The Discovery of Solar Cells: Harnessing the Power of the Sun
The concept of harnessing the power of the sun for energy has been around for centuries, but it wasn’t until the mid-1800s when a scientist named Antoine Becquerel discovered that certain materials could produce electric currents from light that the technology of solar cells was born. In the time since, innovation and research of solar technology have helped to bring the cost and efficiency of solar cells to levels that make them increasingly attractive for economic and environmental applications. In this article, we will explore the history of the development of solar cells, the current state of solar energy technology, and why the development of solar cells is so important for the future of renewable energy.
History of Solar Cells
The concept of the photovoltaic effect – the production of electricity from light – had been around since the 1820s, but it wasn’t until 1839 when a French scientist named Antoine Becquerel discovered that certain materials could produce electric currents when exposed to light that the technology of solar cells began to take shape. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, a number of scientists, including Edmond Becquerel, Charles Fritts and Henry Round, experimented further with the use of light-sensitive materials to create electricity.
By 1941, research by a group of scientists led by Russell Ohl had successfully created solar cells made from silicon, the same material used in today’s most common solar technology. However, production was still extremely expensive and few applications of solar energy were realized in the decade that followed. It wasn’t until the 1950s when silicon-based solar cells were more widely used to provide power in a variety of applications including telecommunications, space exploration, and medical instruments.
Current State of Solar Energy Technology
Today, the technology of solar energy has become much more efficient and cost-effective due to a combination of revised manufacturing practices, advances in silicon technology, and the development of newer materials that have helped reduce the price of solar cells. Current solar technology not only encompasses the photovoltaic (PV) cells used in home and commercial applications, but also includes large-scale power plants, portable power sources, and various other applications in transportation, agriculture and industry.
The use of solar energy is becoming increasingly attractive for economic and environmental reasons. Solar energy is completely renewable, and helps to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels that produce greenhouse gases. In addition, Solar Energy Systems (SESs) are able to save money over time by reducing electricity costs and providing income generated through Feed-in-Tariffs (FITs) or net metering schemes.
Benefits of Solar Energy
While the use of solar cells has been limited to certain applications in the past, its popularity and the scope of applications is ever-expanding due to advances in the technology. There are many benefits to using solar energy instead of traditional, non-renewable sources such as coal and oil.
Here are some of the key benefits of using solar cells:
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Renewable Energy: Solar energy is renewable and doesn’t have to be replenished like other energy sources.
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Cost-Effective: Solar technology is becoming increasingly cost-effective and is often less expensive than traditional energy sources.
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Clean and Green: Solar energy does not produce any pollutants or emissions, making it a green energy source.
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Versatile: Solar energy can be adapted to different types of applications including residential, commercial, industrial, and transportation.
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Reliable: Solar energy is available in most parts of the world and is not affected by weather or other environmental factors.
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Sustainable: As more people rely on solar energy, it can reduce the pressure on conventional energy sources and help ensure an adequate supply in the future.
Once the domain of science fiction, the technology of solar cells has enabled us to realistically use one of the most abundant sources of energy available – the power of the sun. Reaching cost parity with traditional sources of energy in recent years has made solar technology increasingly attractive for economic and environmental reasons. With continued innovation and research, Solar technology is becoming more and more accessible, helping to reduce our dependence on non-renewable resources while providing a more sustainable source of clean energy.
