The first applications of solar energy were for heat. The fire was created by amplifying the sun’s rays. In the third century B.C., the Greeks and Romans utilized ‘burning mirrors’ to light torches for religious activities. Archimedes is claimed to have used the reflecting characteristics of brass to set fire to Roman warships storming Syracuse in the 2nd century B.C. People seek to create cost-effective ways to use sustainable power in a world where non-renewable resources account for most energy production. One of the essential cornerstones of renewable energy technology is the solar panel.
When were solar panels invented?
Alexandre Becquerel’s revelation of the photovoltaic effect in 1839 was a significant step forward in solar panel technology. When a material is exposed to light, it produces electricity. In 1888, Aleksandr Stoletov created the first solar cell. In 1955, the first commercially available solar cells were sold. Hoffman Electrics made solar cells that were 10% efficient. Solar panel efficiency improved in the 1970s thanks to efforts from the Solar Power Corporation. Solar energy is one of the most cost-effective solutions for providing power to even remote regions on farms and other agricultural businesses rather than laying new electric lines.
It is easier to run and manage than diesel generators because it doesn’t require fuel or maintenance. The economic evaluation of solar power technology has revealed that it is suited for any region on the planet. Solar energy has progressed significantly over the past decade. However, the next ten years are expected to see unprecedented growth, bolstering solar as a cornerstone for renewable energy adoption.
Present-day solar power
Scientists have been working on making solar panels more efficient and reliable since the turn of the century. As a result, technology is now more accessible to the general public. Whatever your reasons for being interested in solar power, there is a long and fascinating history behind its rise to prominence. Solar has a wide range of connotations in today’s world. It is used in various industries and powers lots of different techniques and devices. Try our Freyr Energy Solar app and the Solar Calculator feature to get fast estimates for a solar installation and the energy efficiency you could achieve. Unfortunately, solar PV is on an uphill trajectory to increasing efficiency.
The Future
We believe solar power technology will be the future. However, mechanical qualities have always constrained PV panels. With nanotechnology, the next generation of solar panels can overcome these obstacles and open up a world of possibilities. We can now employ solar energy in applications where it was previously unviable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Evolution of Solar panels took their first leap in 1839 when Alexandre Becquerel used the photovoltaic effect to capture the Sun’s energy. The first solar cell was then invented by him in 1888. Since then, solar panels have observed evolution from basic silicon-based cells to advanced thin-film. This evolution boosted the efficiency of solar panels and reduced overall costs.
The new solar panel technology includes perovskite cells, bifacial solar panels, and tandem configurations. These inclusions enhance efficiency and energy yield, making it more accessible and affordable to the public.
The most efficient solar panel technology refers to the one that produces more energy and serves longevity. Monocrystalline silicon is the most efficient latest solar panel technology, considering these two factors. The panels of Monocrystalline are made from a single crystal structure, giving space to move freely.
Monocrystalline offers high efficiency and can generate more electricity per square meter. This solar panel performs even better during low-light conditions, hence the preferred choice for residential and commercial solar systems installations.
Modern solar panels are made using photovoltaic technology. This technology converts sunlight into electricity. Electric current is created when a semiconductor absorbs sunlight and releases electrons. The other two technologies apart from photovoltaic are concentrating solar power and solar heating and cooling systems.