Maria Telkes

Hungarian-American scientist and pioneer of solar energy technologies, including the first fully solar-heated house.

Maria Telkes (1900–1995), dubbed the 'Sun Queen', revolutionized renewable energy through her groundbreaking work in solar thermal storage. A Hungarian-born MIT researcher, she developed the first solar-powered heating system for the Dover Sun House in 1948, using Glauber's salt to store heat. This innovation proved solar energy's viability even in cold climates.

Telkes also created a solar desalination device for life rafts during WWII, saving downed pilots and sailors. Despite facing gender bias in STEM, she earned 20 patents and co-founded the Solar Energy Society. Her designs influenced later projects like NREL's solar labs.

Though overshadowed by male contemporaries, Telkes' legacy resurges today amid climate crises. Documentaries like The Sun Queen (2020) highlight her vision: Solar energy is the future—if humanity is to survive. Her work underpins modern green architecture and off-grid solutions.