700 BCE
Ancient Chinese Burning Mirrors
Ancient Chinese texts describe the use of polished bronze mirrors to concentrate sunlight for starting fires, an early application of solar thermal energy. #solar #history
Chronological Storyline (41 Milestones)
212 BCE
Archimedes' Heat Ray
Legend holds that Archimedes used mirrors to focus sunlight and set Roman ships ablaze during the Siege of Syracuse, one of the earliest alleged uses of concentrated solar power. #solar #history
644 CE
Persian Windmills
The earliest known windmills were built in Persia (modern-day Iran) for grinding grain, using vertical-axis designs. These were among the first machines to harness wind energy. #wind #history
By Cnyborg - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=209855
1100 CE
European Windmills
Horizontal-axis windmills appeared in Europe, particularly in the Netherlands and England, used for drainage and grain milling. They became iconic symbols of Dutch landscape. #wind #history
1839 CE
Becquerel Discovers Photovoltaic Effect
French physicist Edmond Becquerel observed that certain materials produce an electric current when exposed to light, laying the foundation for solar photovoltaics. #solar #science
By Nadar - This file comes from Gallica Digital Library and is available under the digital ID btv1b53100803v, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=41635023
1861 CE
Mouchot Solar Steam Engine
French mathematician Augustin Mouchot built a solar-powered steam engine using parabolic troughs, one of the first practical solar thermal devices. #solar #technology
By Unknown author, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7962939
1873 CE
Selenium Photoconductivity Discovery
Willoughby Smith discovered that selenium changes electrical resistance when exposed to light, a key step toward photovoltaic cells. #solar #science
By Unknown author - http://atlantic-cable.com/CablePioneers/Smith/index.htm, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=41023088
1883 CE
First Solar Cell by Charles Fritts
Charles Fritts built the first working solar cell using selenium coated with a thin layer of gold, achieving about 1% efficiency. #solar #invention
By Unknown author - Department of Energy Retrieved Aug. 17, 2005., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=461648
1887 CE
Hertz Discovers Photoelectric Effect
Heinrich Hertz observed that ultraviolet light changes the conductivity of metals, later explained by Einstein, crucial for understanding the photovoltaic mechanism. #science #physics
By Ponor - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=92684859
1888 CE
Brush Wind Turbine Generates Electricity
Charles F. Brush built the first automatically operated wind turbine for electricity generation in Cleveland, Ohio, with a 12 kW capacity. #wind #technology
By Lisa-Maria Eitler, MA, IG Windkraft, Tel. +43 660 20 50 757 l.eitler@igwindkraft.at - https://www.igwindkraft.at/?mdoc_id=1051715, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=136487735
1905 CE
Einstein Explains Photoelectric Effect
Albert Einstein published a paper explaining the photoelectric effect, proposing light quanta (photons), which later earned him the Nobel Prize and deepened understanding of solar energy conversion. #science #physics
1918 CE
Czochralski Crystal Growth Method
Jan Czochralski developed a method for growing single crystals, later crucial for producing high-purity silicon wafers used in solar cells. #materials #science
By Krauss - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=64122631
1941 CE
Smith-Putnam Wind Turbine
The first megawatt-scale wind turbine, the Smith-Putnam turbine, was installed in Vermont, USA, with a 1.25 MW capacity. It operated for about four years before a blade failure. #wind #energy
Apr 25, 1954 CE
Bell Labs Announces Silicon Solar Cell
Bell Labs scientists Daryl Chapin, Calvin Fuller, and Gerald Pearson created the first practical silicon solar cell with about 6% efficiency, marking the birth of modern photovoltaics. #solar #invention
1955 CE
First Commercial Solar Cells by Hoffman Electronics
Hoffman Electronics introduced the first commercial silicon solar cells with 2% efficiency, used in satellite power and remote applications. #solar #commercial
Mar 17, 1958 CE
Vanguard 1: First Solar-Powered Satellite
Vanguard 1, the first satellite powered partly by solar cells, demonstrated the viability of photovoltaics in space, leading to widespread use in satellites. #solar #space
By NASA photo (retouched) - National Space Science Data Center: Vanguard 1, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2372145
1963 CE
Sharp Produces First Mass-Made Solar Modules
Sharp Corporation began mass-producing silicon solar cell modules for lighthouses and other applications, marking Japan's early leadership in solar manufacturing. #solar #manufacturing
1973 CE
Oil Crisis Sparks Renewable Interest
The 1973 oil embargo led to increased research funding and public interest in solar and wind energy as alternatives to fossil fuels. #solar #wind #energy
By Isochrone - Own work using: Spot Crude Oil Price: West Texas Intermediate (WTI), Dollars per Barrel, Monthly, Not Seasonally Adjusted WTI Spot Crude Oil Price, via the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Inflation adjusted using: CPI Average, via the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=156152880
1975 CE
First Danish Wind Turbine Cooperatives
Danish grassroots cooperatives began installing small wind turbines, fostering a community-driven wind power model that later influenced modern wind farms. #wind #community
By Unknown author, CC SA 1.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=446200
1977 CE
U.S. Solar Energy Research Institute Founded
The U.S. Department of Energy established the Solar Energy Research Institute (later NREL) to advance solar and renewable energy technologies. #solar #research
By Courtesy of DOE/NREL - Timmerman, Bill - http://www.nrel.gov/data/pix/searchpix.cgi?display_type=verbose&max_display=1&skip_hf=1&query=^14964, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2697648
1980 CE
ARCO Builds First Megawatt-Scale PV Plant
ARCO Solar installed a 1 MW photovoltaic power plant in California, the first utility-scale solar farm, demonstrating grid-connected PV viability. #solar #energy
By Parabel GmbH - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32375257
Jul 7, 1981 CE
Solar Challenger Flies Across English Channel
The Solar Challenger, a solar-powered aircraft, crossed the English Channel, showcasing the potential of solar energy for aviation. #solar #aviation
By published by NASA, unattributed - http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-054-DFRC_prt.htm, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4555714
1982 CE
First Grid-Connected Wind Turbine in Germany
The Growian wind turbine, a 3 MW prototype, was connected to the German grid, though it faced operational challenges, it spurred further wind development. #wind #grid
By Thyge Weller - Private collectioninstitution QS:P195,somevalue,P3831,Q768717, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=64077860
1985 CE
First High-Efficiency Thin-Film Solar Cell
Researchers at Boeing developed a copper indium diselenide (CIS) solar cell achieving over 14% efficiency, pioneering thin-film photovoltaic technology. #solar #technology
By Fieldsken Ken Fields - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10861988
1991 CE
First Offshore Wind Farm: Vindeby
The Vindeby offshore wind farm in Denmark, with 11 turbines totaling 4.95 MW, became the world's first offshore wind farm, proving the concept. #wind #offshore
1991 CE
Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Invented
Michael Grätzel and Brian O'Regan invented the dye-sensitized solar cell, offering a low-cost alternative to silicon cells, igniting research in third-generation photovoltaics. #solar #innovation
By Ronald vera saavedra colombia (bogota)ISE; - Transferred from de.wikipedia to Commons., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1219106
1997 CE
First Commercial Thin-Film Module Shipments
First Solar began commercial shipments of cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film modules, achieving lower costs than silicon and driving utility-scale solar growth. #solar #commercial
2000 CE
German Renewable Energy Act (EEG)
Germany enacted the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), providing feed-in tariffs that stimulated massive solar and wind deployment, influencing global renewable policy. #policy #solar #wind
By Kuebi = Armin Kübelbeck - own work http://www.best4sports.de own website, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3347938
2004 CE
First Thin-Film Silicon Cell Exceeds 10% Efficiency
Kaneka Corporation achieved 10% efficiency for a thin-film silicon solar cell, a milestone for cost-effective photovoltaics. #solar #technology
By Fieldsken Ken Fields - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10862035
2008 CE
Global Wind Capacity Reaches 120 GW
Worldwide installed wind power capacity surpassed 120 gigawatts, led by Germany, the U.S., Spain, and India, confirming wind as a mainstream energy source. #wind #energy
By 林 慕尧 / Chris Lim from East Coast (东海岸), Singapore (新加坡) - Windmills in China?{D70 series}, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2909338
2009 CE
First Perovskite Solar Cell Demonstrated
Japanese researchers reported the first solid-state perovskite solar cell with 3.8% efficiency, sparking rapid research into this high-potential technology. #solar #innovation
By Dennis Schroeder / National Renewable Energy Laboratory - https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/perovskite-solar-cells, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=131749994
2010 CE
First Solar's Thin-Film Reaches Grid Parity
First Solar's CdTe modules achieved manufacturing costs below $1 per watt, reaching grid parity in sunny regions and driving large-scale solar installations. #solar #economics
2013 CE
Global Solar PV Installations Exceed 100 GW
Worldwide cumulative solar PV capacity surpassed 100 GW, led by Germany, China, and Japan, marking a significant scale-up in deployment. #solar #energy
By RCraig09 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=137881716
2015 CE
Solar Becomes Largest Source of New Capacity in U.S.
In 2015, solar photovoltaic installations accounted for nearly 30% of all new electricity generation capacity in the United States, ahead of natural gas. #solar #renewable
By Photo by Bright Power, Inc. – U.S. Department of Energy from United States - Brocker_000307_172997_518489_4578, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=74497201
2016 CE
Hornsea Project One: World's Largest Offshore Wind Farm
Construction began on Hornsea Project One off the UK coast, with a capacity of 1.2 GW, becoming the world's largest offshore wind farm when completed in 2020. #wind #offshore
By dom fellowes from UK - Wind Farms, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=109567980
2017 CE
Unsubsidized Solar Cheaper Than Coal
In several countries, unsubsidized solar PV power purchase agreements dropped below $30/MWh, cheaper than coal or natural gas, signaling a tipping point for renewables. #solar #economics
By Sandegud. Based on this blank map in public domain - Own work. Deutsche Bank, Let the Second Gold Rush Begin, 6 January 2014, (archive) Deutsche Bank, Crossing the Chasm, 27 February 2015, (archive), CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40325709
2019 CE
Global Renewable Capacity Exceeds 2,500 GW
Renewable energy capacity worldwide reached over 2,500 GW, with solar and wind contributing more than half of new additions, driven by rapid cost declines. #solar #wind #renewable
By kallerna - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=103494974
2020 CE
Solar PV and Wind Account for 90% of New U.S. Capacity
In a landmark year, solar and wind combined represented about 90% of new electricity generation capacity added in the United States, highlighting their dominance. #solar #wind #energy
2022 CE
Global Solar Installations Top 1 TW Cumulative
World solar PV installations surpassed 1 terawatt (1000 GW) of cumulative capacity, a milestone achieved approximately 70 years after the first modern solar cell. #solar #milestone
By Andrewglaser (talk) - Own work (Original text: I (Andrewglaser (talk)) created this work entirely by myself.), CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=30358256
2023 CE
Perovskite-Silicon Tandem Cells Breach 33% Efficiency
Research teams achieved over 33% efficiency for perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells in laboratory conditions, promising even cheaper and more efficient solar power. #solar #innovation
2024 CE
World's Largest Wind Farm (Gansu) Reaches Full Capacity
The Gansu Wind Farm in China, with a planned capacity of 20 GW, continues expansion, underscoring China's leadership in wind energy deployment. #wind #china
By Popolon - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26603047