History of Photovoltaics

Many people are surprised to learn that photovoltaic technology is not new. In truth, we have had the knowledge and the means to make photovoltaics the standard for over a century. Knowing this, it is strange to think of the problems associated with energy that we are currently experiences – harmful emissions, depletion of resources, lack of electricity in areas of third world countries, etc.

The first photovoltaic solar cells were created in 1883 – 16 years before Thomas Edison patented the light bulb – by Charles Fritts. Whereas silicon is the favored PV material of today, Fritts made his cells from selenium wafers.

Of course, Fritts was not the first to experiment with photovoltaics. Around 1838, a 19-year-old named Edmund Becquerel had discovered the photovoltaic effect (“photovoltaic” is the conversion of solar light into electricity).

In 1873, Willoughby Smith observed the light sensitivity of selenium. It was this discovery, the photovoltaic effect in a solid, that led to the experimentation of Fritts and others. And although Fritt’s invention did create some excitement, it was never commercially applied.

Many other discoveries occurred after Fritt’s invention and before modern-day use of PV power. Scientists found different light sensitivities of different combinations of elements. They found ways to grow single-crystal silicon. Even Einstein contributed to modern-day photovoltaics – he received the Nobel Prize for his explanatory theories on the photoelectric effect.

It was not until 1954 that more practical considerations of PV technology were formed. In this year, Bell Laboratories observed the light sensitivity of silicon. The first practical solar modules were the result of this discovery.

Even still, the application of photovoltaics did not immediately take off, greatly due to the cost of manufacturing PV cells. People still considered PV power to be futuristic, and it was mostly used just in remote locations.

In the 1960’s, however, PV power was beginning to become known and used. The first UN conference on PV power in the Developing World was held in 1961. Japan installed a large solar array for a lighthouse in 1963. The uses and applications of solar power continued to increase. Even residential homeowners became enlightened about the benefits of solar power. And some “green homes” began popping up in neighborhoods in the 1970’s.

Of course, solar power has definitely been a part of the forefront in more recent years, as the energy crisis worsens and people begin to worry about the future of our delicate planet. The history of photovoltaics started out slow but has continued to speed up. What will the future be like? Will we completely embrace the simplicity and green-ness of PV power?

For a history timeline of solar power, check out:

http://inventors.about.com/od/timelines/a/Photovoltaics.htm

 

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