From Space To Earth

From Space to Earth tracks the evolution of the technology of photovoltaics, the use of solar cells to convert the sun's energy into electricity. John Perlin's painstaking research results in a fascinating account of the development of this technology, from its shaky nineteenth-century beginnings mired in scientific controversy to its high-visibility success in the space program, to its current position as a versatile and promising power source.

"A vivid and fascinating historical account of the advances of photovoltaics on Earth. [Perlin's] book tells us the success story of the pioneers of solar cells, crediting them for their imagination and perseverance. Presenting the history of the development of photovoltiac cells in such a personalised manner makes it a much lively and interesting read than a mere technical account would have done."
-Michael Grazel, Nature

"John Perlin's delightful historical tour through the development of photovoltaics answers not only the question of what is new under the sun, but most importantly, how we got here... It's the best and most readable book on the social history of the photovoltaics research, policy, and market growth."
- Daniel M. Kammen, Whole Earth

John Perlin is the critically acclaimed author of A Golden Thread: 2500 Years of Solar Architecture and Technology (with Ken Butti), and A Forest Journey: The Role of Wood in the Development of Civilization (Harvard).

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