How “big oil” pioneered the launch of solar cell technology
Elliot Berman (center, in patterned tie) and his team at Solar Power Corp. pose outside their office and manufacturing facility in Braintree, Mass., in 1973. John Perlin, author of Let It Shine: The 6,000-Year Story of Solar Energy, credits Berman, Solar Power Corp. and Exxon with "planting the flag of photovoltaics throughout the world."
(Robert Willis/Solar Power Corp. via John Perlin)
Half a century ago — before climate change was a topic of much discussion and before Exxon was accused of deceiving shareholders and the public by downplaying the risks of climate change, prompting investigations and lawsuits — the company then known as Jersey Standard funded groundbreaking research into solar photovoltaic technology, which converts sunlight into electricity.
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