Strategic options for PV development in Europe

Abstract

This paper reviews current and potential markets for photovoltaics in grid-connected buildings in the European Union. It is anticipated that production costs for PV cells and modules can be brought down to 500 and 1000 ECU/kW respectively by large upscaling of production. It is also expected that silicon will continue to be of central importance while thin-film cells deserve greatest attention in RTD. The “mass” market associated with such production plants has to be at least 100 MW per annum. This market can be stimulated through new building regulations and various financial support schemes.