Solid-state physics aspects of solar energy conversion

Economically attractive conversion of solar energy on a large scale will depend on improved solutions to a number of problems in material science. Additionally to the solutions and approaches recognized at present, the technology of solar energy conversion can undoubtedly benefit from material science on a broad basis. Once the problem areas are identified, as attempted in this paper, aspects of material science at present unconnected to the mainstream of solar research may offer better solutions. (author)