A 1975 magazine predicted that new cities will rise in the Arizona desert, with "an endless supply" of solar energy. The reality took a different turn.

Fifty years ago, solar energy was seen as an answer to the energy crisis, a way to reduce dependence on foreign oil. Climate change was rarely mentioned.

Today, solar energy has become a huge business and is contributing to the nation's electric grid, but China has emerged as the real world leader as U.S. policies change.

A painting of a white city, clustered around pearly towers and skirted by leagues of brilliant solar panels, wraps the front and back cover of Arizona Highways’ August 1975 edition. The painting, titled “Vision of Tomorrow,” was a commissioned work by Arizona artist Robert McCall, who painted scenes of space exploration

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