Photovoltaics: an overview of technologies and market potentials

Paul Wyers, ECN Solar Energy, Petten, The Netherlands

Photovoltaic solar energy (PV) is a vital part of future sustainable energy supply and, slowly but surely, is becoming a mature source of energy. In an ambitious scenario PV covers 20% of global electricity consumption by 2040a. Already in 2020 PV may contribute to the reduction of CO2-emissions by an equivalent of 75 coal-fired power plants or 45 million cars. A total solar generating capacity of more than 4400 MWp is currently installed in industrialised countriesb,c. In developing countries and emerging economies, solar energy systems provide more than a million households with electricity. World production of photovoltaic modules increased by more than 50% in 2005, compared with the previous year, to more than 1800 MWp C.

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The Authors

Dr. G. Paul Wyers Manager Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN) Dr. G. Paul Wyers is manager of ECN Solar Energy. He received his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Geochemistry from the University of Utrecht in 1981 and 1984 respectively. In 1987 he graduated from The Oh... Read more