Solar energy, the most abundant source of energy on Earth, has been utilized since ancient times to power various aspects of life, from fueling plants to generating electricity. The journey of harnessing solar power began in the 7th century B.C. with the use of a magnifying glass to concentrate sunlight for fire, leading to the installation of the first solar device producing electricity in New York in 1883 by Charles Fritts.
The discovery of photons by Albert Einstein in 1905 paved the way for modern semiconductor technologies, including solar cells, which were further developed by scientists at Bell Labs in 1954. Initially used for remote electrical equipment and satellites, solar panels became more accessible by the end of the 20th century due to engineering advancements, leading to their widespread adoption in rooftops and solar farms. Today, solar energy stands as one of the fastest-growing sources of electricity, with ongoing innovations making solar cells lighter, cheaper, more powerful, and flexible for diverse applications.