This paper describes the methodology used for and the results obtained from a study to assess the economic viability of long-range applications of photovoltaic (PV) generation in a large eastern electric utility system. Amorphous silicon PV technology, which has been under development by RCA Laboratories since 1974 and formed the basis for the conceptual design of a central- station PV power plant, was used in the application study. Traditional utility system planning techniques were applied to determine the capacity and energy values of PV generation. however, the system capacity reliability evaluation and production cost simulation programs; were modified and applied to more accurately account for the time- constrained and intermittent teatures of PV energy output. Statistical and mathematical procedures were developed to utilize the varying daily insolation data and convert them to appropriate patterns of electric energy output. The study results indicate that with respect to a conventional generation alternative, such as combustion turbines of more advanced design, the breakeven capital cost for PV power plants ranges from $1,100 to $1,350 (1982 dollars) per peak kW. The higher the PV capacity penetration, the lower the required breakeven cost.