Photovoltaic solar systems throughout the years

Photovoltaic solar devices are used to generate electricity for homes and businesses. They absorb sunlight and an electronic process to release the electrons which are used to produce electricity for use. Photovoltaic solar technology has come a long way since its first days, and is now used to power many devices, from small electronics to large commercial operations!

The history of photovoltaic solar technology

Alexandre Edmund Becquerel first observed the photovoltaic effect in 1839, which began a trend of inquiry which continued through the beginning of the twentieth century. Bell Labs was the first company to introduce a photovoltaic solar device which could produce a good quantity of electricity- this device was released in 1954. Four years later, photovoltaic solar cells were being utilized on a small scale to power scientific and commercial endeavors.

In the 1970s, the energy crisis created quite an interest in photovoltaic solar technology. Unfortunately, the cost of equipment and electricity generation was too prohibitive for use in most homes and businesses. Developments in photovoltaic solar technology over the years have significantly reduced the cost of electricity generation, making it affordable for almost anyone to utilize. Installation prices have dropped 33% in just the last 2 years, and continue to fall still today.

Modern photovoltaic solar technology

The photovoltaic solar technology industry has grown dramatically, due to the decline in system pricing and the advances in manufacturing technology. Many nations around the globe are strengthening their energy policies and pushing for the shift from fossil fuels to photovoltaic solar and other alternative methods of energy generation, which has also helped the industry grow.

Modern photovoltaic solar products look different from their earlier counterparts. Today’s photovoltaic solar cells use crystalline silicone or a thin film as semiconductor material. Specialized multi-junction and tandem cells have been created for use in low-weight applications which require maximum efficiency- such as satellites and government needs.