Photovoltaic (PV) electricity has been widely supported as a remote energy source for developing countries. In response, the production and shipment of PV modules has steadily increased throughout the past decade, often marketed through the auspices of technology transfer and financed by international development aid. This paper investigates the motives, economics, and development implications of PVs in rural electrification. The implications of subsidizing a PV market rather than investing in further PV research and development are explored.