Photovoltaics is at the verge of revolutionizing the world in similar fashion the agricultural and industrial revolution did in the past. In 1953 at a symposium a1% efficiency was reported for photo-voltaic cells. Since, the progress in solid-state has made it possible for efficiencies of up to 32% to be achieved in laboratory tests presenting great promise for the future of the generation of solar electric power.

Solar photovoltaic technology is complex, and the cost of producing solar cells is still high, however solar electric power is versatile and powerful. The energy needs of a typical home in Texas, for example, could be met by covering only half of the roof with PV cells panels.

Currently as a legacy of the Clinton administration the United States Department of Energy is promoting the Million Solar Roofs initiative (MSR) across the country to enable businesses and communities to install solar systems on a million rooftops by the year 2000 by assiting with grants and financing. (http://www.eren.doe.gov/millionroofs/).

To learn more about photovoltaics please visit the web sites below.