History of solar panels timeline

When were solar panels invented?

Before the first modern solar panels were invented by Bell Laboratories in 1954, the history of solar energy was one of fits and starts, driven by individual inventors and scientists.

What is the history of solar energy?

From the earliest days of solar-powered satellites 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. The story of solar energy begins in 1839 with the work of French physicist Edmond Becquerel.

When did solar technology start?

This timeline lists the milestones in the historical development of solar technology from 1767 to 1891. Swiss scientist Horace de Saussure was credited with building the world’s first solar collector, later used by Sir John Herschel to cook food during his South Africa expedition in the 1830s.

How did solar energy grow in the late 2000s?

The late 2000s was a crucial time for the growth of solar energy. Global investment in clean energy exceeds $100 billion, with solar energy as the leading clean energy technology for venture capital and private equity investment. The solar tax credit helped to create unprecedented growth in the U.S. solar industry from 2006 to 2007.

When was solar energy first installed in Germany?

1990 - The Magdeburg Cathedral installs solar cells on the roof, marking the first installation on a church in East Germany. 1991 - President George H. W. Bush directs the U.S. Department of Energy to establish the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (transferring the existing Solar Energy Research Institute).

When did solar energy become a standard power system?

As NASA pushed further out into the solar system in the 1970s, photovoltaics became the standard power system for its spacecraft and remains so 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.