The U. S. PV program: Now and the year 2000

There will be a vigorous U.S. Photovoltaic (PV) program in 2000, despite the current turmoil and debate over the size and legitimate role of nearly every aspect of the Federal government. There are two fundamental reasons why there will still be an active Federal role in PV development in the 21st century. First, as the program and technology have progressed, the environmental and job creation potential of the PV industry are increasingly recognized as important to the nation's future. Second, Federal investment in research and development is necessary to counteract the private sector's tendency to under-invest in research and development.