Solar Shingles

Alexandre Edmond Becquerel discovers photovoltaic effect

Jan 1, 1839

Alexandre finds out that when placed in a conductive fluid and sunlight is shone upon it that an electrode can produce electricity. However it is still inefficient and is only used to measure light.

Augustin Mouchot displays a solar power generator at the Universal Exhibition in Paris.

Jan 1, 1878

Russel Ohl invents solar cell.

Jan 1, 1941

Over a hundred years later Russel Ohl invents the solar cell after the invention of the transistor. The transistor is a semiconductor device used to amplify an electric signal.

Bells labs produce solar cells used for space activities.

Jan 1, 1950

President Jimmy Carter Installs solar panels on the White House

Sep 12, 1977

Pres. Jimmy carter installed 32 solarpanels on the White House during the Arab oil embargo.

First solarpowered calculators are invented.

Jan 1, 1978

Reflective solar concentrators are used in solarpanels

Jan 1, 1989

FIrst solar shingles are avaliable.

Jan 1, 2005

DOW chemical company begins selling solar shingles.

Solar shingles are named one of thegreatest inventions of 2009 by Time magazine

Nov 16, 2009

First location of Dows solar shingles is opened

Oct 1, 2011