GRID-CONNECTED PV SYSTEMS -THE ROLE OF THE UTILITY SECTOR

Abstract

Abstract The development of photovoltaic solar energy (PV) has accelerated in the past decade. On the one hand, the improvements in solar cell types are very promising, while, on the other hand, the market for autonomous (off-grid) applications has grown substantially. The development of grid-connected PV systems especially in the built-up environment is just starting up, both worldwide and in Europe. The energy losses currently present at system level will be reduced in the following years by implementing and assimilating practical experiments and demonstration projects. Developments in Europe and some other countries will be described briefly. The interest in PV system developments is increasing and focussing more and more on the electricity utility sector. It is clear that the utility sector will play an important role in the upscaling of the market for PV in energy supply. It is necessary, therefore, that the utility sector develops a long-term view, with a horizon of at least 25 years, on the role of...