The Fully Charged Podcast The Untold Story Of Solar Power & Why It Took Decades To Take Off! | With Oxford PV
Jan 20, 2025
In this engaging discussion with Chris Case, CTO of Oxford PV, listeners dive into the remarkable potential of perovskite tandem solar cells. Chris shares the captivating history of solar power, tracing its origins and the challenges it faced for decades. They reveal how innovations during the space race kickstarted advancements and discuss why solar is now the cheapest energy source. The conversation highlights the role of government initiatives in the rise of residential solar and examines the future of solar technology and manufacturing.
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First Solar Array
- In 1884, Charles Fritz installed the first solar array on a New York City rooftop.
- It aimed to replace bulky dynamos but only achieved 0.5% efficiency.
Photovoltaic Effect Discovery
- Edmond Becquerel created the first photovoltaic cell in 1839 at age 19.
- His family, including his father and son, made major scientific contributions.
Slow Adoption of Solar
- Early solar innovations didn't spark immediate widespread adoption due to low efficiency.
- This highlights the importance of cost-effectiveness for new technologies.
