U.S. Amorphous Silicon Research Project

The United States National Energy Policy Plan calls for a stable supply of energy at reasonable prices using a balanced mix of conventional and renewable energy resources. Photovoltaic conversion of sunlight to electric power can help to achieve this goal-provided that the relatively high cost associated with this technology at present can be reduced. The cost-competitiveness of promising newenergy sources such as photovoltaics is of primary importance to their eventual deployment in the energy mix of the future. A serious effort is being carried out in this country to develop thin-film amorphous silicon technology, a leading candidate for cost-effective photovoltaic power applications. Progress to date in research, development, and now commercialization of amorphous siliconphotovoltaics has surprised even its strongest proponents. To continue progress in amorphous silicon research and development, the photovoltaic energy technology division of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) established in 1983 the Amorphous Silicon Research Project (ASRP) at the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI). The ASRP office was given the responsibility for developing andimplementing an Amorphous Silicon Research Plan. This plan addresses amorphous silicon thin-film research and development for five years (FY 1984 through FY 1988).