A History of Solar Panels

Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic cells, are devices that convert sunlight into electricity. The history of solar panels dates back to the 19th century, when a French physicist named Alexandre Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect.

Becquerel discovered that when certain materials, such as selenium, were exposed to sunlight, they produced an electric current. This phenomenon, known as the photovoltaic effect, is the basis for the operation of solar panels.

In the early 20th century, the use of solar panels began to gain momentum as a source of electricity for remote areas where traditional power sources were not available. In 1954, Bell Laboratories developed the first practical photovoltaic cell, which was made of silicon and had an efficiency of just 6%.

Over the next few decades, the efficiency of solar panels improved dramatically, thanks to advancements in materials science and manufacturing techniques. By the 1970s, solar panels were being used to power everything from calculators and watches to satellites and spacecraft.

In the 1990s, the use of solar panels for residential and commercial applications began to take off, thanks in part to government incentives and the increasing cost-competitiveness of solar power. Today, solar panels are a common sight on rooftops and in solar farms around the world, providing clean and renewable electricity to millions of people.

Despite the impressive advancements in solar technology over the past few decades, the future of solar panels looks even brighter. Researchers are constantly working on new materials and designs that could further increase the efficiency and affordability of solar panels, making them an even more attractive option for powering homes and businesses.

Want to make the most of this renewable and cheap energy source, then speak to us about getting solar panels installed on your house.