Abstract

Technology for converting the various forms of solar energy to fuels, electricity, or even valuable chemicals is presented. Commercial interest is increasingly focused on a small number of promising technologies for the supply of conventional transportation fuels and grid-connected electricity. Five technologies are reviewed focusing on developments in the technology of solar energy conversion and progress toward cost goals which must be achieved in order for solar energy to compete with conventional sources of energy without subsidies. Increased world utilization of solar energy is a certainty in the twenty-first century. Greater near-term utilization of solar energy forms depends on cost and the availability of conventional fuels.