It is 70 years since AT&T’s Bell Labs unveiled a new technology for turning sunlight into power. The phone company hoped it could replace the batteries that run equipment in out-of-the-way places. It also realised that powering devices with light alone showed how science could make the future seem wonderful; hence a press event at which sunshine kept a toy Ferris wheel spinning round and round.
This article appeared in the Leaders section of the print edition under the headline “The solar age”
Leaders June 22nd 2024
- The exponential growth of solar power will change the world
- AI will transform the character of warfare
- Emmanuel Macron’s project of reform is at risk
- How to tax billionaires—and how not to
- Javier Milei’s next move could make his presidency—or break it
- India should liberate its cities and create more states
See Also
Solar Performance and Efficiency
From the June 22nd 2024 edition
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