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Timeline of solar cells
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<p>In the 19th century, it was observed that the sunlight striking certain materials generates detectable electric current – the <a href="/facts/Photoelectric_effect/gIDcdm5U">photoelectric effect</a>. This discovery laid the foundation for <a href="/facts/Solar_cell/3L814UCC">solar cells</a>. Solar cells have gone on to be used in many applications. They have historically been used in situations where electrical power from the grid was unavailable. </p><p>As the invention was brought out it made solar cells as a prominent utilization for power generation for satellites. Satellites orbit the Earth, thus making solar cells a prominent source for power generation through the sunlight falling on them. Solar cells are commonly used in satellites in today's times. </p>