A Bit of the History of Solar PV Photovoltaics

Robert Benedict, a fellow I met at last year’s Intersolar show in San Francisco writes:

Amazingly solar (photovoltaics) have already passed its golden anniversary (50 years) by the 11th year now or 61 years total. The birth of photovoltaics took place in Bell labs in 1954 when Daryl Chapin, Calvin Fuller and Gerald Pearson developed (PV) the silicon photovoltaic cell. These cells were capable of converting enough of the sun’s energy to run common electrical equipment. Bell Labs developed a silicon cell with 4% efficiency and eventually achieved 11% efficiency. 

Technical progress of silicon solar cells doubled their efficiency in 18 months but commercial success never became a reality for Bell Labs. One of the main reason is one watt cost approximately $300.00 in 1956 while a commercial power plant cost 50¢ a watt. The only commercial use came from toy manufactures for items such as radios, solar powered miniature boats, etc. This left Daryl Chapin wondering, “What to do with our new baby, the silicon solar cell?” 

Those interested in a more detailed treatment of the history of solar PV should get to know my colleague John Perlin, scholar in residence at the University of California at Santa Barbara.  Linked above is a series of video interviews I did with John last year.  Amazing stuff.