Technologies that convert sunlight into usable energy, either directly as electricity through the photovoltaic cell or by concentrating sunlight to generate heat for a thermal power cycle, as in concentrated solar power. Belongs here: any solar-specific conversion technology. Does not belong here: the heat pump, which moves heat rather than generating it from sunlight, grouped under Heating and Cooling.
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1. Photovoltaics - Wikipedia
History, Becquerel 1839 photovoltaic effectQuote, History, Becquerel 1839 photovoltaic effect
In 1839, the French scientist Edmond Becquerel first observed the photovoltaic effect when he noted an electric current was produced by a metallic solution exposed to solar radiation.
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