NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Do photovoltaics have a futureThere is major concern as to the economic practicality of widespread terrestrial use because of the high cost of the photovoltaic arrays themselves. Based on their high efficiency, photovoltaic collectors should be one of the cheapest forms of energy generators known. Present photovoltaic panels are violating the trend of lower costs with increasing efficiency due to their reliance on expensive materials. A medium technology solution should provide electricity competitive with the existing medium to high technology energy generators such as oil, coal, gas, and nuclear fission thermal plants. Programs to reduce the cost of silicon and develop reliable thin film materials have a realistic chance of producing cost effective photovoltaic panels.
Document ID
19790046530
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Williams, B. F.
(RCA Laboratories Princeton, N.J., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
March 1, 1979
Subject Category
Energy Production And Conversion
Report/Patent Number
ASME PAPER 79-SOL-7
Meeting Information
Meeting: American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Gas Turbine Conference and Exhibit and Solar Energy Conference
Location: San Diego, CA
Start Date: March 12, 1979
End Date: March 15, 1979
Sponsors: American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Accession Number
79A30543
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: JPL-954352
CONTRACT_GRANT: E(04-3)-1286
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available