
Read Up on The History of Solar Energy and Human Kind
The Sun has been a symbol of power and a source of utility since the dawn of civilization. The history of solar energy is a story of human ingenuity and a ceaseless quest to harness the powers of our natural world. Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Greeks recognized the Sun's vital role in sustaining life. The Egyptians designed their architecture to capture the Sun's warmth, while the Greeks used solar orientation in their buildings to maximize sunlight.The Puebloan people constructed their dwellings with a southern orientation to maximize solar heat gain during winter. These early techniques marked the beginning of humanity’s relationship with solar energy.
As we moved into the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution brought about a new wave of innovation. In 1839, French physicist Alexandre Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect, laying the groundwork for modern solar technology. Becquerel's experiments demonstrated that certain materials could produce electricity when exposed to light, a pivotal moment in the development of solar energy. Over the next century the growing understanding of electricity and electrical engineering contributed to the development of practical solar cells. Solar power was delayed by two world wars but a major advancement was on the horizon in the thriving economy of 1950s America.
In 1954 Bell Labs developed the first silicon solar cell, capable of converting sunlight into electricity with a 6% efficiency rate. Today's solar cells have reached upwards of 40% in a lab setting. Nevertheless, this breakthrough, led by a team made up of Daryl Chapin, Calvin Fuller, and Gerald Pearson, heralded the modern era of solar power, leading to its use in powering satellites and other technologies.
The energy crises of the 1970s, which highlighted the world's dependence on fossil fuels, sparked renewed interest in alternative energy sources, including solar power, and generated the first wave of solar industry in the United States. New waves of incentives and research funding by the US government supported and catalyzed innovation and investment in the solar industry. This time period also marked the founding of our very own SunPower Builders and the beginning of our solar energy journey here in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Governments and private companies invested heavily in research and development over the next few decades, leading to significant improvements in solar panel efficiency and cost reductions. By the early 2000s, solar energy began to emerge as a viable option for large-scale power generation. Today, solar energy is a critical component of the global energy landscape. Advances in technology, the realization that we are past peak oil production and global warming, are driving widespread adoption. Countries around the world are investing in solar infrastructure, recognizing its potential to provide clean, renewable energy and combat climate change.
However, the full realization of solar energy's potential requires continued supportive policies and infrastructure. Governments play a crucial role in accelerating solar adoption by leveling the playing field between fossil fuel incentives and tax credits and clean energy technologies, standardizing permitting processes, and investments in research and development. Additionally, fostering collaboration between the solar industry and established energy utilities is essential for grid integration and ensuring a smooth transition to a clean energy, solar-powered tomorrow.
The journey of solar energy from ancient civilizations to modern times reflects humanity's enduring drive to innovate and adapt. Modern advances have allowed individuals to power their homes with energy decentralized on their rooftops, while feeding the excess back into their communities. When we look to the future, solar energy will play a crucial role in meeting our growing energy needs and ensuring a cleaner and more reliable future. As we grapple with the damage our use of fossil fuels has caused to our planet and to our communities, solar shines a light into our future for years to come.
By Dana Phillips