. Guess what? The solar panels they used were not traditional ones. They integrated solar technology into the roof of the building.
Solar Energy and Government Support
Solar energy was rediscovered as an alternative energy source during the energy crisis in 1970. Governments recognized the importance of solar development and research. The United States passed a law in 1974, the Solar Energy Research, Development and Demonstration Act, which demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of solar technology. Solar energy was further promoted by grants and tax incentives, which made it easier to adopt.
Cost Reduction and Efficiency Improvements
Scientists and engineers have worked tirelessly over the years to improve the affordability and efficiency of solar panels. Thanks to the refinement and use of new materials in manufacturing, solar cells are more efficient. They capture a larger percentage of sunlight and produce more electricity per square foot. As a result of the significant reduction in cost, solar panels have become more affordable.
Multi-Junction Solar Cells
Researchers began focusing on improving the efficiency of PV cells in the 1990s. In the early 2000s, multi-junction cells with efficiencies of over 30% were developed. These high-efficiency cells created new opportunities for cost-effective, productive solar energy systems.
Thin-Film Technologies
During this period, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) developed thin-film technologies. Thin-film solar cells are lightweight, flexible, and low-cost alternatives to traditional silicon-based cells. Researchers at NREL explored materials such as amorphous silica, cadmium-telluride, and copper-indium gallium selenide to create these innovative cells.
Concentrated Solar Power (CSP).
Significant improvements in CSP systems have occurred in the 2000s. CSP technology uses mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight on a receiver to generate electricity. During this time, research was conducted to improve CSP systems’ efficiency and scalability, making them more suitable for large-scale solar power generation.
Building-Integrated Photovoltaics
Solar thermal and building-integrated photovoltaic systems were also major developments in the 2000s. IPV systems incorporate solar cells into building components such as roofs, windows, and facades. His integration allows buildings to produce electricity and also serve as functional elements. Researchers explored innovative materials and designs to maximize energy generation.
Significant improvements in CSP systems have occurred in the 2000s. SP technology uses mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight on a receiver to generate electricity. During this time, research was conducted to improve CSP systems’ efficiency and scalability, making them more suitable for large-scale solar power generation.
Building-Integrated Photovoltaics
Solar thermal and building-integrated photovoltaic systems were also major developments in the 2000s. B PV systems incorporate solar cells into building components such as roofs, windows, and facades. T integration allows buildings to produce electricity and also serve as functional elements. R searchers explored innovative materials and designs to maximize energy generation.
Significant improvements in CSP systems have occurred in the 2000s. CP technology uses mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight on a receiver to generate electricity. During this time, research was conducted to improve CSP systems’ efficiency and scalability, making them more suitable for large-scale solar power generation.
Building-Integrated Photovoltaics
Solar thermal and building-integrated photovoltaic systems (BIPV systems) were also major developments in the 2000s. B PV systems incorporate solar cells into building components such as roofs, windows, and facades. This integration allows buildings to produce electricity and also serve as functional elements. Researchers explored innovative materials and designs to maximize energy generation.
Significant improvements in CSP systems have occurred in the 2000s. CP technology uses mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight on a receiver to generate electricity. During this time, research was conducted to improve CSP systems’ efficiency and scalability, making them more suitable for large-scale solar power generation.
Building-Integrated Photovoltaics
Solar thermal and building-integrated photovoltaic systems (BIPV systems) were also major developments in the 2000s. B PV systems incorporate solar cells into building components such as roofs, windows, and facades. This integration allows buildings to produce electricity and also serve as functional elements. Researchers explored innovative materials and designs to maximize energy generation.
Significant improvements in CSP systems have occurred in the 2000s. CP technology uses mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight on a receiver to generate electricity. During this time, research was conducted to improve CSP systems’ efficiency and scalability, making them more suitable for large-scale solar power generation.
Building-Integrated Photovoltaics
Solar thermal and building-integrated photovoltaic systems were also major developments in the 2000s. BIP systems incorporate solar cells into building components such as roofs, windows, and facades. Using integration, buildings can generate electricity and also serve as functional elements. Researchers have explored innovative materials and designs to maximize energy generation.
Significant improvements in CSP systems occurred in the 2000s. CSP technology uses mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight on a receiver to generate electricity. During this time, research was conducted to improve CSP systems’ efficiency and scalability., making them more suitable for large-scale solar power generation.
Building-Integrated Photovoltaics
Solar thermal and building-integrated photovoltaic systems (BIPV systems) were also major developments in the 2000s. BIPV systems incorporate solar cells into cbuilding components such as roofs, windows, and facades. This integer option allows buildings to produce electricity and also serve as functional elements. Researchers explored innovative materials and designs to maximize energy generation.
Significant improvements in CSP systems occurred in the 2000s. CSP technology uses mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight on a receiver to generate electricity. During this time, research was conducted to improve CSP systems’ efficiency and scalability, making them more suitable for large-scale solar