Silicon PV cell production on the moon

dA concept has been developed for the production of photovoltaic energy col lection systems on the Moon by vacuum deposition directly onto the lunar su rface. Using this technique it would be possible to quickly install quite l arge capacities of power on the Moon at relatively low cost. Most of the ma terial required for photovoltaic devices is readily available on the Moon, and taking production machinery to the Moon can further lower the cost of p ower if the machinery can be operated for long periods of time. Low-cost en ergy on the Moon could enable a wide range of activities including support of robust human outposts, production of propellants for use on the Moon or for export, production of a wide range of other materials for use in space, and beaming of energy from the Moon to space and to Earth. A proposed stra tegy by which lunar power can be developed in the near future is closely co nnected to the establishment of a human outpost on the Moon.