Today’s solar panels are becoming progressively affordable. Plus, new technologies continue to make them much more efficient power-saving essentials for properties. However, have you ever wondered who invented solar panels and discovered the concept?
You won’t believe it: solar energy concepts emerged during the 19th century. Young French physicist Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect that solar panels use today. French mathematician Augustin Mouchot discovered Becquerel’s discovery and registered patents for solar engines in the 1860s.
Many US inventors saw Mochot’s patents and engines. This event led to many inventors designing versions that saw a rise in solar energy-related US patents in 1888. Charles Fritts was one of these inventors. In New York, he created the first successful solar cell. He made it using a coating of selenium and a thin gold layer.
Fritts’ cells produced 1-2% converted solar energy. It was the biggest benchmark during the 19th century. Today’s modern solar panels can achieve 15-20% solar conversions.
As the years passed, solar panel technologies became much more complex and efficient. The continuous design and experimentation soon led to the best panels you’re using today.
If you need to learn more about excellent solar panels, check out REC Solar’s Alpha Series. These solar cells are perfect for home use. Read more about it here.
REC Alpha Series
Portraits of two 60-cell format REC Alpha solar panels, including full-black variant
This is the REC Alpha; REC’s multiple award-winning family of trailblazing solar panels, empowering you to take full advantage of solar energy. Packing in cutting-edge technologies to deliver higher power density, stunning aesthetics, and minimal environmental impact – all with the renowned reliability of REC – REC Alpha is the solar panel of choice for home solar. How does REC do it and what does it mean for you?
· Get more power with REC Alpha Heterojunction (HJT) cell technology
· Heterojunction (HJT) cell technology
· No LID = no power loss; you get the power you pay for
· Leading temperature coefficient means more energy as temperature rises
· Higher power for greater savings and accelerated return on investment
· With high power density (watts/m²), REC Alpha panels generate more energy from the same area, getting more from limited spaces
· REC Alpha Series delivers around 20% more power on your roof compared to conventional panels
REC Alpha Advanced Cell Connection Technology
· Advanced cell connection technology
· Increased number of wires greatly improves flow of electricity current
· Eliminating invasive soldering removes risk of cell damage or microcracks for long-lasting high performance
· Stylish looks thanks to thin, barely-visible wires and uniformly black-colored cells
· Full-black variant is a design masterpiece and the most elegant feature for your home
· Solder-free cells
· Environmentally-friendly manufacturing drastically reduces carbon footprint
· Perspective image of REC Alpha Pure Black Series, a full-black, lead-free panel with gapless cell layout
· REC Alpha Pure Series: lead free + higher power density
· REC Alpha Pure Series variant offers next-level power and greater environmental impact
· Innovative gapless cell layout uses the entire panel surface to generate power
· Highly impressive power density of 219 watts/m², with panel power reaching 405 Wp
· Lead-free* for less environmental impact
· Lead removed from all panel components, including cell connections, cross connectors and junction box soldering
· Seamless appearance, lead-free construction, and high power make it a compelling solar panel for rooftops* ROHS compliant
· REC Alpha empowers homeowners to drastically reduce their carbon footprint
· A 6.1 kW installation (~16 x 380 Wp REC Alpha panels) creates over 7,200 kWh of clean energy per year. This cuts CO2emissions of a home by 4.3 tons per year.
Improve your carbon footprint with REC Alpha (Continued)
You can always trust us at Roper Roofing and Solar to provide you with the best solar panel installation services in Littleton, CO. Contact us today to learn more about everything we can do for you.