prohibitive cost of the first PV cells.  Beginning in the late 1950s and early ‘60s, the main purpose of PV cells was to power the satellites used in space exploration. In the 1970s, more advanced research saw the PV cells taking on modular formats and commercial applications began to be identified and preferred. Increased production brought down the price dramatically and the 1980s saw massive growth of photovoltaic cells in many telecommunication devices, navy buoys, lighthouses and remote power applications.

Powerful organizations such as BP and Siemens took the lead in the 1980s and 1990s in applying PV to various commercial applications, although in limited and exclusive arenas such as test sites and “guerilla installations.” Later, near the end of the 20 ^th century as PV technology improved, PV systems that were utility-interactive were designed to reverse the meter so that the interconnection of electric utilities could be standardized and safety measures could be approved.

In the last decade, photovoltaic technology experienced a whirlwind of change and growth, with a myriad of organizations jumping onto the bandwagon. Complementing new technologies emerged, prices of PV cells spiraled down, and policy bureaucracies were swept aside.  Today, there is a wide range of PV systems being designed and used which use hundreds to millions of watt power.

Today, besides solar heating and solar hot water, man is able to enjoy solar electricity. The government, being well aware of the benefits of tapping the sun’s potential, has in many states been encouraging its citizens to consider such technological advances by offering loans, grants and rebate offerings to help defray the expenses.