Ancient Origins and the Birth of the Photovoltaic Effect
Though the concept of solar energy may seem modern, the roots of solar power stretch back centuries. As early as the 7th century BC, ancient Greeks and Romans harnessed sunlight for warmth, using simple magnifying glasses to ignite fires. Fast forward to 1839, French physicist Edmond Becquerel uncovered a world-changing phenomenon—the photovoltaic effect—when he found that some materials produced an electric current when exposed to light. This foundational discovery underpins modern solar panel technology.
For decades, Becquerel’s effect was little more than a scientific curiosity. But as the industrial revolution dawned, inventors and engineers sought new ways to electrify the world—and solar PV research slowly advanced.
Early Breakthroughs and the First True Solar Panel
By the late 19th century, progress was accelerating. In 1873, Willoughby Smith discovered selenium’s photoconductive potential, setting the stage for future breakthroughs. Three years later, William Grylls Adams and Richard Evans Day proved that selenium generates electricity in sunlight. But it was American inventor Charles Fritts who, in 1883, built the first true solar cell—using a thin layer of gold over selenium. His panels were installed atop New York rooftops, but their efficiency was just 1%.
Still, these early efforts shaped the future of solar. In the decades that followed, advances in materials science and engineering inched solar power closer to practicality, culminating in the crucial leap to silicon-based designs.
The Silicon Revolution and Birth of Modern Solar PV
The mid-20th century marked a revolution. In the early 1940s, Bell Labs researcher Russell Ohl patented a silicon-based solar cell design—laying the foundation for what would become the bedrock of today’s industry. The real turning point came in 1954 when Bell Labs scientists Daryl Chapin, Calvin Fuller, and Gerald Pearson unveiled the world’s first practical silicon solar cell, which achieved a respectable 6% efficiency (compared to earlier selenium cells at 1%). This moment is widely considered the true birth of the modern solar panel.
With this breakthrough, for the first time, solar panels could power electrical equipment for hours at a time, opening the door to new uses in remote telecommunications and off-grid applications.
If you are considering a solar PV system for your home or business, our engineers at Atlantic Renewables are here to help you benefit from the latest industry breakthroughs.
How the Space Race Propelled Solar Innovation
The 1950s and 1960s brought global attention to solar as the space race ramped up. Satellites needed reliable, maintenance-free power in orbit—solar cells provided the perfect solution. In 1958, the Vanguard I satellite made history as the first solar-powered mission, equipped with six solar cells producing one watt of electricity. This set a precedent, and by the 1960s, major research programs in the US, Japan, and Europe drove rapid efficiency improvements.
In 1963, Japanese electronics company Sharp began mass-producing silicon PV modules, while NASA and other space agencies adopted solar PV arrays to power satellites and space probes.
The Energy Crisis and Solar PV Expansion Worldwide
Though solar found its initial niche in space, it was global events in the 1970s that brought it down to Earth. The world’s energy crisis sent oil prices soaring, spurring investment into alternative technologies. During this period, researchers slashed the cost of solar modules by 80%, and governments worldwide introduced incentives to deploy PV in rural areas where grid connections were costly or impractical. These early projects paved the way for solar energy’s expansion into homes and businesses decades later.
Breakthroughs in Solar Panel Efficiency Over Time
Solar panels have evolved with leaps in efficiency. In the 1970s, average module efficiencies hovered around 6-8%. Through the 1980s and 1990s, improvements in silicon purity and cell architecture pushed this higher. By the early 2000s, commercial modules regularly achieved 15-18% efficiency, while today’s advanced monocrystalline panels from leading manufacturers are rated at 22% or more.
One recent study in 2024 found that global solar installation surpassed 1,200GW, with costs dropping below $0.20/W for leading manufacturers—a testament to how far efficiency and affordability have come.
What Is Next for Solar Panels and Clean Energy?
As the global push for net zero intensifies, the history of the solar panel offers lessons for the future. Emerging trends in perovskite solar cells, bifacial modules, and integrated PV solutions promise continued advancements in efficiency and integration. Experts predict solar could supply over 20% of global electricity by 2050, further reducing carbon footprints and empowering energy independence.
For British homes , this means more opportunities to reduce bills, cut emissions, and store clean energy—with trusted teams like Atlantic Renewables leading the way.
Thinking about making your own solar history? Speak to our experts today about upgrading to a high-efficiency PV or battery systems.
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Ready to join the future of solar energy and write your own chapter in this incredible history? If you are looking to have a solar PV system installed or need support with your existing Atlantic Renewables system, our experienced team is here to help. Call us on 0161 207 4044 and let us guide you towards the benefits of a modern, cost-cutting solar system today!
