Old solar power

What is the history of solar energy?

The story of solar energy begins in 1839 with the work of French physicist Edmond Becquerel. From this early discovery to modern rooftop arrays and utility-scale solar farms, this is the complete history of solar energy—and a look at its exciting potential in the years to come.

How did people use solar energy?

Solar power has been used by people for centuries, though in different ways than we see today. The first known use of solar energy was using glass and magnifying the sun’s rays to start small fires for cooking. From there, people harnessed the power of the sun to light torches and illuminate Roman bathhouses.

When did solar energy become a standard power system?

Solar energy's significance grew in the 1970s when photovoltaics became the standard power system for NASA's spacecraft. This technology remains the primary power source for spacecraft today. Back on Earth, solar energy technology continued to advance gradually through the mid-20th century but remained uncompetitive with cheap, readily available fossil fuels.

Who invented solar energy?

Flash forward to 1883, and the next big leap in solar energy is made — New York inventor Charles Fritts created the first solar cell. This solar module consisted of a wide, thin selenium wafer covered by an even thinner sheet of gold.

Do we still have solar energy today?

After centuries of further development, we have the solar energy of today. Today, we often see the sun’s energy powering houses and businesses in the form of solar panels, and solar will continue to grow and develop.

How did the solar industry grow in the 20th century?

The latter half of the 20th century saw significant growth in the solar industry, driven by both technological advancements and a growing awareness of environmental issues: Energy Crisis (1970s): The oil embargo and energy crisis of the 1970s spurred interest in alternative energy sources.