History
History of Solar Energy
The use of solar energy dates back thousands of years, but the development of modern solar technology has evolved rapidly over the past two centuries.
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Ancient Uses
- 7th century B.C.: Humans used magnifying glasses to concentrate sunlight and start fires.
- 3rd century B.C.: Greeks and Romans used mirrors to reflect sunlight for religious purposes.
- Ancient architecture: Civilizations such as the Greeks, Romans, and Chinese designed buildings to maximize sunlight for heating.
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19th Century: Scientific Foundations
- 1839: French physicist Alexandre Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect, the principle behind solar panels.
- 1873–1876: Scientists found that selenium produced electricity when exposed to light.
- 1883: American inventor Charles Fritts created the first solar cell using selenium, achieving around 1% efficiency.
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20th Century: Commercial Emergence
- 1954: Bell Labs in the U.S. developed the first silicon-based photovoltaic (PV) cell, with ~ 6% efficiency – a breakthrough that launched the modern solar industry.
- 1958: The first solar-powered satellite, Vanguard 1, was launched by the U.S.
- 1970s energy crisis: Sparked increased interest in alternative energy, leading to early solar installations on buildings and homes.
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21st Century: Global Growth
- 2000s onwards: Falling costs, government incentives, and climate awareness spurred massive global adoption.
- 2010–2020: The price of solar modules dropped by over 80%, making it one of the most competitive forms of electricity.
- Today: Solar energy is a cornerstone of the global clean energy transition, with photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies used in residential, commercial, and utility-scale applications.
History of Solar Energy in Nepal
Nepal’s journey with solar energy reflects its broader efforts to address energy access challenges in remote and underserved regions, while gradually aligning with global clean energy trends.
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Early Adoption (Pre-1990s)
- In the 1980s, Nepal began experimenting with solar technologies, primarily for rural electrification and basic lighting needs.
- Initial projects were supported by international aid agencies and non-governmental organizations, using stand-alone solar home systems (SHS) in remote villages.
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Expansion of Off-Grid Solar (1990s–2000s)
- The Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) was established in 1996 under the Ministry of Science and Technology to promote renewable energy, especially solar, in rural areas.
- Subsidy programs for solar home systems, supported by donors like the World Bank, UNDP, and GIZ, helped deploy tens of thousands of small systems across Nepal.
- Solar energy became a lifeline for areas without grid access, powering homes, health posts, schools, and communication towers.
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Introduction of Grid-Connected Solar (2010s)
- With growing energy demand and frequent power shortages (load shedding), interest shifted towards grid-connected solar solutions.
- In 2013, NEA issued the first guidelines for net metering, allowing consumers to connect rooftop solar systems to the national grid.
- The first grid-tied solar project, a 680 kW plant in Sundarighat, was developed by the NEA in 2014.
- The government introduced policies to promote utility-scale solar projects, including provisions in the National Energy Strategy and Renewable Energy Subsidy Policy.
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Rapid Growth and Utility-Scale Development (2020s–Present)
- NEA began issuing Letters of Intent (LoIs) for Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to develop large-scale solar projects.
- Private sector participation has grown significantly, with multiple developers now working on projects ranging from 1 MW to over 50 MW.
- The Government of Nepal set ambitious renewable energy targets in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), aiming for 15% renewable energy share by 2030, with solar playing a central role.
- Programs like the Renewable Energy for Rural Livelihoods (RERL) and SWAP continue to expand decentralized solar applications.
