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With an increasing focus on renewable energy in recent years, it’s fascinating to reflect on the origins of the world’s most widely-used eco-friendly tools such as solar panels. In the U.S. alone, over 4 million business owners have embraced solar panels to support their operations.
As a trusted provider of solar panels in Maryland, our team at Solar-Verse is excited to take you on a journey through time. Let’s dive into the rich history of solar panels.
For thousands of years, civilizations all over the world have acknowledged the sun’s incredible power and its vast potential. The ancient Greeks and Romans, for example, showed their appreciation for solar power through architecture, which was often built in positions and using structural techniques that would maximize the sun’s warmth. It was not until the 19th century, however, that the concept of solar panels started to take form.
In 1839, a French physicist named Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect, which is the principle underlying solar panels. In his research, he found that certain materials produced small amounts of electric current when exposed to sunlight. This discovery took another several decades to be used in practical applications, but was nonetheless, crucial to the solar solutions we have today.
In 1873, Willoughby Smith discovered the photoconductivity of selenium, and a few years later, Charles Fritts created the first working selenium solar cell. These early cells had very low efficiency, converting less than 1% of sunlight into electricity. Although the success of this cell was low, Fritts introduced the idea of solar panels as a new energy source.
The breakthrough came in 1954 when Bell Labs developed the first silicon solar cell, which could convert around 6% of sunlight into electricity. This was the true start of photovoltaic technology, laying the groundwork for practical applications.
In the 1970s, the energy crisis led more and more researchers to start thinking about alternative energy sources. Solar power quickly became a hot topic at this time and governments started investing large sums of money into improving solar technology. During this era, solar panels became far more efficient, and production costs started to drop. It was also when we first saw solar panels being used residentially, paving the way for the widespread adoption of solar panels for home usage.
The late 20th and early 21st centuries came with rapid advancements in solar panel technology. Efficiency improvements, cost reductions, and better manufacturing processes have made solar panels more accessible and practical for everyday use. Innovations such as thin-film solar cells, which are lighter and more flexible than traditional panels, have expanded the possibilities for solar energy applications.
Today, solar panels are a common sight in MD and across the globe. Maryland has been a leader in promoting renewable energy through policies and incentives that encourage solar adoption. The state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) mandates that a significant portion of electricity comes from renewable sources, with solar power playing a crucial role.
Many residential and commercial property owners in Maryland are turning to solar panels to reduce energy costs and environmental impact. Solar-Verse is proud to be part of this movement, providing state-of-the-art solar solutions tailored to the unique needs of MD residents and businesses.
From humble beginnings to cutting-edge technology, solar panels have come a long way, and the journey is far from over. Join us at Solar-Verse as we continue to lead the way with top-of-the-line solar panels in MD. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
