Advisory Council publishes 'vision' for photovoltaic technology
The Photovoltaic Technology Research Advisory Council (PV-TRAC) has published its vision for photovoltaic (PV) technology, saying that PV could generate four per cent of electricity worldwide by 2030. PV technology permits the transformation of solar light directly into electricity. According to PV-TRAC there are a number of advantages specific to PV: it is flexible in terms of implementation, and can be integrated into goods or buildings and installed as a mobile or fixed module; it produces no greenhouse gas emissions; and it can be used alongside other energy sources. Despite these advantages, PV technology remains relatively untapped, while other environmentally friendly forms of energy, such as biomass and wind energy, have seen an increase in use. 'The major barrier preventing uptake in today's market is the cost of PV,' states the report. In order to remove this barrier, the PV industry must become more competitive by developing more efficient manufacturing processes and conversion devices, says PV-TRAC. Decision-makers can also help by improving the regulatory framework which, as it currently stands, can hinder installation. The optimum way in which to address all of the challenges facing the PV sector is through the creation of a Technology Platform, believes the advisory council. 'The PV Technology Platform is the preferred vehicle to mobilise and pursue PV-related initiatives, programmes and policies bringing together all relevant stakeholders from science, industry and policy areas,' states the report. The Technology Platform would be responsible for implementing the strategic research agenda, as described in the report. In order to achieve the PV vision, a number of issues must be tackled. Paramount is further research into components and systems with the aim of reducing cost. Also important is the alignment of strategies and goals across Europe. PV-TRAC recommends that strategies and goals are divided into three groups: short term (until 2010); medium term (until 2020) and long germ (beyond 2020). Additional barriers to PV need to be clarified and addressed, including issues related to manufacturing, the structure of the electricity sector, standardisation, financing, training of installers and public acceptance. The PV Technology Platform would also need to improve technology transfer - a weakness in Europe that is not limited to the PV sector, the report notes. The sector must also work on enabling critical mass, building sustainable markets, involving all stakeholders, and defining adequate policy frameworks, says PV-TRAC. In a foreword to the report, EU Science and Research Commissioner Janez Potocnik offers his support to the creation of a Technology Platform: '[I] would expect the activities of the Platform to accelerate the development of photovoltaic technologies, leading to greater energy sustainability in Europe and beyond. This is a clear example of how investing in knowledge can make our society and economy both prosperous and sustainable in the long run,' he writes.