ATTAINING A SOLAR-ENERGY ECONOMY WITH ACTIVE THIN-FILM STRUCTURES

First, quantitative arguments are presented which support the conclusion that the probability is high for the United States to attain a solar energy economy in the relatively near future. The basis of the arguments is the use of four active thin film structures: (a) electrochromic windows for energy conservation; (ii) thin film photovoltaic cells for energy conversion; (iii) thin film batteries; and (iv) thin film fuel cells for portable energy storage and delivery. The second part of the article focuses on the pivotal role for thin film deposition processes, and particular attention is paid to some of the deposition challenges presented by two of the structures, thin film electrochromic windows and batteries. © 1995, American Vacuum Society. All rights reserved.