Introduction of photovoltaic systems in the near and intermediate future: An industrial assessment

Journal Article · Fri Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1993 · Advances in Solar Energy

OSTI ID:245105

Aulich, H A ^[1]

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1. Siemens Solar, Munich (Germany)

The introduction of photovoltaic power (PV) generation systems within life next ten years is considered, using mainly crystalline silicon solar cells. Within that time period, PV will not compete with large conventional baseload plants, but rather will be used for decentralized, distributed systems. The current module and system technology has been shown to be reliable. and must now be converted into industrial production to achieve the necessary cost reduction. For large scale production no obstacles exist with respect to production equipment, materials, resources, energy pay-back, and environmental issues. However, besides improvements in terms of system efficiency, considerable efforts are necessary to develop the market both in industrialized as in developing countries to install the increased production volume necessary for cost reduction. In Europe, Japan, and the USA, the emphasis for large scale PV dissemination should be on saving resources and protecting the environment, while in the developing countries PV is often the most economic and environmentally sound solution to bring electricity and basic services to billions of people around the globe that are not connected to the grid. 4 refs., 7 figs.

• OSTI ID: 245105
• Journal Information: Advances in Solar Energy, Journal Name: Advances in Solar Energy Vol. 8; ISSN 0731-8618; ISSN ASOED9
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
ENERGY SOURCE DEVELOPMENT
GLOBAL ANALYSIS
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER PLANTS
POWER DEMAND
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS