PHOTOVOLTAIC TECHNOLOGY AND MARKETS

Photovoltaics-''solar power''-retains a strong fascination as a future sustainable energy source for the planet some 120 years after its dis covery, 80 years after Einstein explained its physics, 30 years after the first laboratory device was produced, and 25 years after its first commercial application. This paper examines the market for photovolta ics at prices above those required for competitive bulk grid-connected wholesale electricity, surveys current and possible future manufactur ing technologies, describes the process of technology introduction and manufacturing cost reduction, and discusses policy implications.