Solar energy is considered by many an attractive and practical option for America's energy future, one that is technically and commercially feasible as well as socially and environmentally desirable. Sun-generated power could meet upwards of 20 percent of U.S. energy needs by the year 2000-but only if there is a concerted national effort to use this energy option. The issues of implementation and the public and private initiatives needed to facilitate a transition to extensive use of solar energy are the focus of this volume. The solar transition is addressed from the diverse perspectives of the many necessary participants: industries and small businesses; local, state, regional, and federal governments; public utilities; policy analysts; and solar advocates. The contributors assess the extent to which solar alternatives can replace and augment other energy forms, the pace and pattern for solar commercialization, and the roles of public and private institutions in carrying out the transition. A consensus becomes apparent: Although the transition to solar energy is technically and commercially viable, its success depends on concerted public and private efforts to promote innovation and diversification in energy production and distribution and to institute major changes in public policy related to energy use.

This book is the product of the good will and hardwork of many people. The contributors, all recognized experts in their fields, are thanked for providing thoughtful, informative chapters and for accommodating editorial suggestions and revisions. Westview Press is thanked for providing the opportunity to address a serious omission in the energy literature. The Geography Department at the University of Maryland made a similarly generous commitment of secretarial staff and faciltiies. Allen Eney aided in the construction of computerized maps. Many skilled, conscientious individuals at state energy offices, public utility commissions, the U.S. Department of Energy, and other organizations supplied essential data and produced many of the analytic studies that underlie the contents of the book. Patti Leedham provided patient and expert typing through numerous revisions of the chapters and many tables. Patricia Sawyer provided essential guidance, support, and proofreading throughout the entire effort.