SOLAR ENERGY AS ONE OF THE DIRECTIONS OF INCREASING ENERGY SAVING AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Due to the exhaustion of resources for traditional energy in the world, much attention is paid to energy conservation and energy efficiency, one of the main sources of which are renewable energy sources, which includes solar energy. Solar energy is one of the most developed renewable energy industry (excluding hydropower), which is reflected in its economic characteristics. The advantages of solar generation in comparison with traditional energy sources are revealed. The state and prospects of development of the world solar energy are considered. The price conjuncture of solar generation is analyzed. The leading countries in the field of solar energy use (China, Germany, Italy, USA, Japan) are identified and the reasons stimulating rapid growth in these countries of solar generation are analyzed, among which a special place is occupied by the deficit in some of them of traditional energy sources and unfavorable environmental situation. It was emphasized that the growth of unconventional energy in these countries is associated with government support measures...