Fossil fuels, the greenhouse effect and photovoltaics

Abstract

It is suggested that the timing and magnitude of an explosive growth period in photovoltaics will be strongly influenced by factors related to the use of fossil fuels. Depletion of fossil fuels in some parts of the world is likely to cause significant changes in the energy policies of various governments and to result in higher energy costs to the consumer. Perhaps even more significant is the fact that the growing consumption of fossil fuels is contaminating the global environment at an increasing rate, and this contamination may lead to drastic changes in climate. It is emphasized that photovoltaics represents one of the few clean energy options for a pollution-free future.<>