Solar energy attracted considerable interest in the 1920s among the "back to nature" crowd, though industry thought it impractical and little research was funded. It developed into a popular hobby, and photovoltaic cells began appearing on rooftops as enterprising homeowners found they could heat their homes and run their electricity completely or partially without fossil fuels or utility companies. Though it never developed info a widespread or commercially/successful venture, getting "off the grid" became a rallying cry among some and a manifesto for personal energy independence. Wood stoves, too, found a thriving market. Cars proved more difficult: photovoltaic cells just do not receive or store as much energy as most people are accustomed to having in a car. Still, design proposals for solar-powered cars turned up regularly on the evening news, particularly during the energy crisis of 1973-1974. John Reuyl, president...