
From Space to Earth
The Story of Solar Electricity
John Perlin(Author)
Harvard University Press
Published on 30. November 2002
Book
Paperback/Softback
240 pages
978-0-674-01013-0 (ISBN)
Description
This text tracks the evolution of the technology of photovoltaics, the use of solar cells to convert the sun's energy into electricity, from its shaky 19th-century beginnings mired in scientific controversy to its success in the space program to its position as a promising power source.
Reviews / Votes
A vivid and fascinating historical account of the advances of photovoltaics on Earth. [Perlin's] book tells us the success story of the pioneers of solar cells, crediting them for their imagination and perseverance. Presenting the history of the development of photovoltaic cells in such a personalized manner makes it a much more lively and interesting read than a mere technical account would have done. -- Michael Grazel Nature John Perlin's delightful historical tour through the development of photovoltaics answers not only the question of what is new under the sun, but most importantly, how we got here...It's the best and most readable book on the social history of photovoltaics research, policy, and market growth. -- Daniel M. Kammen Whole EarthMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge, Mass
United States
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
7 line illustrations, 121 halftones
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 184 mm
Thickness: 19 mm
Weight
485 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-674-01013-0 (9780674010130)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
John Perlin is the critically acclaimed author of A Golden Thread: 2500 Years of Solar Architecture and Technology (with Ken Butti).
Content
Preface, 2002 Acknowledgments 1. Photovoltaics: The Great Solar Hope 2. Photoelectric Dreams 3. The Dream Becomes Real 4. Searching for Applications 5. Saved by the Space Race 6. Bringing Solar Cells Down to Earth 7. The First Mass Earth Market 8. Captain Lomer's Saga 9. Working on the Railroad 10. Long Distance for Everyone 11. Father Verspieren Preaches the Solar Gospel 12. Electrifying the Unelectrified 13. Solarizing the Electrified 14. Better Cells, Cheaper Cells 15. The Silent Revolution Continues Index Illustration Credits