I knew about August Mouchout years ago, but wasn't aware (or didn't remember) reading about Cole. This is an interesting thought experiment, though I don't think the idea that solar would only have reached price parity in 1997 seems realistic. Given the similarities to modern solar panels so long ago, I can't believe other technologies would not have developed much faster if given priority over fossil fuels.

https://theconversation.com/if-the-first-solar-entrepreneur-hadnt-been-kidnapped-would-fossil-fuels-have-dominated-the-20th-century-the-way-they-did-215300

#solar #sustainability #OffGrid