Solar power technology isn’t a new discovery. In fact, it was discovered way back 1800’s when Alexandre-Edmond Becquerel—a nineteen-year old French scientist—was experimenting with an electrolytic cell composed of two metal electrodes. He was surprised as he discovered that the materials would emit energy when exposed to light. That was when PV effect came to light.

According to Becquerel, “the shining light on an electrode submerged in a conductive solution would create an electric current.” But despite the extensive research and development following the discovery, PV power remained ineffective. Not until Russell Ohl invented the solar cell in 1941, did the solar technology revolutionized. Here’s a brief timeline of solar power’s significant breakthrough, compiled by  DBM Solar Design and Consulting.

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Timeline of Influential Solar Power Breakthroughs

Irma Wallace

Irma Wallace

Co-founder and Vice President of SearchRank, responsible for many of the day to day operations of the company. She is also founder of The Arizona Builders’ Zone, a construction / home improvement portal.

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