Part of the history of energy and technology
In the 19th century, it was observed that the sunlight striking certain materials generates detectable electric current – the photoelectric effect. This discovery laid the foundation for solar cells. Solar cells have gone on to be used in many applications. They have historically been used in situations where electrical power from the grid was unavailable.
As the invention was brought out it made solar cells as a prominent utilization for power generation for satellites. Satellites orbit the Earth, thus making solar cells a prominent source for power generation through the sunlight falling on them. Solar cells are commonly used in satellites in today's times.
1800s
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Edmond Becquerel created the world's first photovoltaic cell at 19 years old in 1839.
- 1901 - Philipp von Lenard observes the variation in electron energy with light frequency.
- 1904 - Wilhelm Hallwachs makes a semiconductor-junction solar cell (copper and copper oxide).
Einstein's "On a Heuristic Viewpoint Concerning the Production and Transformation of Light" was published in
Annalen der Physik in 1905.
Vanguard 1 with its six solar cells attached
- 1958 - T. Mandelkorn, U.S. Signal Corps Laboratories, creates n-on-p silicon solar cells, which are more resistant to radiation damage and are better suited for space. Hoffman Electronics creates 9% efficient solar cells. Vanguard I, the first solar powered satellite, was launched with a 0.1 W, 100 cm2 solar panel.
- 1959 - Hoffman Electronics creates a 10% efficient commercial solar cell, and introduces the use of a grid contact, reducing the cell's resistance.
A New Mexico State University professor showing a solar panel in New Mexico in April 1974
- 1974 - J. Baldwin, at Integrated Living Systems, co-develops the world's first building (in New Mexico) heated and otherwise powered by solar and wind power exclusively.
- 1976 - David E. Carlson and Christopher Wronski of RCA Laboratories create first amorphous silicon PV cells, which have an efficiency of 2.4%.
- 1977 - The Solar Energy Research Institute is established at Golden, Colorado.
- 1977 - The world production of photovoltaic cells exceeded 500 kW
- 1978 - First solar-powered calculators.[18]
- Late 1970s: the "Energy Crisis"; groundswell of public interest in solar energy use: photovoltaic and active and passive solar, including in architecture and off-grid buildings and home sites.
Exponential growth-curve on a semi-log scale of worldwide installed photovoltaics in gigawatts since 1992
Solar cell production by region 2000–2010[23]
Market share of the different PV technologies 1999–2010
Worldwide installed photovoltaic capacity in "watts per capita" by country. Estimated figures for year 2016.
2020s
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2020
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- 6 March – Scientists show that adding a layer of perovskite crystals on top of textured or planar silicon to create a tandem solar cell enhances its performance up to a power conversion efficiency of 26%. This could be a low cost way to increase efficiency of solar cells.[49][50]
- 13 July – The first global assessment into promising approaches of solar photovoltaic modules recycling is published. Scientists recommend "research and development to reduce recycling costs and environmental impacts compared to disposal while maximizing material recovery" as well as facilitation and use of techno–economic analyses.[51][52]
- 3 July – Scientists show that adding an organic-based ionic solid into perovskites can result in substantial improvement in solar cell performance and stability. The study also reveals a complex degradation route that is responsible for failures in aged perovskite solar cells. The understanding could help the future development of photovoltaic technologies with industrially relevant longevity.[53][54][
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2021
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- 12 April – Scientists develop a prototype and design rules for both-sides-contacted silicon solar cells with conversion efficiencies of 26% and above, Earth's highest for this type of solar cell.[55][56][
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- 21 May – The first industrial commercial production line of perovskite solar panels, using an inkjet printing procedure, is launched in Poland.[59]
- 13 December – Researchers report the development of a database and analysis tool about perovskite solar cells which systematically integrates over 15,000 publications, in particular device-data about over 42,400 of such photovoltaic devices.[60][61]
- 16 December – ML System from Jasionka, Poland, opens first quantum glass production line. The factory started the production of windows integrating a transparent quantum-dots layer that can produce electricity while also capable of cooling buildings.[62][
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2022
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- 30 May - A team at Fraunhofer ISE led by Frank Dimroth developed a 4-junction solar cell with an efficiency of 47.6% - a new world record for solar energy conversion.[63][
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- 13 July – Researchers report the development of semitransparent solar cells that are as large as windows,[64] after team members achieved record efficiency with high transparency in 2020.[65][66] On 4 July, researchers report the fabrication of solar cells with a record average visible transparency of 79%, being nearly invisible.[67][68]
See also
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References
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