The idea to harness sunlight and use it to power equipment was first proposed by Edmond Becquerel, who discovered the photovoltaic effect. In addition to replacing fossil fuels, the new technology has numerous benefits, including a calming effect for the mind and healthy skin for the planet. The photovoltaic effect will be around until the end of time. Here are some of the inventors and engineers who made this technology possible.
Edmond Becquerel
The solar energy was discovered by Edmond Becquerel in 1839. It helps all life forms to grow, while also generating light for all. This energy source is the best one for mankind, and most likely will last until the end of time. It can also be used for the environment, and is a great way to create a calm mind. Let’s learn more about how this energy is used today.
The earliest form of solar energy was used for heating water. In 1839, Becquerel discovered that sunlight could generate electricity. He did extensive research to prove this. However, his photovoltaic power was not as efficient as solar cells, which are now widely used. So, solar cells were developed. These days, solar energy is used to power many home appliances. Not only is solar energy a renewable source of energy, it is also an environmental-friendly alternative to fossil fuels.
Charles Fritts
In the late 1800s, Charles Fritts developed a method to produce the first true solar cell by coating a semiconductor with a thin layer of gold. Although Fritts’ invention was a great step forward for solar energy, it was not until 70 years later that a commercially viable photovoltaic cell was developed by Bell Labs. As such, the solar energy industry is far from being as developed as it is today.
The first commercial solar cell was created by Charles Fritts in 1883, and its underlying technology remains a key component of solar power. He coated selenium with a thin layer of gold so that the light could pass through it, and the resulting electrical current was sufficient to power a light bulb. This solar cell was not very efficient, however, and was not widely adopted until 1893, when the University of Delaware built the world’s first solar powered building, named the Solar One. This building’s energy efficiency led to the passage of the Solar Energy Act in the U.S.
Russell Ohl
In 1941, an American engineer named Russel Ohl discovered how to use sunlight to generate electricity. Ohl worked at Bell Laboratories in New Jersey where he discovered a mechanism that allowed the incoming photons to start current flowing in solar cells. He then used this new technique to create the first silicon solar cell. Although Ohl’s solar cell was only one percent efficient, the technology was quickly commercialized. In the following years, Gerald Pearson, Daryl Chapin, and Calvin Fuller would demonstrate the use of a silicon solar cell in direct sunlight.
After leaving the Army, Ohl worked in semiconductor research at Westinghouse, AT&T, and the Bell Labs in Holmdel, New Jersey. His work there led him to become interested in semiconductors. His work at the Bell Labs eventually led him to discover the transistor. This invention became a popular commodity and he continued to work on it until he retired in 1958. In later years, Ohl would teach physics at the University of Colorado and do research for companies including Westinghouse Lamp Co.
Daryl Chapin
The inventor of solar cells, Daryl Chapin, was a Bell Labs scientist for over 40 years. After his retirement, he continued to study the use of sunlight energy. His experiments with photovoltaic cells led him to find new applications for them. By 1954, he had developed a device that could convert sunlight into electricity directly. This device was remarkably efficient, achieving 6 percent efficiency, far more than any previous solar power attempt.
It was in the 1950s, while semiconductor technology was just being developed, that the first solar cell was demonstrated by researchers at Bell Labs. The cells were made of silicon, which would later be used in computer chips. They were also small enough to fit inside your pocket or in orbit around the Earth. It’s no wonder that solar power has become so popular, especially among those on the go. Daryl Chapin’s solar cells are now used to power hand-held electronic devices like cell phones and iPods.
Bell Labs
In the early 1930s, the researchers at Bell Labs discovered that solar energy can be used as a form of alternative energy. This energy source is also known as photovoltaic energy. The development of PV technology has helped many people to harness the power of the sun. However, not everyone is as enthusiastic about this energy source. There are many different reasons why solar energy is not so popular today. This article will explain why it is important to use solar energy.
The modern solar cell is based on the concept that a semiconductor cell can be made from a silicon crystal. While the original solar cells were inefficient, later cells made of other materials had a higher efficiency. This is the reason why solar panels are so expensive. Bell Labs scientists made solar cells using silicon in the 1950s. This was an improvement over previous versions, and the invention was made possible thanks to the research at the lab.