* 1839: The Photovoltaic Effect: French physicist Alexandre Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect, the fundamental principle behind solar panels, where light can generate electricity in certain materials. This was the foundational discovery.
* 1883: First Solar Cells: Charles Fritts created the first practical solar cell using selenium, which was very inefficient but a significant step forward.
* 1954: The Silicon Breakthrough: Bell Labs created the first practical silicon solar cell, which marked a major turning point in solar technology. This was more efficient and led to the development of solar panels as we know them.
Therefore, while 1839 marks the beginning of the story, 1954 is considered the year of the invention of practical solar panels as we recognize them today.
