On October 26, 1974, the Solar Energy Research, Development and Demonstration Act (Public Law 93-473). was signed into law, authorizing a vigorous Federal program of 'research, development, and dem.onstration. Its goal was to provide the nation with the option of using solar energy as a new source for meeting future requirements. In response to the mandates of this act, major efforts were made within the Division of Solar Energy of the Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA) to expeditiously develop and introduce economically competitive and environmentally acceptable solar energy systems.