In 1839 the phenomenon was revealed by French physicist Alexandre-Edmund Becquerel. Alexandre-Edmund Becquerel did not make much progress other than discovering the solar cell itself and speculating on its possibilities. In 1833 the first solar cell was actually built. After years of theory and imagination the solar cell had finally come to some fruition.
The first solar cells were created by a man named Charles Fritts. Mr. Fritts coated semiconductor selenium with a very thin coating of gold. This precious metal was patented to join the functions of the device. It was discovered that the device was really only 1% effective.
It was not until 1946 that the photovoltaic cells were patented by a man named Sven Ason Berglund. Sven Ason Berglund knew the many possibilities of the solar cell and the generation of efficient solar energy. The patent developed by Sven Ason Berglund was a photovoltaic device used to create increasing methods of the collection of solar energy.
1954 has been declared the modern age of solar technology. This happened when Bell Laboratories, while experimenting with semiconductors, discovered that the use of silicon could be extremely effective. It was a complete breakthrough. Silicon set to function with certain impurities was actually extremely sensitive to light.
The 1954 breakthrough of Bell Laboratories caused certain solar energy devices to be effective up to 6% -- but it does not stop there.
Following this incredible breakthrough the amount of interest in solar energy and generating solar power from solar cells increased dramatically. Suddenly, the research and discovery of new and more modern solar power apparatuses was being heavily sponsored and believed in. Especially for those concerned about the environment, the concept of solar energy was a popular idea.
The first satellite to use solar arrays to generate solar power was launched from Russia on the 15th of May, 1957. This, believe it or not, was an absolutely vital part of the history of research and development in generating solar energy. It actually created a diversion (the launch on May, 15th, ’57) which deterred the much funding from the general research of solar cells.
Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and sports. Her background includes home decor and gardening. For more of her articles on solar cells, advancements and history please visit Solar Cell History.
Source: www.articlesphere.com
