The discovery and development of solar panels can be attributed to the work of several scientists and inventors over many years.

1. Discovery of the Photoelectric Effect (1839): The foundation of solar panel technology lies in the discovery of the photoelectric effect by French physicist Alexandre-Edmond Becquerel in 1839. He observed that certain materials emit electrons when exposed to light. This phenomenon laid the groundwork for understanding how light can be converted into electricity.
2. First Solar Cell (1876): William Grylls Adams and his student Richard Day developed the first true solar cell in 1876. Their device was based on selenium, a material known to exhibit the photoelectric effect. However, it was not very efficient.
3. Albert Einstein’s Explanation (1905): Albert Einstein’s groundbreaking work on the photoelectric effect in 1905 provided a theoretical explanation for the phenomenon and further advanced the understanding of how light can produce electrical current.
4. Charles Fritts’ Selenium Cell (1883): Charles Fritts is often credited with creating the first solar cell using selenium in 1883. It was a rudimentary device with very low efficiency, but it marked one of the earliest attempts to harness solar energy for electricity generation.
5. Development of Silicon Solar Cells (1950s-1960s): The modern era of solar cell development began with the use of silicon as the semiconductor material. Bell Labs engineers, including Calvin Fuller, Daryl Chapin, and Gerald Pearson, achieved significant breakthroughs in the 1950s and 1960s with the invention of the silicon solar cell. These early silicon solar cells were more efficient than their selenium counterparts.
6. Commercialization and Space Applications (1950s-1960s): Silicon solar cells found initial commercial and military applications, including powering remote telecommunication equipment and satellites. They were especially valuable for space missions where they could generate electricity from sunlight.
7. Energy Crisis and Growth of the Solar Industry (1970s): The oil crisis of the 1970s spurred interest in renewable energy sources, including solar power. Government incentives and research funding led to the growth of the solar industry and improvements in solar cell technology.
8. Thin-Film and Other Advances (Late 20th Century): In addition to silicon-based cells, researchers developed thin-film solar cells, which offered flexibility and cost advantages. This led to the development of various types of solar panels, including amorphous silicon and cadmium telluride panels.
9. Recent Advances (21st Century): Continued research and development efforts have resulted in increased solar panel efficiency and decreased production costs. Solar power has become a mainstream and rapidly growing source of clean energy worldwide.

The discovery and development of solar panels have been a collaborative effort involving contributions from scientists, engineers, and inventors over several centuries. Today, solar panels are a vital component of the renewable energy landscape, helping to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate the impact of climate change.