For centuries, inventors and entrepreneurs marveled at the idea of harnessing sunlight for the betterment of humanity. Solar on the Line introduces visitors to the history of solar energy use in the U.S. both as part of the electrical grid as well as an off-grid supplement. Exploring the innovation and technology behind solar power as a renewable energy resource, the exhibition presents multiple views on the potential benefits and challenges of this technology.
Solar on the Line opened on 29 November 2016. The exhibition is located on the 3rd Floor Center of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History and will be on view through 4 March 2018. Solar on the Line is the collaborative creation of many staff of the National Museum of American History and the Lemelson Center.