The first working solar cell was developed in 1883 by Charles Fritts. This solar cell consisted of the semiconductor selenium, coated with gold. Although its efficiency was only 1-2 %, it was not suitable for mass production1.
Later, in 1893, the first solar cell for generating electricity was built based on research by the French scientist Alexandre Edmond Becquerel. It used the photovoltaic effect to generate electricity from sunlight2.
Since then, solar cell technology has continued to develop, and today solar cells are an important component of photovoltaics, serving as a power source and converting sunlight directly into electrical energy3
The breakthrough in solar cell development can be traced back to several milestones.
Here are some key events and pioneers:
1954: Bell Laboratories in the USA produced the first silicon solar cell, which achieved an efficiency of 6 %. This development laid the foundation for modern photovoltaics.
1960s: The space industry began using solar cells in satellites and space probes. This led to further advances in the technology.
1980s: Efficiencies of 10-20 % were achieved, and mass production of solar cells began.
1990s: Researchers such as Martin Green (Australia) and Hiroshi Segawa (Japan) contributed to improvements in solar cell technology.
2000s: Thin-film solar cells and organic solar cells were developed. Michael Grätzel (Switzerland) contributed to the development of the dye-based Grätzel cell.
Today: Solar cell efficiency exceeds 20 % for commercial applications, and new innovations and research continue to emerge.
Overall, many scientists and engineers worldwide have contributed to the development of solar cell technology, and the technology continues to improve to support sustainable energy sources.
Germany has several leading solar research institutes specialising in the development of technologies for harnessing solar energy.
Here are some of the most important:
4 German Institute of Solar Research
5 ISE.Frauenhofer
These institutes play a crucial role in developing and improving solar cell technologies to support a sustainable energy supply.
One of the leading research institutions.
6 Institute for Solar Energy Research Hamelin
The solar industry in Germany has made remarkable progress in recent decades. Here are some key developments and leading companies:
The German solar energy market is experiencing steady growth. In 2024, installed capacity was estimated at 85.16 gigawatts, and it is expected to reach 155.53 gigawatts by 2029.
This represents annual growth of 12.80 % over the forecast period1.
Prioritising renewable energy: Germany has positioned itself as one of the leading countries in the adoption of renewable energy. The country's energy transition targets aim to reduce carbon emissions, phase out nuclear power and move towards a sustainable energy future. This has led to a strong focus on expanding the solar sector.
Prices for solar technology, particularly photovoltaic modules, have fallen. This has improved the return on investment for solar installations, making them more attractive to consumers and businesses. Solar energy has also become more competitive compared with conventional energy sources.
Partner: IBC Solar
2 ENBW
Partner: Q-Cells
Terra X Why photovoltaics is winning the energy transition
3 Wikipedia
Later, in 1893, the first solar cell for generating electricity was built based on research by the French scientist Alexandre Edmond Becquerel. It used the photovoltaic effect to generate electricity from sunlight2.
Since then, solar cell technology has continued to develop, and today solar cells are an important component of photovoltaics, serving as a power source and converting sunlight directly into electrical energy3
The breakthrough in solar cell development can be traced back to several milestones.
Here are some key events and pioneers:
1954: Bell Laboratories in the USA produced the first silicon solar cell, which achieved an efficiency of 6 %. This development laid the foundation for modern photovoltaics.
1960s: The space industry began using solar cells in satellites and space probes. This led to further advances in the technology.
1980s: Efficiencies of 10-20 % were achieved, and mass production of solar cells began.
1990s: Researchers such as Martin Green (Australia) and Hiroshi Segawa (Japan) contributed to improvements in solar cell technology.
2000s: Thin-film solar cells and organic solar cells were developed. Michael Grätzel (Switzerland) contributed to the development of the dye-based Grätzel cell.
Today: Solar cell efficiency exceeds 20 % for commercial applications, and new innovations and research continue to emerge.
Overall, many scientists and engineers worldwide have contributed to the development of solar cell technology, and the technology continues to improve to support sustainable energy sources.
Germany has several leading solar research institutes specialising in the development of technologies for harnessing solar energy.
Here are some of the most important:
Institute of Solar Research (DLR):
The German Aerospace Center (DLR) operates the Institute of Solar Research. It develops concentrating solar systems for generating heat, electricity and fuels. These technologies are used in solar thermal power plants in Spain, the USA and other countries with high levels of direct solar irradiation4.4 German Institute of Solar Research
Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE):
Fraunhofer-ISE in Freiburg is Europe's largest solar research institute. With around 1400 employees, it works towards a sustainable, economically viable, secure and socially equitable energy supply system based on renewable energy5.5 ISE.Frauenhofer
Global Alliance for Solar Research:
Collaboration between the world's leading solar research institutes from Germany, Japan and the United States is advancing research in this field.These institutes play a crucial role in developing and improving solar cell technologies to support a sustainable energy supply.
Institute for Solar Energy Research Hamelin (ISH)
The solar institute is based in our home region – the Weserbergland6.One of the leading research institutions.
6 Institute for Solar Energy Research Hamelin
The solar industry in Germany has made remarkable progress in recent decades. Here are some key developments and leading companies:
The German solar energy market is experiencing steady growth. In 2024, installed capacity was estimated at 85.16 gigawatts, and it is expected to reach 155.53 gigawatts by 2029.
This represents annual growth of 12.80 % over the forecast period1.
Prioritising renewable energy: Germany has positioned itself as one of the leading countries in the adoption of renewable energy. The country's energy transition targets aim to reduce carbon emissions, phase out nuclear power and move towards a sustainable energy future. This has led to a strong focus on expanding the solar sector.
Prices for solar technology, particularly photovoltaic modules, have fallen. This has improved the return on investment for solar installations, making them more attractive to consumers and businesses. Solar energy has also become more competitive compared with conventional energy sources.
Leading companies:
IBC Solar AG:
A German company specialising in photovoltaic systems and a partner of ARCHEA.Partner: IBC Solar
SunPower Corporation:
An internationally active company focusing on highly efficient solar modules.Energie Baden-Württemberg AG (EnBW):
An energy supplier that invests in renewable energy.2 ENBW
Hanwha Corporation - Q-Cells:
A South Korean company active in solar technology and also a long-standing partner of ARCHEA.Partner: Q-Cells
Further useful information about photovoltaics:
1 SolarideeTerra X Why photovoltaics is winning the energy transition
3 Wikipedia