How did solar power start?

Answer 1

In 1839 Alexandre-Edmond Becquerel (who was 19) discovered the photovoltaic effect, which is the process through which a solar cell converts sunlight into electricity.

In 1876, William Grylls Adams discovered that selenium generated an electric current when exposed to light. This proved that a solid object could change light into electricity without heat or moving parts.

In 1953 Gerald Pearson made a solar cell with silicon. This was much more efficient than selenium and solar power could start to be used in smaller applications.

Powering satellites in space was one of the first important uses of solar power and the price has been coming down since that time.

Now we see solar panels on rooftops all over the world.

Answer 2

The history of solar power dates back to the 19th century with the discovery of the photovoltaic effect by Edmond Becquerel in 1839. The first practical solar cell was developed in the 1950s, leading to the creation of the first commercial solar panels in the 1960s. Since then, advancements in technology and growing awareness of environmental issues have fueled the rapid growth of solar power as a renewable energy source.