The photovoltaic (PV) industry has recently undergone a period of oversupply and plunging prices which has imposed a harsh reevaluation of criteria for viability. The background history leading up to the current PV technology situation is presented and discussed in terms of the PV learning curve (PV module selling price as a function of amount produced). The effects of the past and recent learning curve fluctuations and their technological causes on various PV material crystal growth approaches are described. Some crystal growth research and development (R&D) needs for future viability are discussed. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved,