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History 1960s

1960

Hoffman Electronics achieves 14% efficient photovoltaic cells.

Silicon Sensors, Inc., of Dodgeville, Wisconsin, is founded and begins producing selenium and silicon photovoltaic cells.

1962

Bell Telephone Laboratories launches Telstar, the first telecommunications satellite; its initial power is 14 watts.

1963

Sharp Corporation succeeds in producing practical silicon PV modules.

Japan installs a 242-watt photovoltaic array, the worlds largest to date, on a lighthouse.

1964

NASA launches the first Nimbus spacecraft—a satellite powered by a 470-watt photovoltaic array.

1965

Peter Glaser conceives the idea of the satellite solar power station.

1966

NASA launches the first Orbiting Astronomical Observatory powered by a 1-kilowatt photovoltaic array; it provides astronomical data in the ultraviolet and X-ray wavelengths filtered out by Earth's atmosphere.

1969

A "solar furnace" is constructed in Odeillo, France; it features an eight-story parabolic mirror.