Profiles of Early PV Companies and Organizations

The directory in this chapter gives profiles of key organizations active in terrestrial photovoltaics during the early photovoltaic (PV) era. To make it easier to search, entries are grouped in the following categories: PV manufacturing and research companies; systems integrators, equipment suppliers, and other companies; research centers and universities; and international, national, and representative bodies. HCT Shaping Systems first introduced the wire saw, which proved to be important for mass production of crystalline silicon solar wafers and, therefore, for the early PV industry. IT Power was crucial to the deployment of renewable energy in developing countries, in particular because of its work in support of aid agencies and other finance providers in this sector. The chapter concludes with a summary of leading producers, and of major entrants and leavers, together with company flotations.