
Chapter 8
History of Technologies, Development
for Solar Silicon Cost Reduction
Frederick Schmid
Crystal Systems, Inc., 27 Congress Street, Salem, MA 01970, USA
8.1 Introduction
It has been extremely rewarding to be involved in the development
of photovoltaic (PV) energy technology, a technology that continues
to prove its tremendous potential for future growth as a clean and
sustainable energy source. Over the years, it has become evident that
fossil fuel resources are not sustainable; rather, they leave a carbon
footprint that contributes to the growing concern of global warming.
It can be said that PV is the most environmentally sound form
of energy