Photovoltaics I: Solar-cell arrays: Clean and silent, solar-cell arrays are targeted to be competitive by 1986

Solar cells are electric energy generators that consume no fuel, make no noise, pose no health hazard, and produce no waste products. With such advantages, it is not surprising that arrays of solar cells are expected to produce a sizable part of the energy demanded by a fuel-short world. Within the next 10 years, it appears likely that solar-cell systems will each produce several hundred peak kilowatts for villages, shopping malls, factories, hospitals, and schools, for example. Already, solar-cell systems have proven to be reliable, long-lived power sources at remote sites, such as microwave repeater stations and oil drilling rigs.