From Space to Earth

The Story of Solar Electricity

From Space to Earth: The Story of Solar Electricity tracks the evolution of photovoltaics--the direct conversion of sunlight into electricity via solar cells--from its nineteenth-century beginnings through its success in the space program to its current position as an indispensable, versatile, and largely unrecognized power generator. Perlin details PV's early adoption by the telecommunications, transportation, and oil industries.