Since the ancient Greeks and Egyptians, humankind has bowed its head in reverence to the strange and mystical powers of the sun. Massive temples were constructed as a testament to the awesome might of this planet’s star. But soon mankind grew greedy, and sought to harness the sun’s luminescence for his own personal gain. Rather than falling and burning like Icarus, modern man successfully learned to convert sunlight into solar electricity.
Historians claim that the first to divert the sun’s energy was the ancient Greek inventor Archimedes, legends claim he destroyed enemy ships using a “heat ray” which consisted of mirrors that reflected concentrated points of sunlight onto their sails. Whether the story is true or even possible, however, is still up for debate.
The second major foray into solar power occurred in 1767 with the invention of the first solar oven by Swiss physicist Horace de Saussure. The insulated box was covered with layers of glass to absorb energy.
Seventy-two years later in 1839, Edmond Bequerel observed the photovoltaic effect when he placed two electrodes in an electrolytic solution and observed an increase in voltage after exposing them to light.
In 1873, a man by the name of Willoughby Smith discovered the photoconductivity of selenium. Selenium was the first solid material discovered to convert light into electricity without heat, and was used to create the first solar cell in 1883. The first solar heater was invented in 1891.
In 1904, Albert Einstein published a paper detailing the relationship between light and the recently-discovered electron. Robert Millikan would later prove the photoelectric effect in an experiment in 1916.
In 1918, Polish scientist Jan Czochralski accidentally discovered a method for creating single-crystal silicon when he dipped his pen into a crucible of molten tin instead of an inkwell. This laid the foundation for silicon-based solar cells.
However, it wasn’t until 1954 that the big breakthrough occurred in the production of photovoltaic systems: Bell Labs researchers David Chapin, Calvin Fuller and Gerald Pearson created the first solar cell. Its efficiency was about six percent.
In the mid-1950’s, architect Frank Bridgers and engineer Don Paxton constructed the world’s first commercial solar building, which would later become the subject of a research project supported by NSF financing in the 1970’s. Throughout the 50’s, solar cells would become increasingly efficient.
The Space Race facilitated development and financing of solar technology, leading to a more efficient redesign of the solar cell in 1960.
The global energy crisis of the mid-1970’s expedited the government financing and adaptation of solar power, and Volkswagen created the first solar-powered car in 1982. Throughout the 80’s, larger solar installations were built, and the 90’s saw increases in photovoltaic cell efficiency, culminating in 1999 with the first cell above 30 percent efficiency.
Today, breakthroughs in solar technology extend from more efficient cells to better energy storage solutions, government financing and third-party financing options and increased adoption of solar energy solutions around the world.
Natalie Benoy is a renewable energy writer reporter for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Elements Capital Group. Follow on Twitter
Historians claim that the first to divert the sun’s energy was the ancient Greek inventor Archimedes, legends claim he destroyed enemy ships using a “heat ray” which consisted of mirrors that reflected concentrated points of sunlight onto their sails. Whether the story is true or even possible, however, is still up for debate.
The second major foray into solar power occurred in 1767 with the invention of the first solar oven by Swiss physicist Horace de Saussure. The insulated box was covered with layers of glass to absorb energy.
Seventy-two years later in 1839, Edmond Bequerel observed the photovoltaic effect when he placed two electrodes in an electrolytic solution and observed an increase in voltage after exposing them to light.
In 1873, a man by the name of Willoughby Smith discovered the photoconductivity of selenium. Selenium was the first solid material discovered to convert light into electricity without heat, and was used to create the first solar cell in 1883. The first solar heater was invented in 1891.
In 1904, Albert Einstein published a paper detailing the relationship between light and the recently-discovered electron. Robert Millikan would later prove the photoelectric effect in an experiment in 1916.
In 1918, Polish scientist Jan Czochralski accidentally discovered a method for creating single-crystal silicon when he dipped his pen into a crucible of molten tin instead of an inkwell. This laid the foundation for silicon-based solar cells.
However, it wasn’t until 1954 that the big breakthrough occurred in the production of photovoltaic systems: Bell Labs researchers David Chapin, Calvin Fuller and Gerald Pearson created the first solar cell. Its efficiency was about six percent.
In the mid-1950’s, architect Frank Bridgers and engineer Don Paxton constructed the world’s first commercial solar building, which would later become the subject of a research project supported by NSF financing in the 1970’s. Throughout the 50’s, solar cells would become increasingly efficient.
The Space Race facilitated development and financing of solar technology, leading to a more efficient redesign of the solar cell in 1960.
The global energy crisis of the mid-1970’s expedited the government financing and adaptation of solar power, and Volkswagen created the first solar-powered car in 1982. Throughout the 80’s, larger solar installations were built, and the 90’s saw increases in photovoltaic cell efficiency, culminating in 1999 with the first cell above 30 percent efficiency.
Today, breakthroughs in solar technology extend from more efficient cells to better energy storage solutions, government financing and third-party financing options and increased adoption of solar energy solutions around the world.
Natalie Benoy is a renewable energy writer reporter for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Elements Capital Group. Follow on Twitter