Have you ever looked at something and suddenly wondered, ‘How on earth did this even come to be?’
With all the incredible technology around us today, it’s a pretty common reaction. On that topic, today’s ‘wait, how did that even come into existence?’ technology is… solar power!
A Brief History of Solar Power
According to an online article by the Smithsonian, the story of solar panels begins in the 19th century with the discovery of the photovoltaic effect in 1839 by French physicist Edmond Becquerel. His work laid the foundation for harnessing sunlight to generate electricity. In 1883, American inventor Charles Fritts created the first solar cell by coating selenium with gold, producing a device that converted light into electricity!
Fast forward to 1954, when Bell Laboratories unveiled the first practical silicon solar cell, a breakthrough that marked the inception of modern solar technology. But these early silicon cells were expensive, not accesible to the general population and primarily used in space exploration, powering satellites like Vanguard I (Smithsonian).
Solar Power Today
Today’s solar panels are vastly more efficient, affordable, and so widely adopted due to this accesibility. They’ve evolved from a niche technology into a central component of the global push toward clean energy. Solar panels have come a long way, from laboratory experiments to your neighbors’ rooftop! Thanks to government programs that encouraged more people to go solar, and made going solar more accessible, an estimated 5.3 million solar systems have been installed in the United States (ESAS).
The Future
Solar power technology is advancing at light speed…pun intended! People are finding new and creative ways to incorporate solar energy into their daily lives, from solar walkway lights and phone chargers to solar powered Electric Vehicle charging stations and even solar shingles. While we can’t predict exactly what the future holds for solar power, one thing’s certain: its future is looking just as bright as the sun itself!
References:
Tarazano, D. L., & Chu, E. (n.d.). A brief history of solar panels. Smithsonian.com. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/sponsored/brief-history-solar-panels-180972006/
The Future of Solar Energy in the U.S. Homes and Businesses: Trends, Benefits, and Growth Projections for 2025 – Energy Solutions and Supplies. (2024, December 19). Energy Solutions and Supplies. https://energysolutions-solar.com/the-future-of-solar-energy-in-usa-2025/