the author of this chapter is peter holihan renewable industry specialist energy information administration 6 solar profile introduction modern began with oil embargo 1973 74 and was strengthened second in 1979 growth during period fuel shortages high prices 1974 1984 soared from 45 collector manufac turing firms to 225 1 3 million square feet 17 2 production annually market helped by government assistance both federal state mainly form tax credits 1986 number manufacturing declined 127 109 probably due expiration 40 percent residential 15 business decline industrial companies intensified drop reinstatement credit at level for 12 1987 through 1991 10 per cent 1992 increasing after appear have had little effect on drawing
