Modern solar panels first came out in 1954, when scientists at Bell Laboratories in the United States developed the first practical crystalline-silicon photovoltaic cell. The cell converted sunlight into enough electricity to operate everyday electrical equipment.
Solar Panel History at a Glance
| Year | Development |
|---|---|
| 1839 | Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect, the process of converting light into electricity. |
| 1883 | American inventor Charles Fritts created early solar cells using selenium. |
| 1954 | Daryl Chapin, Calvin Fuller, and Gerald Pearson at Bell Labs developed the first practical silicon solar cell. |
| 1958 | Vanguard 1 became the first solar-powered satellite, showing that solar panels could provide reliable power in space. |
| 1959 | Hoffman Electronics produced a commercially available solar cell with 10% efficiency. |
What Was the First Solar Panel?
The first practical solar technology behind a modern panel was the crystalline-silicon solar cell developed by Bell Laboratories in 1954.
The earliest solar devices were individual solar cells rather than the large roof-mounted panels used today. A solar panel, also called a photovoltaic module, connects multiple solar cells to produce more electrical power.
Multiple cells were later assembled into modules and arrays for satellites, telecommunications equipment, and remote power systems.
When Did Solar Panels Start Being Used?
Solar panels first saw practical use in the late 1950s, especially in space. On March 17, 1958, the Vanguard 1 satellite launched with a solar-cell array that powered its radio transmitter.
Vanguard 1 showed that photovoltaic technology could provide power for long periods without replacing batteries.
At first, solar panels were too expensive for widespread household electricity. Commercial and government research during the 1970s and 1980s helped improve efficiency and manufacturing while reducing costs. The U.S. Department of Energy identifies 1986 as the year ARCO Solar released the first commercial thin-film solar module.
Which Date Should You Use?
Use 1954 if you mean the modern practical solar panels that developed from silicon photovoltaic cells. The earlier dates refer to the discovery of the photovoltaic effect and the first experimental cells. 1958 marks the first solar-powered satellite, while the late 1950s mark the arrival of commercially available solar cells.