Today we wanted to take a moment to recognize and highlight the work of Mária Telkes, one of the pioneers of solar technology who both saved and improved lives with her work. Often referred to by her colleagues as The Sun Queen, Telkes is counted among the founders of solar thermal storage, and her discoveries and innovations are still leveraged across the field to this day. In celebration of Women’s History Month, and particularly as today is International Women’s Day, let’s examine the life and achievements of this exceptional innovator, and reflect on how we can encourage others to follow in her footsteps.
Mária Telkes was born in Hungary in 1900, and would go on to enroll at the University of Budapest to study physical chemistry. She earned her B.A. in Budapest, and then went on to complete her doctoral studies at the University of Geneva, earning a Ph.D. in physical chemistry. She became an instructor in Geneva by 1924, but ultimately immigrated to the United States and became a citizen by 1937.
With her background in physical chemistry and her experience investigating the energy produced by living organisms, Telkes was an excellent fit for the Solar Energy Conversion Project at MIT. She experimented with the practical application of thermoelectric devices, which would draw power from the sun. Her driving goal is echoed in the heart of the solar industry today – to address our reliance on non-renewable energy sources. She sought to address many practical problems at home and abroad with sustainable solutions.
While Mária Telkes is known for many solar innovations throughout her career, none are more reflective of her impressive ingenuity than her solar distillation device. During World War II, Telkes leveraged her deep understanding of solar technology to create a portable desalination device, capable of vaporizing seawater and recondensing it as potable drinking water. This technology typically required a dedicated, stationary operation, but thanks to Telkes’ engineering, her version of the system was deployable in the emergency medical kits of any soldier.
While its initial deployment was delayed by manufacturing contract negotiations initiated by another party, Telkes solar distillation technology was eventually deployed, providing lifesaving drinking water to downed pilots and torpedoed sailors. Her technology was then scaled up to address clean water concerns in the US Virgin Islands, in a solar desalination installation which is still in operation to this day.
After the war effort concluded, Mária Telkes turned her eye to other practical applications for solar, from heat storage to energy generation. Her important work on heating and powering homes and other appliances was hailed as being perhaps “a more important scientific development than the atom bomb”. Both developments were made in energy fields, but only one of them contributed positively towards the future of humanity.
Telkes spent the entirety of her career investigating and innovating on solar technology, advancing sustainable energy and solar accessibility for all. It speaks to the importance of closing the gap for women and girls in STEM; isolating access to careers in science only serves to ensure that great ideas are never realized.
Solar is just one of the sustainability technologies that will contribute to the future of our world, and everyone deserves to have equal access to contribute to that shared future. That’s why it is so important to address the discrepancy in representation within STEM. In honor of the Sun Queen herself, let’s ensure that the next pioneer of solar technology is supported in her efforts to achieve great things. If you’re interested in a career in solar technology, consider joining our team as we work to provide impactful, accessible solar solutions to all!
