Analysing photovoltaic solar energy potential
PV-EC-NET consists of a Thematic Network of the representatives of the national RTD programmes for Photovoltaic Solar Energy (PV) of the EU Member States and two EU Associated Sates. PV-EC-NET's main goal is to help make the PV RTD programmes within the EU more cohesive so that the national and EC RTD budget can in turn become more efficient. In order to put this forth, PV-EC-NET designed an information network and conducted a benchmark of a standard set of programmes. The information that was gathered was then applied in analysing the position of the EU in the global PV market. PV-EC-NET then constructed a Common European PV RTD Strategy and set up recommendations for future European Thematic Networks, addressing environmental issues, large-scale implementation and grid connection. The results of the study are vast; however, three key platforms in particular are of particular significance to the project because of their involvement in PV road mapping activities. One is the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA), which has collaborated with Greenpeace in 2001 to form a guideline entitled "Solar Generation". It depicts the current PV market and makes predictions that exhibit PV's contribution to electrical supply, the industry, employment and the environment. Another key platform, the Photovoltaic Network for the Development of a Roadmap for PV (PV-NET), is an EC funded project. Its goal is to develop a guideline for PV R&D founded on a vast collaboration of all the different technologies across industry and research institutions. The PhotoVoltaic - Newly Associated States-NETwork (PV-NAS-NET) is yet another EC funded project whose key objective is to expand the cohesiveness of the PV RTD activities of the NAS and the EU. This will in turn further the development of Photovoltaic Solar Energy in NAS countries. Overall, the solid co-operation across these platforms has led to joint activities. This inventory has led to extension of contacts and intensifying the co-operation with other networks. The report is available on the Web.