In this overview, the goals that were met in FY 1998 are highlighted along with progress that was made toward long-term goals for research, technology development, and applications. The manufacture, sale, and use of photovoltaic (PV) devices to generate electricity directly from sunlight has become a billion-dollar industry worldwide. The production capacity for PV modules in the US had doubled between 1993 and 1997. While continuing research to improve technology, one must work with industry to move this technology from the laboratory to the marketplace.