The Birth of Residential Solar Panels
It all started in 1839, when a French physicist, Edmond Becquerel, discovered the photovoltaic effect, which is the science behind the functionality of solar panels. Although solar energy in its raw form has been harnessed by civilization since time immemorial, the concept of making the sun’s energy directly usable to power our residences was a mere idea then.
One of the earliest adaptations of Becquerel’s discovery was seen in the Bell laboratories in 1954, where the first silicon solar cell was constructed. This was the first significant milestone of transformation for solar technology from an experimental novelty to a plausible source of power. However, the efficacy of these early panels was very low, hence they were not feasible for residential use.
Improvements in Solar Technology
The major stride in the technology of residential solar panels came through the space race during the cold war. During this period, solar technology became the cornerstone of power generation for space exploration. This pushed for its development and efficiency improvements. As the efficiency rate of these panels increased from a mere 4% in 1955 to 14% in the 1960s, the world started seeing the possibilities of residential adaptation of this technology.
While the increase in efficiency opened up numerous possibilities, the high cost of manufacturing and installation of solar power systems remained a constraint. It was only expensive blue-chip industries and government organizations that could afford to invest in this technology. Thankfully, as with any technology, over time and with advances in manufacturing processes, the cost of solar panels began to drop.
Entering the Residential Market
By the turn of the millennium, residential solar panels had become a thing of reality. With improving efficiency rates and decreasing manufacturing costs, they started becoming a viable option for home installation. The increased awareness of climatic changes and a global push for the switch to renewable sources of energy added to the allure of solar power for residential use.
At Source Solar, we had a front-row seat to all these transitions. Not only did we bear witness to these technological advancements, but we also contributed to them. We understood early on that residential solar panels were the future of energy, and played our part in making them efficient, affordable, and easily installable.
Present Day Scenario and the Road Ahead
Today, residential solar panels are no longer a luxury but a necessity. They have gone from being a curious innovation tucked away in science labs to a common sight on rooftops across Iowa City, IA, and the rest of the world. The growth has been phenomenal. In the U.S alone, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) estimates that solar power capacity will double over the next five years.
At Source Solar, we continue to strive for excellence. Our residential solar panels are among the best rated in the industry, testament to our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. But we are not stopping there. As the demand for solar power systems grows, we are scaling our production and continually investing in research and development to make sure we stay at the forefront of solar technology.
We truly believe in the potential of solar power. With advancements in technology, growth in demand, and favorable government policies, The future for residential solar panels is undoubtedly bright.
Final Thoughts
The journey of residential solar panels certainly makes for an interesting tale. It’s a remarkable transformation from an innovative idea to a globally demanded source of power. With each passing day, more and more homes are shifting towards this sustainable and renewable source of power, ditching their dependence on traditional fossil fuels.
We, at Source Solar, are proud to be part of this transformative journey. We continue to innovate, learn, and provide our customers with quality solar solutions, aiding in the global shift towards cleaner and greener energy. The evolution of residential solar panels has not only helped reshape the way we consume energy but has also given power back to the people, quite literally!
As we continue this journey, we invite you to join hands with Source Solar and embrace the bright future of residential solar panels.
