When was solar energy discovered in the united states
When Was Solar Energy Discovered in the United States?
Solar energy has become one of the most significant sources of renewable energy in the world today. It is a clean, abundant, and sustainable source of power that can be harnessed without causing harm to the environment. While it has gained popularity in recent years, many people wonder when solar energy was first discovered in the United States, and how it has grown and evolved since then.
The discovery of solar energy in the United States can be traced back to the 19th century. In 1839, the French physicist Alexandre Edmund Becquerel made a groundbreaking discovery known as the photovoltaic effect. He found that certain materials could produce an electric current when exposed to light. This discovery laid the foundation for the development of solar cells, which are the key component of solar panels used to generate electricity.
However, it was not until the late 19th and early 20th century that solar energy started to gain attention and recognition as a potential energy source. It was during this time that inventors and scientists began experimenting with harnessing the power of the sun. One of the pioneers in this field was Charles Fritts, an American inventor who is often credited with creating the first solar cell in 1883. Fritts coated selenium with a thin layer of gold, which acts as a semiconductor, and observed that it produced electric current when exposed to sunlight.
The true potential of solar energy began to be realized in the mid-20th century when advancements in technology and materials allowed for more efficient and cost-effective solar cells. During the 1950s and 1960s, researchers at Bell Labs developed the first practical silicon solar cell, which was capable of converting up to 6% of sunlight into electricity. This breakthrough paved the way for further research and development in the field of solar energy.
The burgeoning interest in solar power during this time led to the establishment of the first dedicated solar research institute in the United States. The Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI), now known as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), was founded in 1977. Its mission was to advance solar energy technologies and promote their widespread adoption.
In the 1970s, the United States experienced an energy crisis due to the Arab oil embargo. This event led to a renewed interest in solar energy as a means of reducing dependency on fossil fuels. The federal government started investing in solar research and development, offering tax incentives and grants to promote the use of solar power.
One of the significant milestones in the history of solar energy in the United States was the installation of the first solar thermal power plant in the early 1980s. The Solar Energy Generating Systems (SEGS) in California became the largest solar power plant in the world at that time. It used mirrored troughs to concentrate sunlight and generate electricity, demonstrating the potential of solar energy on a large scale.
The 1990s marked a period of rapid growth in the solar industry. The cost of solar panels started to decline, making them more accessible to the general public. In 1999, California became the first state to adopt a Renewable Portfolio Standard, which required utilities to obtain a certain percentage of their energy from renewable sources, including solar power. This policy created additional incentives for the development of solar energy projects.
In recent years, solar energy has witnessed exponential growth. The installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems has increased significantly, supported by technological advancements, government incentives, and public awareness of the importance of renewable energy. Today, solar power is a crucial contributor to the United States' energy portfolio, with over 2 million solar installations across the country.
In conclusion, the discovery of solar energy in the United States can be traced back to the 19th century. However, it was not until the mid-20th century that significant advancements in solar cell technology were made, leading to the widespread adoption of solar power. Since then, solar energy has experienced remarkable growth and has become a vital source of renewable energy in the United States and worldwide. With ongoing advancements and increasing public support, it is expected that solar power will continue to play a crucial role in the future energy landscape.