The Solar Generation

Childhood and adolescence of terrestrial photovoltaics

Well before the end of this century, solar will be the world’s dominant energy source. This book, published by Wiley-IEEE, looks at the pioneering years of terrestrial PV from its inception following the 'oil shock' of 1973 to the end of the last millennium.

It shows how the PV business grew - often in the face of overwhelming scepticism or apathy. It isn't a textbook; there's more about Berman than Becquerel, Ovshinsky than Czochralski! It is complementary to, but distinctive from, excellent books by John Perlin, Wolfgang Palz, Peter Varadi and others. This book focuses less on the chronology; more on the people, achievements, events and organisations - and the excitement of being part of something new and important.

Who will read it? The book will initially be of most interest to the hundreds of thousands of people active in the sector, and those who support, equip and finance them. But when PV really is the leading energy source, other enquiring minds may also want to know where it all came from.

Contents summary

Foreword

Volume I      A biography of the terrestrial PV industry

1. Origins of terrestrial solar – “It will never catch on”

2. What is photovoltaics? – “Intermittent and unreliable”

3. Photovoltaic research – “Bearded tree-huggers”

4. PV business and markets – “Just a cottage industry”

5. Economics of solar – “Always much too expensive”

6. Solar applications – “No more than a niche market”

7. The solar industry – "Subsidy junkies and spoilers"

8. Geo-politics – "No strategic importance"

9. The next generation – “No serious energy contribution”

Volume II      Encyclopaedia; People, organisations, events

10. Who's who: Profiles of early PV pioneers

11. Profiles of early PV companies and organisations

12. How: Research and technology

13. Where: Markets and geography

14. When: Conferences, get-togethers, prizes

Volume III      Reference section

A. Acknowledgements and Reminiscences

B. Cited references

C. Bibliography – books, publications and websites

D. Glossary, units, conversions and standards

E. Detailed contents list

F. Index of Figures, Images and Tables

G. Full index of topics, people and organisations