Missed opportunity in decarbonizing heat 77 years ago: Maria Telkes' Dover House and forward-thinking vision

Maria Telkes, often referred to as the "Sun Queen," was a pioneering figure in solar energy technology. This manuscript revisits her innovative contributions, focusing on the Dover Sun House, the world?s first solar-heated home, and her groundbreaking work on solar desalination devices and solar ovens. Designed in collaboration with architect Eleanor Raymond in 1948, the Dover Sun House utilized Glauber?s salt for thermal energy storage, demonstrating the feasibility of phase-change materials in residential heating. While operational challenges, such as material stratification, limited its success, the project laid the groundwork for future advancements in energy storage technologies. Telkes? solar desalination u-nit, adopted by the U.S. military, and her solar ovens for remote communities exemplify her ability to combine scientific ingenuity with practical applications. Her work addressed key challenges of energy access and sustainability long before these issues gained global prominence. This manuscript examines Telkes? legacy through a historical and technical lens, linking her pioneering efforts to modern renewable energy solutions. By critically analyzing her successes and the limitations of her designs, this study highlights the relevance of her work in addressing today?s energy and climate challenges. Telkes? visionary approach and unwavering commitment to innovation underscore the enduring value of integrating science, sustainability, and practicality.