The solar PV industry took 27 years to hit its first gigawatt. It will almost certainly take 4 or less to reach its second.
Solar power remains one of the world's fastest growing energy sources.
Based on Einstein's insight Bell Labs, inventor of the transistor which forms computer chips, also developed its near relative, the silicon-based solar photovoltaic cell. It underwent its first workout in the 1960s space program but was too costly for just about anything else. In remote locations that require reliable power solar PV is already the low-cost alternative. The booming wireless phone industry soaks up fields of photovoltaic panels for its towers and stations. PV is expected to become markedly cheaper over the coming decade.