Solar energy dates back to the beginning of the solar fascination even before humanity recognized it as the sun.
Cultures have revered the sun as the source of life for hundreds of years. But even with the dawn of modern science,
only then we began to study the sun’s capability to energize. And from ancient societies worshipping the sun, modern
cities lit by solar panels are as proof of man’s work with nature.
In this blog, we will take you into the exciting evolution of the history of solar
energy, recounting revolutionary discourses, mind-bending inventions, and visionary scientists who unveiled their
mysterious ways of converting sunlight into energy. Through this journey, one could ascertain and appreciate the
contributions of solar energy in the present and its implications in the near future.
Early History Of Solar Power
Glass has been used to light small cooking fires since the seventh century BC when solar energy was first harnessed. Greeks and Romans used glass and sunlight to light torches for religious purposes in the third century. In 20 AD, records in China show solar energy and glass used for religious ceremonies. In the 13th century, Ancestral Puebloan peoples built cliff dwellings to capture sunlight and heat them. In the 1700s and 1800s, sunlight powered ovens and ships.The solar panel price history shows a consistent downward trend over time, fuelled by improvements in production efficiency and technology.
Who Found Solar Panels?
At 19, French scientist Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect in 1839, allowing electrons to move freely within a material’s conduction band, generating an electric current. Albert Einstein later recognized the solar potential, earning him a Nobel Prize in 1922. Charles Fritts invented the first solar panel in 1883, with a conversion efficiency of only 1%, paving the way for the broader solar energy movement.
Evolution Of Solar Energy
There have been several discoveries and developments over the lengthy history of solar energy.
7th century B.C.
Humans first used solar energy with a magnifying glass to start fires.
3rd century B.C.
The Greeks and Romans used mirrors to light torches.
1839
French physicist Alexandre-Edmond Becquerel discovered the photoelectric effect, enabling new solar energy devices.
1866
French researcher Augustin Mouchot created the first parabolic solar collector using mirrors to concentrate sunlight.
1883
American inventor Charles Fritts created the first solar device for electricity from sunlight in New York.
1905
Albert Einstein explained the photoelectric effect, aiding semiconductor technology.
1954
The solar-electric cell was inadvertently created by Bell Labs scientists.
1957
Hoffman Electronics made 8% efficient photovoltaic cells.
1970
Dr. Elliot Berman created affordable solar panels.
2020
Perovskite solar cells’ efficiency rose from 3. 8% to 25. 2%.
The Future Of Solar Energy
Solar energy has significantly advanced, but there’s still room for innovation. Modern solar cells have an efficiency of 15-18%, and new designs could increase efficiency and affordability. This could reduce dependence on other energy sources and reduce electricity’s environmental impact. Solar technology will continue to spread globally, providing affordable and environmentally-conscious energy for homes and businesses. A 30kW solar system is a cost-effective and sustainable solution for large-scale residential or commercial energy needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The history of solar energy, from ancient sunlit innovations to modern-day technology, demonstrates humanity’s relentless pursuit of sustainable solutions powered by nature. Over 30% of Australian households have solar panels installation, making Australia a global leader in solar technology adoption. However, many still lack solar panels due to the increasing need for renewable energy storage and electrification.
