History of foreign solar power grid development

What is the history of solar energy?

From the earliest days of solar-powered satellites to modern rooftop arrays and utility-scale solar farms, this is the complete history of solar energy—and a look at its exciting potential in the years to come. The story of solar energy begins in 1839 with the work of French physicist Edmond Becquerel.

Why is the development of solar energy important?

As the demand for clean energy sources increases, the importance of the development of efficient photovoltaic (PV) cells is in demand. Here we examine the utilization of solar energy in the initial stage, the rise of PV development in the present era, and different kinds of PV cells with their merits and demerits.

When did photovoltaic cells start?

It has now been 184 years since 1839 when Alexandre Edmond Becquerel observed the photovoltaic (PV) effect via an electrode in a conductive solution exposed to light . It is instructive to look at the history of PV cells since that time because there are lessons to be learned that can provide guidance for the future development of PV cells.

When was the first solar cell invented?

Bell Labs introduced the first practical silicon solar cell in 1954, which was initially used in space applications, powering satellites like Vanguard I. With the energy crisis of the 1970s, public interest in renewable energy sources soared, incentivizing governments to invest in solar technology development. Key commercial milestones:

When did solar energy become a standard power system?

As NASA pushed further out into the solar system in the 1970s, photovoltaics became the standard power system for its spacecraft and remains so today. Back on Earth, solar energy technology continued to advance gradually through the mid-20th century but remained uncompetitive with cheap, readily available fossil fuels.

How did solar technology evolve in the 20th century?

As the 20th century progressed, solar technology experienced significant advancements. During the 1950s, Bell Labs pioneered the first practical silicon photovoltaic cell, boasting an energy conversion rate of around 6%, a substantial improvement over previous models.