Facts

In 1954, Bell Labs in the U.S. introduced the first solar photovoltaic device. By 1958, solar cells were being used in small-scale scientific and commercial applications, including the space program. The energy crisis of the 1970s saw the beginning of major interest in using solar cells for power here on Earth, but prohibitive prices (approximately 30 times current prices) made large scale applications unfeasible.

Worldwide growth rate for the last 5 years is 35 percent per year. At these rates, installed solar power more than doubles every 4 years or less.

The U.S. solar energy market grew more than 48 percent in 2007 as a result of state and federal policies and incentives. This was with a cap on Federal incentives. Beginning January 2009 there is no cap.

Whether in terms of national security or our ability to respond to domestic challenges such as natural disasters, energy is one of the most critical issues facing the U.S. Solar provides crucial energy supplies vital to the function of homes, businesses and the entire economy. MORE FACTS>>