Solar photovoltaic power: a US electric utility R & D perspective

The overall status of photovoltaic (PV) power is examined, and conclusions are drawn regarding key challenges and future needs for its commercial success in the utility bulk power arena. The basis for believing that PV's key challenge is to continue serving ever-expanding niche markets driven by continuing system cost reductions, while sustaining focused R&D to achieve the cost/performance needed to break into worldwide energy-significant power markets is discussed. The authors believe this will occur most readily through cooperative alliances of suppliers, users, researchers, and through national programs whose common goal is to thrust PV technology into the bulk power mix.<>