Are solar cells a new technology?
Modern solar cells with practical efficiency were invented in the early 1950s, and have been used to power satellites since 1959. They became popular for terrestrial applications in the mid-1970s, mostly for remote telecommunications, navigational aids and other rugged, remote industrial uses including microwave, TV, radio and cellular repeater stations. They have been powering urban applications such as roadside emergency telephones and traffic sign boards since the mid-1980s. With prices dropping steadily, they are now becoming affordable for urban homes and businesses.
