Today, the Photovoltaic Solar Energy Solar energy has moved from being the exclusive domain of large-scale projects to becoming an increasingly common technology. It is used in both domestic and commercial applications, and its evolution has been rapid and steady over the years. This article seeks to explore how it has progressed from its origins to become a viable energy solution on a global scale.
Taking advantage of the solar energy It is not something new, but the development of the technology that we know today as photovoltaic solar panels has a fascinating history, full of important milestones over time.
The beginnings of photovoltaic solar energy: Photovoltaic effect
The history of photovoltaic solar energy begins in 1839, when the French physicist Alexandre-Edmond Becquerel He discovered the photovoltaic effect while experimenting with an electrolytic cell. Becquerel observed that when certain materials were exposed to light, an electric current was generated.
This discovery marked the beginning of a new way of taking advantage of the solar energy, but the practical development of this technology would still take many years to arrive. In the following decades, various experiments helped to advance the understanding of the phenomenon, but further developments were necessary.
Early attempts: The selenium solar cell
The next major milestone in the history of solar photovoltaics occurred in 1883, when the American inventor charles fritts He developed the first solar cell using selenium as a semiconductor and a thin layer of gold. However, due to their low efficiency (only 1%) and high cost, these cells were not viable for large-scale electricity generation, and were limited to uses such as light sensors in cameras.
Despite these limitations, Fritts' invention laid the groundwork for future developments, and his work was followed by other scientists interested in improving the efficiency of solar cells.
The silicon revolution and the first modern solar cell
En 1946, the scientist Russell Ohl patented the first silicon solar cell, a material that would become the standard for the photovoltaic industry. However, it was in the year 1954 when the Bell Labs They developed the first truly efficient solar cell, also based on silicon. These cells were able to convert 6% of sunlight into electricity, which was a considerable difference compared to previous models.
Most significantly, this improvement in efficiency made it possible for solar cells to be used in practical applications, starting with space industryThe first solar-powered satellites were sent into space in the 50s, with the American satellite Vanguard I as a pioneer in this field.
The rise of solar energy in the space industry
During the 1960s, solar cells found their place in the space race, where cost was not a limiting factor. Spacecraft and satellites needed a reliable and long-lasting source of power, and solar panels were the perfect choice. Both the United States and the Soviet Union used solar power in their space programs.
The first solar satellite was the Vanguard 1, launched in 1958. Although it was a small satellite, the implementation of solar technology was a success, and it has since become the standard for satellites.
Commercial use of solar photovoltaic energy
Despite success in space, the cost of solar cells remained a significant obstacle to their commercial adoption on Earth. In 1956, the price per watt of a solar cell was approximately $300, making their use in conventional power grids unfeasible.
It was during the oil crisis in the 1970s when alternative technologies, including solar energy, began to gain interest at the corporate and government levels. Oil prices skyrocketed, which spurred investment in solar technology. Gradually, research and development in this field began to reduce costs and increase the efficiency of solar panels.
The emergence of the self-consumption market
Solar energy was not only used in large projects or in the space industry. 1970, the first household device with a small solar panel was launched on the market, and some models began to be installed in homes and farms to generate electricity. The development of more efficient and cheaper panels made them available for the general public. domestic self-consumption.
The industry of photovoltaic energy continued to advance, and beginning in the 80s, solar panel prices dropped even further due to increased production and improved technology. These cost reductions made solar installations increasingly accessible to the general public.
The energy crisis and its impact on solar energy
One of the most important events that boosted solar energy globally was the energy crisis of the 70s. The increases in the price of Fossil fuels and energy security concerns motivated governments and institutions to look towards renewable sources of energy. In this context, solar photovoltaics began to receive more attention and support through government incentives and subsidies.
Between the 80s and 90s, the introduction of grid-connected solar systems made large-scale installations possible. This marked the beginning of a new era for photovoltaics, expanding its application to sectors such as agriculture, industry and transport.
Why has solar energy become popular?
Since then, solar energy PV has continued to experience exponential growth thanks to its significant advantages:
- It is a clean and sustainable energy source, which does not generate CO emissions2.
- El price of solar panels has decreased significantly, making them accessible to more consumers.
- The regulations and laws that promote the consumption and surplus compensation have promoted its popularization.
Thanks to these factors, it is now common to find solar installations in private homes, small industries and self-consumption systems that generate electricity without depending exclusively on the grid.
Throughout its history, solar photovoltaics has evolved from a scientific curiosity to a fundamental part of the global energy system. This has been made possible by a combination of technological advances, cost reductions and a shift in global mindset towards the use of cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.