The discovery of the photovoltaic effect, which is the principle behind the operation of solar cells, is credited to French physicist Alexandre-Edmond Becquerel in 1839. Becquerel conducted extensive research in the areas of solar spectrum, magnetism, electricity, and optics, and was the first to develop an electrochemical cell. He demonstrated the photovoltaic effect by immersing two plates of platinum and gold in an acid, neutral, or alkaline solution and exposing them to solar radiation in his experiments.

Charles Fritz, an American inventor, is credited with creating the precursor to modern solar cells. In 1883, he developed the first functional solar panel by coating a thin layer of selenium with a layer of gold. While contemporary solar panels use silicon in their cells, Fritz's invention played a significant role in the advancement of solar technology.

In 1839, Russell S. Ohl, an American engineer invented modern solar cells. Ohl was well-known for his research in semiconduction and his study of the conductivity and properties of various crystal types. He came up with a method for creating silicon ingots that resulted in the first P-N junction cell, with a positive and negative side inside a single crystal semiconductor. Ohl then attached electrodes to the top and bottom sections of the ingot, resulting in the first solar cell. Ohl's work with semiconductors and P-N junctions led to the invention of the transistor, laser diodes, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

It is undeniable that solar energy is the most favourable option for the future. The sun provides a renewable source of energy that plays a vital role in decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change. In addition to reducing reliance on the national power grid, solar energy can also enhance air quality and decrease water consumption during energy production. Clean energy sources, like solar, are crucial in safeguarding the well-being of humans, animals, and entire ecosystems.

REFERENCE

Information from https://gienergy.com.au/who-invented-solar-panels/, https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-energy-wildlife-and-environment and https://www.solarfabric.com/history-of-solar-energy-who-invented-solar-panels/ was used in this study