The 1997 Solar Power Summit got off to an auspicious start Saturday, with a star-studded celebrity panel featuring such luminary as former U.S. president Jimmy Carter. 'Solar power is the cleanest, safest, most ecologically sound power source available. We owe it to ourselves and this planet to invest in the development of renewable solar resources,' said Carter, addressing more than 1,500 seats at the Atlanta Convention Center. 'Your attendance at this summit stands as testimony to your commitment to a safe and clean future.' Immediately following the summit, Carter boarded a cab to the Atlanta Marriott Hotel for MetriCon 97. 'America is slowly but surely centimetering toward progress,' Carter quipped. 