solar By dhlposd Jan 1, 1996 most advance solar aircraft flew over germany Period: Jan 1, 1996 to Jan 1, 2000 solar Mar 1, 1996 u.s department begins solar two U.S department begins solar two Sep 3, 1996 photovoltaic capacity reaches 1000 megawatts. Apr 22, 1998 solar aircaft solar powered aircraft soars at 80,000 feet May 22, 1998 Subhendu Guha invents solar shingles May 23, 1999 Spectrolab, Inc. and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory invent aphotovoltaic solar cell Jul 24, 1999 solar powered skyskraper built in NYC Nov 25, 1999 The National Renewable Energy Laboratory creates thin solar clls Jan 1, 2000 First solar begins Jan 1, 2000 astronauts add solar panels to spacestation