The potential for future widespread use of photovoltaic systems for the generation of electric power was the motivation for the establishment, in January 1975, of the Photovoltaic Conversion Program by ERDA's Division of Solar Energy. The Program's activities are planned to develop and to promote the use of photovoltaic systems to such an extent that the private sector will produce and utilize cost-competitive photovoltaic systems. As part of the ERDA Program, the Low-Cost Silicon Solar Array Project (LSSA) was established in January 1975. The activities and progress of the LSSA Project during the months of October, November, and December 1976 are described. The Project objective is to develop the national capability to produce low-cost, long-life photovoltaic arrays at a rate greater than 500 megawatts per year and a price of less than $500 per kilowatt peak by 1986. The array performance goals include an efficiency greater than 10% and an operating lifetime in excess of 20 years. The approach is to reduce the cost of solar cell arrays by improving solar array manufacturing technology and by increasing solar array production capacity and quantity. Forty-seven contracts have been awarded to date, to industrial firms and university and independent laboratories for experimental …

Photograph used for a story in the Daily Oklahoman newspaper. Caption: "Ronald S. Nelson, a chemical engineer from Woodland Hills, Calif."

Photograph used for a story in the Oklahoma Times newspaper. Caption: "Darn right I'm bitter," Aldo Ray declared."

Photograph used for a story in the Oklahoma Times newspaper. Caption: "Pfc. Dale R. Vincent, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce M. Blake of OKC, has been promoted to his present rank upon graduation from recruit training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego."