Solar panels have come a long way from their inception to modern high-efficiency systems. Thanks to technological advancements, improvements in materials, and increased efficiency, they have become a key element in the global transition to renewable energy.
1. The Beginning of the Solar Energy Era:
- 1839: French physicist Edmond Becquerel discovered the photoelectric effect, which allows light to generate electric current.
- 1873-1883: Scientists discovered the photoconductivity of selenium; in 1883, the first solar panel based on selenium and gold was created, but its efficiency was less than 1%.
2. Development of Silicon Solar Panels:
- 1954: Creation of the first silicon solar panel. Scientists from Bell Labs presented a device with an efficiency of about 6%, marking the beginning of the modern era of solar energy.
- 1960s-1970s: Solar panels began to be actively used to power spacecraft due to their reliability and independence from fuel.
3. Commercial Use and Technological Improvements:
- 1980s: The decrease in solar panel prices made them more accessible for commercial use. Efficiency in laboratory conditions reached up to 20%.
- 1990s: The introduction of new materials and technologies, such as thin-film panels, helped reduce production costs and increase adoption.
4. Boom in Renewable Energy Development:
- 2000s: Increased demand for clean energy led to the introduction of subsidies and incentives for solar panel installation, contributing to a massive growth in their installations worldwide.
- 2010s: The cost of solar energy declined to a level that competes with traditional sources, such as coal and natural gas. Efficiency of panels in the commercial segment reached 22-24%.
5. Current State and Prospects:
- PERC Technologies and Bifacial Panels: The implementation of PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) technology significantly increased the efficiency of solar panels. Bifacial panels gained popularity due to their ability to generate energy from both sides.
- Future Prospects: Research into perovskite panels and hybrid materials opens up new opportunities for reducing costs and enhancing the efficiency of solar systems.
The evolution of solar panels is a testament to continuous improvement, making solar energy more accessible and efficient. Modern technologies contribute to the widespread adoption of solar systems in both commercial and residential settings, bringing us closer to an environmentally friendly future.