Texas Inventor Helped Power the Solar Age

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Leonard L. Northrup, Jr., a Houston native, was an inventor whose work with solar energy helped revolutionize the entire industry. From his early days making saddles to later earning advanced degrees in engineering and business, Northrup's fascination with science and technology led him to make significant contributions to the development of solar power.

Why it matters

Northrup's innovations in solar technology played a crucial role in advancing renewable energy solutions and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. His work helped pave the way for the widespread adoption of solar power, which has become an increasingly important part of the global energy landscape.

The details

Northrup, born in Houston in 1918, showed an early aptitude for science and engineering. After working in his grandfather's saddle factory and delivering newspapers as a youth, he went on to earn degrees from Southern Methodist University, the University of Denver, and Harvard University. Inspired by his father's love of science, Northrup dedicated his career to developing new solar power technologies that improved efficiency and reduced costs.

• Northrup was born in Houston in March 1918.
• He graduated high school in Dallas in 1936.
• Northrup earned a degree from Southern Methodist University, followed by master's degrees from the University of Denver and Harvard University.