The History of Harnessing Solar Power
Solar panel technology now forms a significant and growing
contribution to solar energy the world over. But where did the idea
come from in the first place? And how did the science progress to
reach the point where today businesses and homes install solar
panels on rooftops to generate energy?
It turns out that if we trace the history of harnessing solar energy
we reach a little known French physicist named Alexandre Edmond
Becquerel. He was a well regarded scientist in his time and is
credited with discovering the photovoltaic effect of sunlight on an
electrode submerged in conductive fluid in 1839.
However, it would take until 1873 until English electrical engineer
Willoughby Smith to discover the photoconductive properties of
selenium that further progress be made. The first solar cell was
created in 1883 by American inventor Charles Fritts, which had just
1% efficiency. Later down the track, US patents were filed by Edward
Weston in 1888, Melvin Severy in 1894 and Harry Reagan in 1897 for
different versions of the early solar cells.
It took many experiments in photovoltaics throughout the 20th
century by both US and European scientists to advance the science.
Leaps were made between 1916 and the 1920's by Robert Millikan, who
tested and proved the photoelectric effect existed. Polish chemist
Jan Czochralski then produced a methodology to grow single crystals
of metal for use in photovoltaic cells.
It took almost 100 years from A.E Becquerel's initial discovery to
reach the 1920's when flat plate solar collectors were put to use in
sunny Florida and California to provide solar hot water heating in
homes and apartment buildings.
From the 1920's to Post-War 40's increased consumer demand for solar
panels arose due to electric shortages and outages. This caused the
need for solar architects, lead to Bell Telephone Labs getting
involved and pushed the drive for greater efficiency from solar
panels when solar cells yielded 11% more power than the first crude
cell.
Fast forward to the 1970's when solar cell technology had by this
stage been more accepted around the world with smart uses for solar
energy and heating for public buildings, businesses, lighthouses and
remotely located off-the-grid homeowners who used it to provide
efficient electricity.
Australia was one of countries at the forefront of solar technology
development. In 1982 Australian native Hans Tholstrup piloted the
first solar powered car over 2,800 miles in 20 days. Tholstrup is
also the founder of the Australian World Solar Challenge which
continues to the current day.
Since the 90's solar PV technology has advanced in its ability to
harness the sun efficiently and cost effectiveness to the point
where its becoming a major feature of modern homes and businesses to
reduce carbon emissions, offset power bills, do away with power
bills altogether and in some cases become a source of passive
income.
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