Sun power has been around for centuries, but it wasn’t until the 20th century that solar power companies became popular. In the early 1900s, people were more interested in using fossil fuels to generate electricity. However, as technology progressed and people became more aware of the effects of climate change, they researched other ways to generate electricity.

Sun Power: A Breakdown of The History of Solar Energy Companies

sun power

The first solar-powered company was founded in 1876 by French inventor Pierre-Jules Janssen. His company, the Janssen-Curtis Electrical Company, developed the first solar cell.

In 1880, an American inventor and physicist Benjamin Franklin Solar Electric Light Company was formed. Certainly developing the world’s first commercial solar panel mounted on a roof to provide light for streets and homes.

The early days of solar power were marked by many failed attempts to commercialize the technology. However, during the 1980s, advances in photovoltaic technology led to a surge in interest in solar power companies. This has led to an ever-growing market for renewable energy sources.

In 1977, two engineers named Nicholas Solaro and Ben Rosen founded the first solar energy company in the United States. The name of the company was the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). However, SEIA’s primary goal was to promote solar energy as an alternative energy source.

In 1978, a German company called Solarworld started selling solar panels on a large scale. Consequently, helping awareness of solar power and leading to more companies dedicated to developing.

In the early 1990s, there was a surge in interest in solar power because of concerns about the environment and global warming. Because of this, several new solar energy companies being founded.

Today, there are several major solar power companies operating across the world. These include SunPower Corporation, First Solar, and Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic (CS PV). For instance, Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd., Canadian Solar Inc., and US-based Sungevity Inc.

A Kansas City solar company has implemented many of the latest solar technology advances to provide more efficient, reliable, and affordable solar power systems.

Domestic Use of Solar Energy

Several homes have opted for solar energy systems to power their homes, businesses, or even entire cities. Barrett Solar Corporation has installed more solar panels than any other company in the world. In addition, plenty of solar companies provide home or business sun energy systems now.

Renewable Energy Sources

Sun power is one of several alternative sources of renewable energy that are being developed and used today. But other renewable sources of energy include wind power, hydropower, and biomass.

They all have the potential to play an important role in providing clean, renewable, and affordable energy for future generations.

The Future of Solar Power

Solar power is one of the most promising sources of clean, renewable, and affordable energy that we have today. In other words, the future of solar power looks promising. There are several major solar companies that are currently leading the way.

First Solar, Inc. (FSLR)

First Solar, Inc. (FSLR) is a Fortune 500 company based in Tucson, Arizona. Meanwhile, the company designs, manufactures, and sells photovoltaic (PV) systems globally. In 1997, they found First Solar installing over 10 GW of PV capacity worldwide.

SunPower Corporation (SPWR)

SunPower Corporation (SPWR) is a leading global solar energy company with over 5 GW of installed solar capacity as of the end of 2013. SPWR operates in three segments: manufacturing, project development, and sales and services. The company has been profitable since its inception in 2006 and has raised over $3 billion in equity capital.

AES Corporation (AES)

AES Corporation with headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, having operations in over 30 countries. Above all, they are a leading provider of clean energy products globally. With over 2 GW of installed solar power capacity as of the end of 2013. 

Alliance for Solar Choice (ASX: AGL)

Alliance for Solar Choice (ASX: AGL) is a large Australian solar power company with over 1 GW of installed solar power capacity in 2013. In addition, the company has a leading position in the Australian market with plans to have 3 GW of solar power capacity by 2020.

Astrawatt Solar

Astrawatt Solar, based in Kansas City, has over 600 MW of solar installations. In 2007, they found the company having a powerful presence in the U.S. market, with over 260 MW of installed solar power capacity. This benefits the renewable energy industry by providing more competition and innovation.

In short, Sun power will continue to grow and have a significant impact on the industry. Solar power companies are leading the way and providing consumers with a new, more environmentally friendly way to generate power.

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About the Author: McKenna Tucker