Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular in the United Kingdom as a source of renewable energy. But when were solar panels invented, and how did they become the efficient and cost-effective technology they are today?
The history of solar panels dates back to the early 19th century when French physicist Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect. This is the phenomenon where certain materials, such as silicon, generate an electric current when exposed to light. However, it was not until the mid-20th century that solar panels began to be used as energy sources.
In 1954, American engineer Daryl Chapin, along with physicists Calvin Fuller and Gerald Pearson, invented the first solar cell at Bell Labs in New Jersey. This cell was made from silicon and converted sunlight into electricity with an efficiency of just 6%.
At this time, solar panels were mainly used in space exploration. In 1958, the Vanguard 1 satellite became the first spacecraft to use solar panels to power its instruments. The panels were made of silicon and had an efficiency of 14%.
The use of solar panels on Earth began to grow in the 1970s, as concerns over the environmental impact of fossil fuels increased. The first commercial solar panels were produced by Exxon in 1973, but they were expensive and inefficient, with an efficiency of just 2.5%.
In the 1980s, advances were made in solar cell technology that increased their efficiency and lowered their cost. In 1983, the first solar-powered calculator was developed, which was a major milestone for the industry. By the end of the decade, solar panels were being used for a variety of applications, including powering homes and businesses.
The 1990s saw further improvements in solar panel technology, with the development of thin-film solar cells, which are lighter and more flexible than traditional silicon cells. In 1999, Germany introduced a feed-in tariff system, which incentivized the use of solar panels by paying producers for the electricity they generated.
The 21st century has seen a dramatic increase in the use of solar panels, as advances in technology have made them more efficient and cost-effective. In 2009, the UK government introduced the Feed-in Tariff scheme, which provided financial incentives for households and businesses to install solar panels.
Today, solar panels are a common sight on rooftops across the UK. They are used to generate electricity for homes and businesses, and can even be used to power electric vehicles. The efficiency of solar panels has increased to around 20%, and the cost of installation has decreased significantly.
In conclusion, solar panels have come a long way since their invention in the mid-20th century. Advances in technology have made them more efficient and cost-effective, and they are now a common source of renewable energy in the UK. While there is still room for improvement, solar panels have the potential to play a significant role in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating the effects of climate change.
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