Photovoltaics: technical gains and an uncertain market

The current state of the US photovoltaics industry is examined. It is noted that while appropriate technologies exist in the research laboratory, an industrial infrastructure is not in place. The approach that offers the best chance of making utility and other large-scale applications practical within the next five to ten years, namely, thin semiconductor films, is discussed. The cost of R&D programs and the market for photovoltaics are also addressed.<
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