- 2 April, 2023
- Renewable Energy, Solar
The history of solar panels is a story of innovation, determination, and persistence. It begins with the discovery of the photovoltaic effect in the 19th century and continues to this day with advances in technology and the increasing adoption of solar power as a renewable energy source. In this essay, we will explore the history of solar panels, from their early beginnings to their current state of development and their potential to revolutionize our energy systems.
Early Discoveries and Inventions
The discovery of the photovoltaic effect, the fundamental principle behind solar panels, can be traced back to the 19th century. In 1839, French physicist Alexandre-Edmond Becquerel discovered that certain materials, when exposed to light, produce a small electric current. However, it wasn’t until over half a century later that this discovery was put to practical use.
In the early 1880s, American inventor Charles Fritts developed the first solar cell by coating selenium with an extremely thin layer of gold. The device had an efficiency of only 1%, but it demonstrated the potential for using solar energy to produce electricity.
Further research into the photovoltaic effect was conducted by German physicist Albert Einstein, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921 for his work on the photoelectric effect. However, it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that significant progress was made in the development of solar cells.
The First Solar Cells
In 1954, Bell Labs scientists Daryl Chapin, Calvin Fuller, and Gerald Pearson developed the first practical silicon solar cell. The cell had an efficiency of 6% and was used primarily for powering small electronic devices such as radios and calculators. However, the development of the silicon solar cell laid the foundation for further advancements in solar technology.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, solar cells were primarily used in space applications, such as powering satellites and spacecraft. The high cost of manufacturing and the low efficiency of solar cells at the time made them impractical for widespread use on Earth.
The Oil Crisis of the 1970s
The oil crisis of the 1970s sparked renewed interest in solar energy as a viable alternative to fossil fuels. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) imposed an oil embargo in 1973, which caused oil prices to skyrocket and led to widespread energy shortages in many countries.
Governments and businesses around the world began investing in solar energy research and development. In 1978, the United States government introduced the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act, which required utilities to purchase power from small renewable energy producers, including solar power.
The 1980s and 1990s
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, advancements in solar technology continued to be made. The efficiency of solar cells increased, and the cost of manufacturing decreased. In 1983, the first megawatt-scale photovoltaic power station was constructed in California. By the end of the decade, the total worldwide installed capacity of solar panels exceeded 100 megawatts.
In the 1990s, a new type of solar cell, called a thin-film solar cell, was developed. Thin-film solar cells are made by depositing a thin layer of semiconductor material onto a substrate, such as glass or metal. They are less efficient than traditional silicon solar cells but are much cheaper to manufacture. Thin-film solar cells have become popular for use in large-scale solar power installations.
The 21st century
The development of solar panels in the 21st century has been characterized by significant advancements in technology, efficiency, and affordability. Some of the major developments in solar panel technology in the 21st century are:
- Thin-film solar panels
Thin-film solar panels are a new type of solar panel that uses a thin layer of semiconductor material to capture sunlight. These panels are lighter, more flexible, and cheaper to produce than traditional solar panels. They are made by depositing a thin layer of semiconductor material, such as cadmium telluride or copper indium gallium selenide, on a substrate such as glass or metal. Thin-film solar panels are also used in large-scale solar projects.
- Bifacial solar panels
Bifacial solar panels are designed to generate electricity from both sides of the panel. These panels have solar cells on both sides and can absorb sunlight that is reflected off the ground or other surfaces. Bifacial solar panels are more efficient than traditional solar panels and can generate more electricity in areas with high levels of diffuse light.
- Concentrated solar power (CSP)
Concentrated solar power (CSP) is a type of solar power technology that uses mirrors or lenses to focus sunlight onto a small area, creating heat that can be used to generate electricity. CSP systems use parabolic troughs, power towers, or dish systems to concentrate the sun’s energy onto a receiver that collects the heat and converts it into electricity. CSP technology is more efficient than traditional solar panels and can generate electricity even when the sun is not shining.
- Perovskite solar cells
Perovskite solar cells are a new type of solar cell that uses a perovskite material as the light-absorbing layer. These cells are more efficient and less expensive to produce than traditional silicon solar cells. Perovskite solar cells are a promising technology for future solar panel applications.
- Smart solar panels
Smart solar panels are designed to optimize energy production in real-time. These panels use sensors and software to track the position of the sun and adjust the panel’s orientation to maximize energy production. Smart solar panels can also detect shade and adjust to minimize the impact of shading on energy production.
- Solar roof tiles
Solar roof tiles are a new type of solar panel that can be integrated into roofing materials. These tiles are designed to look like traditional roof tiles but have solar cells embedded in them. Solar roof tiles are more aesthetically pleasing than traditional solar panels and are becoming increasingly popular in residential settings.
- Floating solar panels
Floating solar panels are designed to be installed on bodies of water, such as lakes or reservoirs. These panels are more efficient than traditional solar panels because they can absorb more sunlight due to their position on the water. Floating solar panels are also beneficial because they do not take up valuable land space.
The growth of the solar industry in the 21st century can be attributed to several factors, including government policies, increased investment, and technological advancements. As solar energy has become more cost-competitive, more people and businesses are adopting this clean energy source as a viable alternative to traditional fossil fuels.