This marked one of the earliest instances of humans manipulating solar energy for a specific purpose. The concept of solar energy took a significant leap in the 3rd century B.C. when Greek scientist Archimedes reportedly used bronze shields to focus sunlight and set the invading Roman fleet on fire.
The history and evolution of solar energy is a fascinating journey that spans from ancient civilizations to the high-tech solar panels we see today. This journey is not just about technology, but also about human ingenuity and our constant strive to harness nature’s immense power for our use.
Our journey with solar power goes back thousands of years, beginning with our ancestors harnessing the sun's energy for warmth and sustenance. Early civilizations revered the sun, recognizing its power to grow crops and provide light.
In 1958, the Vanguard I satellite used a tiny one-watt panel to power its radios. Later that year, the Vanguard II, Explorer III, and Sputnik-3 were all launched with PV technology on board. In 1964, NASA was responsible for launching the first Nimbus spacecraft, a satellite able to run entirely on a 470-watt solar array.
Solar power was the flagship technology. At the turn of the century, large domestic and commercial solar initiatives were in play. In 2004, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger proposed a scheme for 1 million solar roofs. Germany and other nations had developed a highly successful domestic solar PV market. 2006 saw widespread news coverage.
According to the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the 1950s marked the modern age of solar research with the formation of the International Solar Energy Society and more research and development into solar energy by multiple industries.