Archival Project

Introduction: Part 1

1900

This exhibit goes into the development of solar technology and the applications of solar energy in daily life. There are all types of artifacts in this exhibit. The artifacts include a newspaper article, pictures of people, and a picture of an invention. This timeline has some of the big breakthroughs in solar technologies and how they were used to improve daily lives.

Introduction: Part 2

1901

In this exhibit, you will see examples of advancements in a newspaper article on cheaper solar cells. New applications of solar energy in society, for example, Jimmy Carter's speech in front of newly installed solar panels. Watch how applications of solar panels in society, from solar batteries on telephone lines to “solar trees” for common use. To explore the artifacts, click on the datea of each event. Explore the artifacts through the years as you watch the development of solar energy.

Bell Solar Battery

Sep 27, 1955

This image shows a repairman for Southern Bell Telephone Co. adjusting one of the first Bell solar batteries. The repairman, B.W. Kennon sits on top of the powerline pole to adjust the solar batteries. This picture was taken on Sept. 27, 1955, in Americus, Georgia, and is one of the first tested solar cells used by Bell Laboratories. This is the start of applying solar technology to daily life.

Solar Cell Improvements

Oct 30, 1976

This article from the ScienceNews magazine vol. 110 NO. #18. This article was released on October 30, 1976. This paper describes the advancements of CdS crystals, which greatly reduced the cost of solar cells. This breakthrough was the first stepping stone toward competing with fossil fuels. The newspaper also brought support to the solar development from the public.

Jimmy Carter's Speech over his Solar Policy

Jun 20, 1979

This photo, taken by Warren K. Leffler, of Jimmy Carter giving a speech in front of the White House with newly installed solar panels. This speech was given on June 20, 1979, and strived to instill pride in American innovation. President Carter concludes his speech by describing his solar program as making solar technology part of American culture (Carter 1979). The addition of solar panels to the White House marks the beginning of solar technology being in the spotlight of innovation.

Solar Powered Calculator

1990

This calculator is the first handheld calculator to be solar-powered. The calculator was manufactured by a Japanese company, Casio, in 1990. Although it is nothing more than a simple calculator, the application of solar panels into smaller, everyday technology is a big step towards where solar power is today.

Solar Tree

Jan 21, 2020

Present-day solar technology is much more advanced than 20+ years ago. Pictured here is a "Solar Tree." These solar trees can be found all around Florida. As seen in the picture, these trees can be found in all kinds of recreational places, from parks, schools, stadiums, etc. These solar trees expose people to solar energy and eventually, people will embrace solar energy.

Bibliography

Mar 27, 2022

Carter, Jimmy. “President Jimmy Carter's Remarks at White House Solar Panel Dedication Ceremony, 1979.” President Jimmy Carter's Remarks at White House Solar Panel Dedication Ceremony, 1979. | Energy History, January 1, 1979. https://energyhistory.yale.edu/library-item/president-jimmy-carters-remarks-white-house-solar-panel-dedication-ceremony-1979.
“Harnessing Sun Power, Americus, Ga.” Library of Congress,
January 1, 1970. https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2002713367/.

Bibliography 2

Mar 28, 2022

Highsmith, Carol M. “Solar Panels of All Descriptions Have Become a Popular Energy-Gatherer across the United States, but This One in Fort Myers, a Small City on Florida's Southwest Coast along the Gulf of Mexico, Has Become a Sort of Art Called a ‘Solar Tree.’” Library of Congress, January 1, 1970. https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2020721210/.

Bibliography 3

Mar 29, 2022

Leffler, Warren K. “[President Jimmy Carter Speaking in Front of Solar Panels Placed on the West Wing Roof of the White House, Announcing His Solar Energy Policy].” Library of Congress, June 20, 1979. https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2021637592/.
“Solar Cells: Improving CdS.” 1976. Science News 110 (18): 280. https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=7067671&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

Bibliography 4

Mar 30, 2022

“SolarNow Project - Solar Trees: Spotlight Solar.” Solar Trees | Spotlight Solar, 2020. https://spotlightsolar.com/solarnow-project.
“Solar-Powered Electronic Calculator.” JSTOR, 2020. https://www.jstor.org/stable/community.32452022.