Photovoltaic power systems research evaluation. A report of the EPRI ad hoc Photovoltaic Advisory Committee. Final report

Technical Report · Thu Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1983

OSTI ID:5191784

Witwer, J G

During late 1982 and early 1983 EPRI conducted a wide-ranging review of photovoltaic technologies to assess the desirability of new research initiatives in this field. This review was based largely on the results of two workshops, whose participants included a wide cross section of photovoltaic researchers and program managers from industry, utilities, government laboratories and agencies, independent consulting firms, universities, and EPRI. The focus of this research review was photovoltaic systems that could be used to provide bulk quantities of utility power. The various photovoltaic technologies were assessed according to the probability that, with additional research efforts, they would be able to meet specific cost and performance targets which could lead to widespread utility use. Three photovoltaic technologies were identified as meriting more aggressive research: high-concentration photovoltaic arrays, tandem amorphous silicon modules, and crystalline silicon sheet modules. In addition, research directed toward other photovoltaic technologies may offer potential spin-off benefits for the most promising photovoltaic options. Planning and managing a successful photovoltaic research program aimed at utility applications is likely to require technical goals focused on high-efficiency cells, flexible research plans with multiyear stability, and the involvement of a wide spectrum of private and public sector organizations with interests in photovoltaics.

• Research Organization: Strategies Unlimited, Mountain View, CA (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5191784
• Report Number(s): EPRI-AP-3351; ON: DE84920129
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140600* -- Solar Energy-- Photovoltaic Power Systems
AMORPHOUS STATE
CONCENTRATOR SOLAR CELLS
COST
CRYSTALS
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
EQUIPMENT
FILMS
INFORMATION NEEDS
MONOCRYSTALS
PERFORMANCE
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER PLANTS
POLYCRYSTALS
POWER PLANTS
SILICON SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR POWER PLANTS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
THIN FILMS