FPE Ch8 Digital Control

P H O T O V O L T A I C P O W E R S Y S T E M S P R O G R A M M E
ANNUAL REPORT
2015
2
COVER PHOTO:
The BIPV roof of the new French Ministry of Defence, situated in the
south-west of Paris.
The 7 000 m of monocrystalline custom made PV cells make it the single

largest PV roof in Paris (820 kWp). The installation is composed of
1 500 different module shapes, which are integrated in the roof using
a non-visible mounting system.
PV installation planned and produced by:

Architects: A/NM/A Agence Nicolas Michelin & Associs, Grald SELLIER
General Contractor: Bouygues Constructions
BIPV Contractor: ISSOL
Cover photo and above photo by: R. Nicolas-Nelson / Arme de lAir

CHAIRMANS MESSAGE 3
CHAIRMANS MESSAGE
The IEA Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme IEA PVPS is pleased to present its 2015 annual report. A further
strong global market growth and a continued increase in competitiveness of solar photovoltaic (PV) power systems
make PV one of the most vibrant developments in the present energy technology landscape. Achieving levelized
costs of electricity from PV as low as below 5 USDcents/kWh, establishing Gigawatt (GW) scale markets in an
increasing number of countries around the world and a continuous evolution of the market framework set the scene
for our collaborative efforts focussed on a further sustainable development of PV technology, industry, applications
and markets.
2015 has seen close to 50 GW of additional installed PV capacity worldwide, 25 % above 2014 and raising the
cumulative installed capacity close to 230 GW. As in 2014, China, Japan and the USA represented the largest markets
in 2015, accounting for two-thirds of the additional installed capacity. Meanwhile, more than 50 % of the global
PV capacity is being installed in the Asia-Pacific region. Nevertheless, Europe also saw a growth in absolute terms.
23 countries have now reached cumulative installed capacities above 1 GW and in at least 20 countries, PV contributes
with 1 % or more to the annual electricity supply, reaching between 7 and 8 % in some European countries.
Dynamic developments in PV technology, industry and market deployment form the framework for the activities of
the IEA PVPS Programme. As a leading and unique network of expertise, our mission is to cooperate on a global level
in this rapidly evolving technology area. Working on both technical and non-technical issues, IEA PVPS undertakes
key collaborative projects related to technology and performance assessment, cost reduction, best practice in
various applications, rapid deployment of photovoltaics and key issues such as grid integration and environmental
aspects. Anticipating future needs, IEA PVPS increasingly focusses on recent policy and market issues, new business
models, sustainable policy frameworks as well as technical and market related integration of photovoltaics in the
electricity and energy system at large. These issues relate to the latest developments and insights regarding e.g. self
consumption or working more closely with utilities.
In a world where PV is becoming more and more a mainstream technology and where increasingly more stakeholders
and organizations are active, providing well targeted, high-quality information about relevant developments in the
photovoltaic sector as well as policy advice to our key stakeholders remain our highest priorities. Indeed, due to the
increasing recognition of photovoltaics as an important future energy technology, the interest in the work performed
within IEA PVPS is constantly expanding and the outreach of our efforts becomes more and more relevant. Besides
the continuous exchange and cooperation within the IEA technology network, stronger ties are being built with
organizations such as IRENA and the IEC.
Interest and outreach for new membership within IEA PVPS continued in 2015. After being absent from IEA PVPS
for more than 10 years, Finland has rejoined our programme in 2015. We very much welcome Finland back as partner
in our network. Due to the UK which has left the programme, our membership has remained at 29, keeping IEA PVPS
as one of the largest IEA technology collaboration programmes (TCPs). Exploration for membership continued with
Chile, Greece, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Singapore and South Africa as well as with EPRI (Electric Power Research
Institute USA) and ECREEE (ECOWAS Regional Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency). IEA PVPS
continues to cover the majority of countries active in development, production and installation of photovoltaic
power systems. We thereby strive to respond as much as possible to the increasing role that the new IEA Executive
Director Fatih Birol has called for by the IEA TCPs.
Our overall communication and dissemination efforts were continued through systematic distribution of PVPS
results through publications, conferences and workshops. Communication was further supported by the PVPS website
www.iea-pvps.org and targeted press work. Moreover, the IEA PVPS booth and the workshops at the 31st European
Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference in Hamburg (Germany) attracted a large number of visitors and provided
an excellent forum for dissemination purposes. More than ever, our efforts aim to engage within and beyond our
network, providing up-to-date information and ultimately contributing to relevant outcomes and impacts.
The detailed results of the different PVPS projects are given in the Task reports of this annual report and all
publications can be found at the PVPS website. As a unique feature, the current status of photovoltaics in all PVPS
member countries is described within the country section of this annual report.
Our work would not be possible without a committed community of experts and colleagues. I therefore wish to thank
all Executive Committee members, Operating Agents and Task Experts, for their ongoing and dedicated efforts and
contributions to IEA PVPS.
Stefan Nowak
Chairman
4
TABLE OF CONTENTS 5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chairmans Message 3
Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme 7

TASK STATUS REPORTS
Task 1 - Strategic PV Analysis & Outreach 11
Task 9 - Deploying PV Services for Regional Development 15
Task 12 - PV Environmental Health & Safety Activities 20
Task 13 - Performance and Reliability of PV Systems 24
Task 14 - High Penetration PV in Electricity Grids 30
Task 15 Enabling Framework for the Acceleration of BIPV 34

PHOTOVOLTAIC STATUS AND PROSPECTS IN PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES AND ORGANISATIONS
AUSTRALIA 38
AUSTRIA 40
BELGIUM 43
CANADA 45
CHINA 47
COPPER ALLIANCE 51
DENMARK 53
EUROPEAN COMMISSION 55
FINLAND 58
FRANCE 59
GERMANY 63
ISRAEL 66
ITALY 68
JAPAN 70
KOREA 75
MALAYSIA 78
MEXICO 82
THE NETHERLANDS 83
NORWAY 86
PORTUGAL 89
SOLARPOWER EUROPE 91
SPAIN 93
SWEDEN 98
SWITZERLAND 100
THAILAND 104
TURKEY 107
UNITED STATES 110

COMPLETED TASKS
Task 2 - Performance, Reliability and Analysis of Photovoltaic Systems 113
Task 3 - Use of Photovoltaic Power Systems in Stand-Alone and Island Applications 115
Task 5 - Grid Interconnection of Building Integrated and Other Dispersed Photovoltaic Power Systems 117
Task 6 - Design and Operation of Modular Photovoltaic Plants for Large Scale Power Generation 118
Task 8 Study on Very Large Scale Photovoltaic Power Generation System 119
Task 10 - Urban Scale PV Applications 121
Task 11 - Hybrid Systems within Mini-Grids 123

ANNEXES
A - IEA-PVPS Executive Committee Members 124
B - IEA-PVPS Operating Agents 127
6
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SYSTEMS PROGRAMME 7
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SYSTEMS

PROGRAMME
IEA
The International Energy Agency (IEA), founded in November 1974, Assessing and sharing experience on new business approaches
is an autonomous body within the framework of the Organization for and business models;
Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which carries out a Providing targeted and objective information on PV energy
comprehensive programme of energy cooperation among its member services for successful implementation and high penetration;
countries. The European Union also participates in the IEAs work. Providing a recognised, high-quality reference network for the
Collaboration in research, development and demonstration (RD&D) global development of PV and related matters;
of energy technologies has been an important part of the Agencys Attracting new participants from non-IEA countries where
Programme. PV can play a key role in energy supply.
Carrying out relevant activities of multinational interest;
The IEA RD&D activities are headed by the Committee on Research Specifically, IEA PVPS will carry out collaborative activities
and Technology (CERT), supported by the IEA secretariat staff, related to photovoltaics on the topics: Quality and reliability,
with headquarters in Paris. In addition, four Working Parties on End environmental aspects, grid integration, urban, hybrid and
Use, Renewable Energy, Fossil Fuels and Fusion Power, are charged with very large-scale systems, off-grid energy services, policy and
monitoring the various collaborative energy agreements, identifying regulatory frameworks, as well as a broad set of information and
new areas of cooperation and advising the CERT on policy matters. communication efforts;
The Renewable Energy Working Party (REWP) oversees the work of ten Finally, where appropriate from an energy system point of
renewable energy agreements and is supported by a Renewable Energy view, IEA PVPS will increase the efforts to share its results and
Division at the IEA Secretariat in Paris. cooperate with stakeholders from other energy technologies and
sectors.
IEA PVPS
The IEA Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (PVPS) is one The overall desired outcomes of the co-operation within IEA PVPS are:
of the Technology Collaboration Programmes established within A global reference on PV for policy and industry decision makers
the IEA, and since its establishment in 1993, the PVPS participants from PVPS member countries and bodies, non-member countries
have been conducting a variety of joint projects in the application and international organisations;
of photovoltaic conversion of solar energy into electricity. A global network of expertise for information exchange
and analysis concerning the most relevant technical and
The overall programme is headed by an Executive Committee non-technical issues towards sustainable large-scale deployment
composed of representatives from each participating country and of PV;
organisation, while the management of individual research projects An impartial and reliable source of information for PV experts and
(Tasks) is the responsibility of Operating Agents. By late 2015, fifteen non-experts about worldwide trends, markets and costs;
Tasks were established within the PVPS programme, of which six are Meaningful guidelines and recommended practices for
currently operational. state-of-the-art PV applications to meet the needs of planners,
installers and system owners. Data collected and the lessons
The twenty-nine PVPS members are: Australia, Austria, Belgium, learned are distributed widely via reports, internet, workshops and
Canada, the Copper Alliance, China, Denmark, European Union, other means;
Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Advancing the understanding and solutions for integration of
the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, SEIA, SEPA, SolarPower Europe, PV power systems in utility distribution grids; in particular, peak
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey and the United States power contribution, competition with retail electricity prices,
of America. Finland joined PVPS in 2015. high penetration of PV systems and smart grids. Monitoring these
developments and giving advice from lessons learned will be
I E A P V P S C U R R E N T T E R M ( 2 01 3 2 01 7 ) increasingly useful for many parties involved.
As one of the few truly global networks in the field of PV, IEA PVPS Establish a fruitful co-operation between expert groups on
can take a high level, strategic view of the issues surrounding the decentralised power supply in both developed and emerging
continued development of PV technologies and markets, thus paving countries;
the way for appropriate government and industry activity. Within the Overview of successful business models in various market
last few years, photovoltaics has evolved from a niche technology to segments;
an energy technology with significant contributions to the electricity Definition of regulatory and policy parameters for long term
supply in several countries. IEA PVPS is using its current term to put sustainable and cost effective PV markets to operate.
particular emphasis on:
Supporting the transition and market transformation towards
self-sustained PV markets;
Working with a broader set of stakeholders, especially from
utilities, financiers and industry;
8 IEA - PVPS ANNUAL REPORT 2015
IEA PVPS MISSION Contribute to the development of new standards, accreditation

The mission of the IEA PVPS programme is: and approval processes, objective operational experience,
grid interconnection-standards; investigation of barriers and
To enhance the international collaborative efforts which communication of success stories;
facilitate the role of photovoltaic solar energy as a cornerstone Assess the impact of PV on distribution networks, in mini- and
in the transition to sustainable energy systems. micro-grids as well as in other applications and provide analysis
The underlying assumption is that the market for PV systems is rapidly of the issues and possible solutions;
expanding to significant penetrations in grid-connected markets in Examine the use of demand management and storage as elements
an increasing number of countries, connected to both the distribution in optimisation of renewable energy system deployment;
network and the central transmission network. Identify technical opportunities and provide best practice for
emerging applications (non-domestic systems, community
This strong market expansion requires the availability of and access systems, hybrids, mini-grids, weak grids);
to reliable information on the performance and sustainability of PV Foster industry academia interaction focusing on PV technology
systems, technical and design guidelines, planning methods, financing, development.
etc., to be shared with the various actors. In particular, the high
penetration of PV into main grids requires the development of new 2. Competitive PV Markets
grid and PV inverter management strategies, greater focus on solar Until recently, PV mainly relied on support schemes provided by
forecasting and storage, as well as investigations of the economic and governments or aid organisations. Within the next few years, the
technological impact on the whole energy system. New PV business transition towards PV as a competitive energy source will need to
models need to be developed, as the decentralised character of take place in most of the energy markets. Therefore, this process
photovoltaics shifts the responsibility for energy generation more into needs to be accompanied by reliable information and credible
the hands of private owners, municipalities, cities and regions. recommendations.
IEA PVPS OBJECTIVES IEA PVPS aims:

The IEA PVPS programme aims to realise the above mission by To assess economic performance of PV across member countries
adopting the following objectives related to reliable PV power system and undertake collaborative research to overcome current issues;
applications, contributing to sustainability in the energy system and a To develop material that will assist in the development of
growing contribution to CO2 mitigation: standardised contractual agreements between PV system owners
and utilities;
1. PV Technology Development To encourage private and public sector investments that facilitate
Mainstream deployment of PV is in its infancy and will continue to the sustainable deployment of PV in new markets and within
need technology development at the PV module and system levels in mainstream energy markets;
order to integrate seamlessly with energy systems around the world. To investigate the synergies between PV and other renewables for
Performance improvements, specialised products and further cost optimum power supply in different regions;
reductions are still required. In addition, renewable energy based To stimulate the awareness and interest of national, multilateral
technologies, such as PV, by definition rely on the natural cycles of and bilateral agencies and development and investment banks
the earths energy systems and their output therefore varies with in the new market structures and financing requirements for
the hourly, daily and seasonal cycles of sun, wind and water. This economic deployment of PV systems;
contrasts with energy supplies based on fossil fuels and nuclear, where To collate information and prepare reports on market structures
the energy source is stored and thus available when required. As suitable for long term sustainable PV deployment;
renewables contribute increasingly to mainstream electricity supply, To identify economic opportunities as well as promising business
the need to balance varying renewable energy inputs to meet demand models and provide best practice examples for emerging
also increases. For optimised PV deployment, this means that synergies applications (non-domestic systems, community systems, hybrids,
with other renewables as well as storage, forecasting and demand-side mini-grids, weak grids);
related activities will become more important and suitable technology To evaluate and promote bankability and innovative business
development will be required. models in PV projects namely:
Identifying criteria banks / financiers use in order to
IEA PVPS shall: determine the terms of potential funding of projects (now
Evaluate and validate emerging PV technologies that are still at and in the future, after the end of subsidized tariffs);
pre-commercial level and to provide guidelines for improvement Identifying and evaluating insurance or innovative bridging
of the design, construction and operation of photovoltaic power products that would allow banks / financiers to fund more
systems and subsystems to increase reliability and performance projects and apply better conditions;
and to minimise cost; Identifying, characterizing and potentially develop innovative
business models in the PV sector aiming at the definition
of clear market rules and legislation that potentiates such
business models.
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SYSTEMS PROGRAMME 9
46 th IEA PVPS ExCo Meeting, Daegu, Korea, November 2015.
3. An Environmentally and Economically Sustainable PV Industry whilst also providing signals for ancillary services to enhance grid
The PV industry, even though with many years of experience, is stability. Guidelines are needed for adapted innovation processes to
still in its juvenile phase. The huge market growth in recent years achieve a sustainable PV industry, as well as best practice of the frame
needs to be followed by a phase of consolidation. IEA PVPS shall conditions in industry-policy for a competitive photovoltaic industry.
contribute to sustainable industry development around the globe. For central PV-generation, new rules may be required to cater
Development of human resources by adequate education and to variable generators, and market signals provided for accurate
training, caring for quality in the products and services, aspects of forecasting, synergies with other renewables and storage. In off-grid
environmental health and safety in the production (e.g. collection and applications, cross subsidies currently provided across the world
recycling, as well as the whole life cycle of PV products) are essential for diesel generation will need to be examined if PV is a more cost
to establish this new sector as a pillar in the new energy economy. effective solution, while tax structures and other arrangements
designed around annual fuel use may need to be changed to cater for
IEA PVPS shall: the up-front capital investment required for PV.
Investigate the environmental impact of PV products in their
whole life cycle; IEA PVPS shall:
Assist the development of collection infrastructure by examining Contribute to long term policy and financing schemes namely to
and evaluating the collection infrastructure of other recyclables facilitate implementation of innovative business models, national
(e.g., electronics, liquid crystal displays); and international programmes and initiatives;
Enhance the interaction among industry players so that they Share the activities and results of national and regional
share information and resources for collection and recycling; technology development and deployment programmes;
Show the technical and cost feasibility of collection and recycling Provide objective policy advice to governments, utilities and
to environmental-policy makers; international organisations;
Create a clear understanding of safety and provide Identify successful policy mechanisms leading to self-sustained
recommendations on the use and handling of hazardous market growth;
substances and materials during the manufacturing process; Examine and report on international examples of PV as a
Foster industry academia interaction focusing on PVs significant player in national and regional energy systems;
sustainability. Investigate the impact of the shift towards renewables on other
- mainly fossil and nuclear generation businesses in high
4. Policy Recommendations and Strategies PV scenarios.
As PV moves into mainstream energy markets, standards, laws and Develop strategies for markets where PV power is already
regulatory arrangements made when fossil fuels dominated energy economically competitive with end-user power prices.
supply may no longer be suitable. Where PV is connected Develop long term scenarios and visionary papers and concepts
to distribution networks, market structures will need to be developed namely developing a Multi PV Technology Roadmap, by that
which accommodate on-site generation, two-way electricity flows, and contributing to new strategies and innovation.
associated energy efficiency and demand management opportunities,
5. Impartial and Reliable Information Task 13. Performance and Reliability of PV Systems. Begun
PVPS is well established as a highly credible source of information in 2010;
around the PV sector. Even though many PV communities, agencies Task 14. High Penetration PV in Electricity Grids. Begun in 2010;
and other organisations exist, this role remains as one of the key Task 15. BIPV in the Built Environment. Begun in late 2014.
IEA PVPS objectives. This role as a global reference for PV related issues
will experience significant development within the upcoming period, The Operating Agent is the manager of his or her Task, and
including the impact of PV technology on the environment, existing responsible for implementing, operating and managing the
energy systems and the society at large. collaborative project. Depending on the topic and the Tasks, the
internal organisation and responsibilities of the Operating Agent can
IEA PVPS shall: vary, with more or less developed subtask structures and leadership.
Collect and analyse information on key deployment issues, such Operating Agents are responsible towards the PVPS ExCo and they
as policies, installations, markets, applications and experiences; generally represent their respective Tasks at meetings and conferences.
Present/publish the reliable and relevant parts of this information The Operating Agent compiles a status report, with results achieved
in appropriate forms (presentations, brochures, reports, books, in the last six months, as well as a Workplan for the coming period.
internet, etc.); These are being discussed at the Executive Committee meeting, where
Increase awareness of the opportunities for PV systems amongst all participating countries and organisations have a seat. Based on the
targeted groups via workshops, missions and publications; Workplan, the Executive Committee decides to continue the activities
Respond to the IEA and other organizations needs regarding within the Task, the participating countries and organisations in this
the worldwide development of PV technology and markets; Task commit their respective countries/organisations to an active
Identify the needs for PV specific training and education; involvement by their experts. In this way, a close cooperation can be
Develop education and awareness materials which remove achieved, whereas duplication of work is avoided.
informational barriers among key target audiences, including
consumers, developers, utilities and government agencies;
Prepare material and tools for training and education in industry.
IEA PVPS TASKS

In order to obtain these objectives, specific research projects, so-called
Tasks, are being executed. The management of these Tasks is the
responsibility of the Operating Agents. The following Tasks have been
established within IEA PVPS:
Task 1. Strategic PV Analysis and Outreach;
Task 2. Performance, Reliability and Analysis of Photovoltaic
Systems (concluded in 2007);
Task 3. Use of PV Power Systems in Stand-Alone and Island
Applications (concluded in 2004);
Task 4. Modelling of Distributed PV Power Generation for Grid
Support (not operational);
Task 5. Grid Interconnection of Building Integrated and other
Dispersed PV Systems (concluded in 2001);
Task 6. Design and Operation of Modular PV Plants for Large Scale
Power Generation (concluded in 1997);
Task 7. PV Power Systems in the Built Environment (concluded
in 2001);
Task 8. Study on Very Large Scale Photovoltaic Power Generation
System (concluded in 2014);
Task 9. Deploying PV Services for Regional Development;
Task 10. Urban Scale PV Applications. Begun in 2004; follow-up
of Task 7 (concluded in 2009);
Task 11. PV Hybrid Systems within Mini-Grids. Begun in 2006;
follow-up of Task 3 (concluded in 2011);
Task 12. Environmental Health and Safety Issues of PV. Begun
in 2007;
TASK STATUS REPORTS - TASK 1 11
TASK STATUS REPORTS

TASK 1 STRATEGIC PV ANALYSIS & OUTREACH
Fig. 1 - PVPS Workshop in Bangkok, Thailand, September 2015, PV & Utilities Fig. 2 - Participants at the IEA PVPS Task 1 Workshop, Competitiveness, Soft
@ Asean Power Week. Costs and New Business Cases for PV, in collaboration with IEA SHC and IEA
RETD, at the EU PVSEC 2015 (Photo: EU PVSEC).
TA S K 1 S T R AT E G I C P V A N A LY S I S & O U T R E A C H
Task 1 shares a double role of expertise and outreach, which is
reflecting in its updated name Strategic PV Analysis & Outreach.
It aims at promoting and facilitating the exchange and dissemination

of information on the technical, economic, environmental and social
aspects of PV power systems. Task 1 activities support the broader PVPS
objectives: to contribute to cost reduction of PV power applications,
to increase awareness of the potential and value of PV power systems,
to foster the removal of both technical and non-technical barriers and Fig. 3 - At the Electric Systems of the Future Workshop - Framing an Interactive
to enhance technology co-operation. Discussion for IEA PVPS on Electric System Evolution - held in conjunction
with the Task 1 Expert meeting at NREL, Golden, Colorado, USA ( April 2015).
Expertise Discussion to identify the most important barriers and enablers for the future
Task 1 serves as the think tank of the PVPS programme, by electric system. (Photo: Izumi Kaizuka).
identifying and clarifying the evolutions of the PV market,
identifying issues and advance knowledge.
Task 1 researches market and industry development, analyses National Survey Reports
support and R&D policies. National Survey Reports (NSRs) are produced annually by all countries
participating in the IEA PVPS Programme. The NSRs are funded by the
Outreach participating countries and provide a wealth of information. These
Task 1 compiles the agreed PV information in the PVPS countries reports are available on the PVPS public website www.iea-pvps.org
and more broadly, disseminates PVPS information and analyses to and are a key component of the collaborative work carried out within
the target audiences and stakeholders. the PVPS Programme. The responsibility for these national reports lies
Task 1 contributes to the cooperation with other organizations firmly with the national teams. Task 1 participants share information
and stakeholders. on how to most effectively gather data in their respective countries
including information on national market frameworks, public budgets,
Task 1 is organized in four Subtasks, covering all new and legacy the industry value chain, prices, economic benefits, new initiatives
aspects of its activities. including financing and electricity utility interests.
SUBTASK 1.1: Market, Policies, Industrial Data and Analysis 20th Edition of the TRENDS in Photovoltaic Applications Report
Task 1 aims at following PV development evolution, analyzing its drivers Each year the printed report, Trends in Photovoltaic Applications,
and supporting policies. It aims at advising the PVPS stakeholders is compiled from the National Survey Reports (NSRs) produced
about the most important developments in the programme countries. It annually by all countries participating in the IEA PVPS Programme.
focuses on facts, accurate numbers and verifiable information in order The Trends report presents a broader view of the current status and
to give the best possible image of the diversity of PV support schemes trends relating to the development of PV globally. The report aims at
in regulatory environment around the globe. providing the most accurate information on the evolution of the PV
Fig. 4 PVPS Report: A Snapshot of Global PV 1992-2014; Report IEA PVPS Fig. 5 Trends in Photovoltaic Applications Survey Report of Selected IEA
T1-26:2015. Countries between 1992 and 2014; Report IEA-PVPS T1-27:2015.
market, the industry value chain, including research priorities, with a workshop, IEA hosted the European one in Paris, while the Asian
clear focus on support policies and the business environment. In recent one took place during the Asean Power Week in Bangkok. IEA
years the Trends report team has developed an in-depth analysis of the PVPS will continue to provide a platform where these actors can
drivers and factors behind PV market development. meet and exchange information.
Soft Costs: The continuous decline of the costs of PV components
The report is prepared by a small editorial group within Task 1 and has put the emphasis on better understanding how soft costs
is funded by the IEA PVPS Programme. Copies are distributed by post could contribute to further reduction in system prices in the
by Task 1 participants to their identified national target audiences, coming years. This subject will be continued in 2016.
are provided at selected conferences and meetings and can be Registering PV Installations: The fast development of PV in all
downloaded from the website. From 1995 until the end of 2015, continents requires that regulators and authorities perfectly
twenty issues of Trends have been published. They are all available on understand the key features of PV technology development. IEA
the IEA PVPS website. PVPS will provide a set of recommendations to build PV registries,
in order to disseminate the vast experience acquired by its experts
A Snapshot of Global PV Report over the past years.
Since 2013, a new report, A Snapshot of Global PV, is compiled from
the preliminary market development information provided annually SUBTASK 1.3: Communication Activities
by all countries participating in the IEA PVPS Programme. The Task 1 aims at sharing the main findings of the PVPS programme
Snapshot report aims at presenting a first sound estimate of the prior through the most adequate communication channels. In this respect,
years PV market developments and is published in the first quarter of five main types of communication actions are conducted throughout
the year. Task 1 aims at producing this report every year in order to the year.
communicate the PV market developments, including policy drivers
evolution, early in the year. Events: Task 1 organizes or participates to events during energy or
PV-related conferences and fairs. Workshops are organized on various
SUBTASK 1.2: Think Tank Activities subjects, sometimes in cooperation with other tasks of the PVPS
Task 1 aims at serving as the PVPS programme s Think Tank, while program or external stakeholders. In 2015, the following workshops
providing the Executive Committee and dedicated PVPS Tasks with were organized in several locations around the world:
ideas and suggestions on how to improve the research content of the Paris, France April 2015: The first PV & Utilities Workshop
PVPS programme. In that respect, Task 1 has identified from 2013 to was held in the IEA premises. It allowed participants from key
2015 several subjects that led to the following specific activities: European utilities and PV experts to exchange experience, insights
New Business Models for PV Development: With the emergence of and information on business models for PV development.
a PV market driven in some countries by the sole competitiveness Denver, Colorado, USA April 2015: In the frame of the 43rd
of PV, the question of new business models receives an increasing Task 1 Experts Meeting in the USA, a workshop was organized in
interest. In 2015, Task 1s work was focused on self-consumption parallel with the Task 1 meeting. The meeting focused on the role
and net-metering policies, towards the finalization of a report, of utilities and drivers for PV market development with key US
dedicated workshops and conferences. and global experts.
PV and Utilities: Electric utilities, producing, distributing and Bangkok, Thailand September 2015: In the frame of the Asean
selling electricity to final customers have been identified as Power Week, in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy of
crucial actors for a large-scale development of PV. In this Thailand, a workshop was organized. Utilities from Middle Eastern,
respect, Task 1 organized several workshops where utilities and Asian and Pacific countries examined the role of utilities and
PV experts exchanged information and visions about the role of the challenges for PV development.
utilities. These workshops were organized in three locations in Hamburg, Germany - September 2015: EU PVSEC Conference
2015, depending on local specifics: NREL hosted the American and Exhibition: A joint IEA PVPS, IEA RETD and IEA SHC workshop
This cooperation takes places with:

Other Implement Agreement of the IEA (SHC, RETD, etc.)
Stakeholders outside the IEA network: IRENA, REN21, etc.)
SUMMARY OF TASK 1 ACTIVITIES AND

D E L I V R A B L E S P L A N N E D F O R 2 01 6
Fig. 6 - Task 1 Experts, 45th Task 1 Meeting in Istanbul, Turkey, October 2015 Task 1 activities will continue to focus on development of quality
(Photo: Task 1 Experts). information products and effective communication mechanisms
in support of the PVPS strategy. Furthermore, Task 1 will continue
to analyze PV support policies and provide adequate and accurate
information to policymakers and other stakeholders. In addition to
the recurrent market and industry analysis, Task 1 will continue to
study the evolution of business models, the role of utilities, system
on competitiveness, soft costs and new business models for registration requirements and soft costs.
PV development was organized.
Istanbul, Turkey - October 2015: An IEA PVPS workshop jointly SUBTASK 1.1: Market, Policies, Industrial Data and Analysis
organized with GNDER, the Solar Energy Association of National Survey Reports will be published from the end of Q2 2016
Turkey, has been organized. This workshop focused on globalPV on the PVPS website.
development trends with a specific focus on Turkish policies and
trends. The target date for publication of the 4th issue of the Snapshot
Busan, Korea November 2015: A joint IEA-PVPS workshop took of Global PV report is the end of Q1 2016.
place within the PVSEC-25 conference. This workshop probed the
questions of market development, including support policies and The target date for publication of the 21st issue of the Trends in
industry development. Photovoltaic Applications report is the end of Q3 2016.
Additionally, IEA PVPS partnered several events in 2015, including The enhanced report on self-consumption and net-metering will be
the ISES 2015 conference in Daegu, Korea, the Intersolar Turkey published in 2016. A publication on requirement for PV registration
Conference in Istanbul, Turkey, and the MENASOL Conference in Dubai, will be edited in 2016, as well.
UAE. Task 1 speakers represented the program in several conferences in
2015 in Japan, Germany, China, USA, France and Spain in 2015. SUBTASK 1.2: Think Tank Activities
The main subjects developed in 2016 with regard to the Think Tank
Publications: Task 1 publications have been described above. They activities of PVPS can be described as follows:
aim at providing the most accurate level of information regarding PV Expand the analysis on self-consumption based business models,
development. including DSM and storage capabilities.
The role of utilities with regard to PV development.
Website and Social Networks: Task 1 manages the website of the IEA Liaison with all PVPS Tasks and the Executive Committee in order
PVPS program. IEA-PVPS is present on Twitter and LinkedIn. to better exchange on the content, as well as identify how Task 1
can bring in new ideas and especially:
IEA PVPS in the Media: New publications are also promoted by press Liaise with the revised Task 9 on business models, market
releases to around 500 contacts. This list of contacts is progressively statistics and support policies in emerging economies,
expanded to include more media from Asian, African and Latin especially self-consumption policies.
American countries. Translation of press releases is done by some Liaise with Task 13 and Task 14 for economic analysis.
countries to enhance visibility. Liaise with the new Task 15 on BIPV market statistics and
support policies.
Seven press releases have been issued in 2015, covering the two Task Support the Executive Committee in defining the future of
1 reports (Snapshot and Trends), one update of the last Task 8 report the PVPS programme.
(VLS-PV), two Task 9 reports (health facilities and business models),
one Task 13 report (performance analysis), one Task 14 report (system SUBTASK 1.3: Communication Activities
operation) and the Annual IEA PVPS Report 2014. Task 1 will continue its communication activities in 2016. First, by
communicating about the publications and events organized within
SUBTASK 1.4: Cooperation Activities Task 1 and second, by contributing to disseminating the information
In order to gather adequate information and to disseminate the results about publications and events of the entire PVPS program. The
of research within Task 1, cooperation with external stakeholders complete revamping of the website will be achieved in 2016.
remains a cornerstone of the PVPS programme.
SUBTASK 1.4: Cooperation Activities for dissemination of PVPS information to stakeholders and target
Task 1 will continue to cooperate with adequate stakeholders in audiences. This is achieved through the networks developed in each
2016. It will reinforce the link with IEA in particular and enhance its country by the Task 1 participants.
cooperation with IRENA and REN21. Regarding the cooperation among
the IEAs Technology Collaboration Programs, a special focus could MEETING SCHEDULE (2015 AND PLANNED 2016)
be put on the cooperation with the IEA SHC Task 53 (PV for heating The 43rd Task 1 meeting was held in Denver, USA, April 2015.
& cooling systems) and IEA RETD (PV prosumers, electricity market The 44th Task 1 meeting (exceptional) was held in Bangkok, Thailand,
design). September 2015.
The 45th Task 1 meeting was held in Istanbul, Turkey, October 2015.
INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT The 46th Task 1 meeting will be held in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria,
Task 1 activities continue to rely on close co-operation with Canary Islands, Spain, 11-15 April 2016.
government agencies, PV industries, electricity utilities and other The 47th Task 1 meeting will be held most probably in Australia,
parties, both for collection and analysis of quality information and 18-21 October 2016 (tbc).
T A S K 1 P A R T I C I P A N T S I N 2 01 5 A N D T H E I R O R G A N I Z A T I O N S
In many cases the following participants were supported by one or more experts from their respective countries:
COUNTRY NAME ORGANIZATION COUNTRY NAME ORGANIZATION
Australia Warwick Johnston SUNWIZ Chinho Park Yeungnam University

Korea
University of Applied Sang Keun Gavin YU KEMCO
Austria Hubert Fechner Sciences Malaysia Wei Nee Chen SEDA
Technikum Wien
Instituto de
Belgium Grgory Neubourg APERe Investigaciones
Mexico Jaime Agredano Diaz
Patrick Bateman CanSIA Electricas, Energas no
Canada Convencionales
Yves Poissant Canmet Energy
Electrical Engineering Norway ystein Holm Multiconsult
China Lv Fang Institute, Chinese Portugal Pedro Paes EDP
Academy of Science SEIA N/A SEIA
Copper Alliance Angelo Baggini ECD SEPA N/A SEPA
Denmark Peter Ahm PA Energy AS SolarPowerEurope N/A SolarPowerEurope
European Commission, Jos Donoso UNEF
European
Arnulf Jaeger-Waldau Directorate General for Spain
Commission Universidad Carlos III
Energy Vicente Salas
de Madrid
Lappeenranta
Sweden Johan Lindahl Uppsala University
Finland Jero Ahola University of
Technology Switzerland Pius Hsser Nova Energie
France Yvonnick Durand ADEME Kulwaree

Buranasajjawaraporn Ministry of Energy
Dr Georg Department of
Forschungszentrum Pathamaporn
Germany Altenhfer-Pflaum Thailand Alternative Energy
Jlich Poonkasem
Klaus Prume Development and
Thanyalak Meesap
Technologies & Efficiency
Renewable Energies, Thidarat Sawai
Israel Gideon Friedmann Ministry of National Netherlands Enterprise
Infrastructure, Energy The Netherlands Otto Bernsen Agency RVO, Energy
& Water Resources Innovation
Salvatore Guastella RSE SpA Turkey Kemal Gani Bayraktar GNDER
Italy
Francesca Tilli GSE SpA Robert Margolis NREL
Izumi Kaizuka RTS Corporation USA David Feldman NREL
Japan
Masanori Ishimura NEDO Daniel Boff Department of Energy
TASK 9 DEPLOYING PV SERVICES FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES W O R K P L A N 2 01 2 - 2 01 5

Deploying PV services for regional development
MILLENIUM
INTEGRATION OF
DEVELOPMENT GOALS
PV technology and its viable applications offer options to meet the PV IN ENERGY SYSTEMS
RELATED
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and now stretch far beyond
4A PV and hybrid mini grids for rural
services to remote communities. loads + French translation (100%)
1 PV for Drinking Water 5 Monitoring of hybrid systems in
With expected long term rising fossil fuel prices and declining prices pumping (100%) rural areas: a simple guideline for
of PV cells and modules, PV applications are competitive in a rising 2 PV and Health, community rural operators (100%)
6 Innovative business models for
number of situations: many initiatives in emerging regions are paving services (100%) urban and large scale applications
the way for broad PV deployment in non-OECD countries. 3 Pico PV Services (100%) case studies (100%)
7 Trends in the market for PV diesel
Beyond the more classical Solar Home Systems for individual mini grids (80%)
(household and pico uses) and community uses, addressed during Deployment and outreach in Asia
the first 10 years of Task 9, the challenge of the effective deployment Asian Development Bank (100%), Conferences in Myanmar, Thailand
of PV services for regional development now lays on a broader range and Malaysia (100%), IOREC-Manila; Tokyo
of applications including village mini-grid power systems, in particular Deployment and outreach in Africa
through hybrids, PV services for drinking water and health and also Club ER multiple events (100%)
other social, productive, and professional applications, PV in the built
and urban environment, and large scale PV. Fig.1 Task 9 Workplans Achievements.
The objective of the implementation phase 2012-2015 of Task 9 This Task was completed in 2012 with the publication of the position
has been twofold: paper on Policy Recommendations to Improve the Sustainability
Produce substantive work on applications meeting the energy of Rural Water Supply Systems and the material has been used
needs of rural communities such as for water pumping, for health for dissemination activities (6th Rural Water Supply Network Forum,
(e.g. refrigeration, lighting), highly efficient integrated appliances Kampala, Uganda, 2011; First International Off-Grid Renewable Energy
for lighting and ICT needs (pico PV services) and finally also on Conference IOREC organized by IRENA in Accra, Ghana, 2012).
PV- and hybrid mini grids, as well as on relevant business models
for deployment. The results of this Task 9 work are integrated SUBTASK 2: PV and Health Centers
in the dissemination process as described under the second In the context of rapidly increasing price and the intermittent supply
objective. of fossil fuel, photovoltaic (PV) systems are an alternative energy
To promote the implementation of appropriate and efficient supply option for rural health facilities in developing areas. Numerous
technical solutions, Task 9 is developing partnerships with PV system projects have been installed in health facilities in the
selected megaphones (financial institutions, regional / past, and are mainly used to power vaccine refrigerators and lights.
professional organizations) which offer dissemination opportunities Nevertheless, the sustainability factors have not been considered
for Task 9 outputs and outputs of other technology-focused sufficiently in many cases, due to improper system design, battery
PVPS Tasks addressing these challenges, by adapting the messages misuse, and under-estimation of the daily load. The aim of this
and implementation frameworks in areas beyond the borders Subtask, led by Germany (Fraunhofer ISE), is to publish a compilation
of OECD countries. These partnerships enable the sharing of PVPS of good practice regarding PV for rural health facilities, and to
knowledge in the area of rural electrification and beyond; e.g., facilitate the integration of the same into the work program of the
highly relevant topics such as penetration of PV in the urban relevant international institutions.
environment, PV hybrids, very large scale PV plants and high The publication entitled PV Systems for Rural Health Facilities in
penetration in grids. Developing Areas, A Completion of Lessons Learned, was finalized
in December 2014 and is available on the PVPS website.
SUMMARY OF TASK 9 ACTIVITIES
SUBTASK 1: PV for Water Pumping SUBTASK 3: Pico PV Services
Water is an increasingly scarce commodity and harnessing and using For households without any electricity service or with only limited
it efficiently is of central importance. PV offers this possibility, and is service, very small amounts of power can meet some essential
often the least cost option on a life cycle basis, albeit burdened with electricity needs, thanks to efficient devices. After a rather donor
high upfront costs. This Subtasks scope was to initiate and maintain driven dissemination phase, nowadays, devices of varying quality are
interdisciplinary expert dialog in the field of PV and water supply. This flooding the market and large companies are disseminating Pico PV
Subtasks objective, led by Switzerland, was to provide guidelines to products on a purely commercial basis. Under Subtask 3 the concept
decision makers to ensure PV-powered drinking water supply systems of pico PV systems and their application in real-world circumstances
are implemented where they are the most sustainable option, building have been analysed. The importance of understanding the dynamics
on past experience. of the demand side of this market has been elaborated, as well as the
act if there are signs of unfavourable use or failures. The application

of the guide requires little technical equipment, but does call for
daily manual measurements. It provides information on required
measurement equipment, required measurements, short and long
term evaluation of the results, recommendations on measures to be
taken in case of blackouts, etc. For the most part, the monitoring can
be managed by pen and paper by people with no prior experience in
power systems. At the time of being published, the guide had not been
Fig. 2 - Task 9 Meeting at Holland Solar, Utrecht, the Netherlands, September 2014. tested in full on any real case, meaning that - depending on feedback
from users - it might be adapted in a later stage.
nature and supply of the products, their economics, and experience SUBTASK 6: Innovative Business Models
with various business models. There are clear lessons for the roles that The high upfront costs of PV technology remain one of the key
should be played by governments, donor bodies and others in the challenges - although constantly diminishing - that need to
markets for pico PV products and services, essentially as providers of be overcome to achieve a faster and greater deployment of PV
appropriate institutional frameworks and information. technology. This problem is particularly pronounced in emerging
regions where purchasing power is low and most people do not have
The Subtask was completed in 2013 with the publication of the access to commercial financing. Under such conditions, PV technology
document Pico Solar PV Systems for Remote Homes - A New can only spread when innovative business models and financing
Generation of Small PV Systems for Lighting and Communication. mechanisms are available, which are adapted to the specific
This publication was presented at the Rural Electrification conditions in these regions.
Workshop organised by GIZ and ASEAN Center for Energy (ACE)
in Rangoon, Myanmar in April 2013 and at the PVPS Task 9 open Led by Switzerland, a study on Innovative Business Models and
event in collaboration with DEDE Bangkok, Thailand, April 2013. Financing Mechanisms for PV Deployment in Emerging Regions
was published in December 2014. The publication is a collection of
SUBTASK 4A and 7: PV and Mini-grids / Hybrids case studies of business models and financing mechanisms which
After the publication of the document, Rural Electrification with show possible patterns how obstacles can be addressed and overcome
PV Hybrid Systems - Overview and Recommendations for Further in innovative ways.
Deployment, on the PVPS webpage in April 2013 (Oct 2013, French
version), it was decided to further work on this subject. SUBTASK Deployment and Outreach
This Subtask has been functioning as the operating arm of Task 9
Feedback from the field tends to show that grid expansion is to establish partnerships with regional organizations, countries,
happening faster than expected especially connecting load centres development bodies, etc.
with anchor loads so the integration of small scale (mini-grid)
distributed generation (<1MW) into the main grid may perhaps see a During 2014 and 2015, the following dissemination activities have
substantial growth in the future. Task 9 experts have been analyzing been performed:
the current Trends in the Market for PV Diesel Mini-grids (planned Participation of the (former) Task 9 Operating Agent, Anjali
as Subtask 7). The analysis is based on the results of a survey carried Shanker, the Task 1 Operating Agent, Gaetan Masson and Task 1/9
out among 61 experts - 50 % European, 50 % African - with different Expert Denmark, Peter Ahm in the 2nd International Sustainable
perspectives: consultancies, manufacturers, academic, research, Energy Summit (ISES) in Malaysia, March 2014.
utilities, NGOs, governmental (national/local) offices, international Participation in the IEA PVPS Workshop within the 6th World
and donor agencies on The Future of PV Hybrid Systems within Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion (WCPEC), Kyoto,
Mini-grids. The originally planned publication on the topic has not Japan 25 November 2014, where Anjali Shanker and Task 9 Expert
been finalised but it was decided to make use of the very valuable Switzerland, Thomas Mayer have presented their work to the
results of the analysis in the next Task 9 Workplan; namely, the new session on PV Market Development Trends: The Expected Rise
Subtask 1: Mini-grids Integrating Diesel Generation and PV of New Business Models.
(led by Germany). For details see the section on THE FUTURE OF PVPS Task 9 material and in particular, the Innovative Business
TASK 9 below. Model publication, was used as support for the trainings
organized in Sudan and Senegal by the CLUB-ER on Renewable
SUBTASK 5: Monitoring of Hybrid Systems in Rural Areas Energy Financing.
Based on field experiences with PV-diesel hybrid systems and Participation of several IEA PVPS experts including Task 9 in the
literature reviews a user guide has been developed For simple Chinese-IEA PVPS PV Workshop in Beijing, China, November
monitoring and sustainable operation of PV-diesel hybrid 29-30, 2014.
systems. This activity was led by Sweden. The guideline offers system PVPS Workshop on PV and Utilities (ASEAN Power Week, Bangkok
users a way of understanding if their system is operated in a way Sept 1-3, 2015).
that will make it last for a long time. It gives suggestions on how to
Participation of the new Task 9 Operating Agent, Hedi Feibel, at

the Steering Committee Meeting of the Clean Energy Mini-Grid -
High Impact Opportunities (CEMG HIO), SE4ALL on November 19,
2015, with the presentation of the new draft Task 9 Workplan and
investigation of possibilities for cooperation.
THE FUTURE OF THE TASK 9

After having completed its last four-year program with the results as Fig. 4 - Task 9 Meeting in Istanbul, October 2015.
presented above, in 2015 Task 9 continued through a transition phase;
identifying a new Operating Agent (provided by Switzerland) and
subsequently defining new general objectives and related activities. In the past, a guideline had already been developed with recommendations
Following the opening address of the IEAs new Executive Director, on PV-diesel hybrid systems which can be used as a basis for the planned
Fatih Birol, in the Joint IA Meeting held on 18 September 2015, the work. In addition, under the former Subtask 4A (see above) a survey
IEA intends to become a real global network, building new bridges had been implemented on hybrid schemes. The results of this survey
with emerging countries and establishing outreach activities especially will also be taken into account. Based on valuable market information
in non IEA member countries. This statement gave a strong mandate by addressing e.g., producers of diesel generators, an assessment can be
to Task 9 and consequently, a decision has been made to continue made on where diesel generators are deployed. This allows evaluating
focusing on emerging countries by adapting and transferring potential future opportunities to at least partly replace electricity
relevant knowledge and information for such countries: generation by diesel generators with clean electricity from PV systems.
I. By strengthening and extending its existing network with
emerging countries and relevant bi- and multilateral Subtask 2: Deployment Strategy for 100% RE on Small Islands
organisations to ensure significant outreach and impact and (lead Australia, 4 years)
II. By selecting topics of high relevance for emerging countries, This Subtask intends to illustrate and analyse all kinds of island specific,
including: technical and non-technical issues and possibilities to solve them.
a) PV in mini-grids (including hybrid systems) Based on broad experience in the Pacific islands (e.g. Cook Islands)
b) Distributed PV in bigger grids (grid connected PV). which have set a 100 % RE target, information will be collected and
analysed with the final target to draw useful conclusions for other
Especially with regard to II.b), it will be crucial to closely cooperate islands (e.g. Caribbean). Wherever overlap with other Tasks occurs, e.g.,
with other Tasks of PVPS, to analyse their activities and outputs Task 14 (High Penetration PV in Electricity Grids) exists, cooperation
with regard to their relevance for emerging countries, and where will be sought. This work will also fertilise the activities of Subtask 1
useful, translate such results to the specific conditions in emerging on mini-grids.
countries.
Subtask 3: Mainstreaming PV-related Training in National
Training Institutions Frameworks (lead Australia, shall be
finalised at the beginning of 2016)
The lack of technical experts in many emerging countries leads to
numerous breakdowns and low performance of systems. One crucial
activity to improve this situation is the mainstreaming in training.
The objective is to develop a Guideline on Mainstreaming PV-related
Training in National Training Frameworks.
Fig. 3 - Future Fields of Task 9 Activity. Subtask 4: Mirror Study on PV Development as Prosumers:
The Role and Challenges Associated with Producing and
Self-consuming PV Electricity (lead France, cooperation
Task 9 Experts are currently elaborating a new Task 9 Workplan. At with Task 1, 1 year)
present, the following subjects have been selected as future Subtasks: Task 1 has been working on a study on the above mentioned topic
based on an analysis in 18 PVPS member countries (Australia, Belgium,
Subtask 1: Mini-grids Integrating Diesel Generation and PV Brazil, Canada, China, Chile, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Israel,
(lead Germany, 4 years) Japan, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands, United States). This
This Subtask is targeting two main aspects: Task 1 study was expected to be finalised in September 2015. Based
1) Evaluation of existing diesel-PV hybrid systems (how are they on the results of this study, IED, France will lead a study in 10 selected
operating, what are main difficulties, etc.) and emerging countries which target or have already put net metering
2) The potential of PV to replace electricity generation based on policies into place (countries to be selected out of the following: Africa
diesel generators in mini-grids as well as in bigger systems and Middle East: Kenya, South Africa, Mauritius, Namibia, Lebanon,
(PV as fuel saver).
Fig. 5 - Simple analogy to explain energy storage system (from the above
mentioned publication).
Fig. 6 Task 9 Publications: Innovative Business Models and Financing

Jordan and several ECOWAS countries; namely Ghana, Senegal, Mechanisms for PV Deployment in Emerging Regions; and PV Systems for Rural
Burkina Faso; Asia: India, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Mongolia; Health Facilities in Developing Areas.
Latin America (optional): Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras,
Uruguay). In many emerging countries, self-consumption can provide
possibilities for prosumers to reduce their electricity bills and helps Subtask 8: Outreach and Dissemination (lead Switzerland)
them to have electricity even though breakdowns happen in the In the current situation of re-animating Task 9 activities, in
national electricity grid. The objective of the analysis is to collect strengthening networks for outreach and for gaining new members
best practices of policies for self-consumption and net-metering in to support Task 9, this outreach and dissemination Subtask is of
10 countries and provide an overview on development of prosumers outstanding importance. Switzerland has the role of Operating Agent
based on the mechanisms introduced and recommendations for and shall lead this Subtask but shall also involve additional Task 9
countries currently on their way to introduce a respective legislation members wherever possible. The activities will mainly focus on:
(strong interest from Ghana and ECREEE). 1 coordination, support and management of activities of the
subtasks
Subtask 5: Interaction with Standardisation Bodies (lead 2) making contacts, dissemination of existing and new outputs and
Germany, ongoing) networking.
The main activity of this ongoing Subtask will comprise information,
dissemination & deployment of state of the art knowledge into The main objectives of these activities are to identify new Task 9
standardisation bodies: IEC 62109 (Safety of charge controllers), IEC- members and to improve the outreach of the Task 9 activities. A focus
TC82 (Solar photovoltaic energy systems), CIGRE (conseil international will be put on building international relationships, e.g. with IRENA,
des grands rseaux) and IEA working group 28 (wind energy). The SE4ALL, GIZ, SDC, AfDB, etc.
objective is to mainstream and harmonise useful standards.
KEY DELIVERABLES PUBLISHED IN 2015:
Subtask 6: Grid-connected PV-battery Combinations December 2015: A User Guide to Simple Monitoring and Sustainable
(contribution from Denmark, but no lead so far) Operation of PV-diesel Hybrid Systems; Handbook for System Users
With increasing grid penetration of PV systems, the combination of and Operators.
PV and storage is gaining importance (marriage of PV and storage).
Some (mainly OECD) countries have broad experience regarding KEY DELIVERABLES PLANNED FOR 2016:
technical and non-technical aspects related to this topic. To collect Guideline on Mainstreaming PV-related Training in National Training
relevant information from different countries (from OECD countries, Frameworks (expected March 2016).
from other PVPS Tasks, etc.) would allow analysing the state of the Mirror Study on PV Development as Prosumers: The Role and
art. Based on this, the existing experience would have to be adapted Challenges Associated with Producing and Self-consuming PV
to conditions in emerging countries. It would be important to link Electricity (expected end of 2016).
with other IAs working on this topic, with the former PVPS Task 11
activities and other Tasks and Subtasks. The topic is of high relevance T A S K 9 M E E T I N G S C H E D U L E ( 2 01 5 A N D
for emerging countries because national grids are often weak (voltage P L A N N E D 2 01 6 )
fluctuations, breakdowns, etc.) and PV systems in combination with 2015
storages can help to stabilise such grids. 45th IEA PVPS ExCo Meeting, Paris, France, April 28-29, 2015
IEA PVPS & GNDER Workshop, Istanbul, Turkey, October 27, 2015;
Subtask 7: Recommended Practice Guides for Mini-grids and Task 9 Operating Agents participation
Island Grids (interest from SE4ALL, but no lead so far) 45th Task 1 Experts Meeting, Istanbul, Turkey, October 27-30, 2015;
Task 9 during its first phase (before 2008) [1] developed various useful Task 9 Operating Agents participation
recommended practice guides which were mainly focusing on 33rd Task 9 Experts Meeting, Istanbul, Turkey, October 30, 2015
Solar Home Systems (SHS). Similar guides would now be required for 2016
mini-grids, but do not exist yet. The idea is to review these existing IEA PVPS Task 9 Workshop, Zurich, Switzerland, February 29, 2016
SHS related manuals and guidelines and check if a simple updating 34th Task 9 Experts Meeting, Zurich, Switzerland, March 1, 2016
and amendment is possible to suit larger scale units and todays needs; 35th Task 9 Experts Meeting, Bad Hersfeld, Germany,
thus, re-putting in value existing Task 9 information and know-how. September 20, 2016
Fig. 7 - Simple analogy to explain energy storage system (from the above mentioned publication).
TASK 9 PARTICIPANTS
COUNTRY PARTICIPANT ORGANISATION

Denmark Peter Ahm PA Energy Ltd.
Finland Christer Nyman Soleco Oy
France Anjali Shanker IED
France Silvia Puddu IED
France Taric de Villers IED
France Gregoire Lena IED
France Jean-Christian Marcel Consultant
Germany Georg Bopp Fraunhofer ISE
Germany Friedemar Schreiber Fraunhofer ISE
Germany Adnan Al-Akori Fraunhofer ISE
Germany Michael Mller STECA
Germany Bozhil Kondev GIZ
Japan Takayuki Nakajima Japan Photovoltaic Energy Association (JPEA)
Japan Masanori Ishimura NEDO
Netherland Erik Lysen Lysen Consulting Engineer
Norway Hanne Cecilie Geirbo University of Oslo
Sweden Frank Fiedler Dalarna University
Sweden Caroline Bastholm (Nielsen) Dalarna University (SERC)
Switzerland Thomas Meier ENTEC
Switzerland Alex Arter ENTEC
Switzerland Stefan Kessler (OA) INFRAS, Research and Consulting
Switzerland Hedi Feibel (OA) SKAT Consulting Ltd.
Turkey Muhyettin Sirer UNDP
Turkey Yesilata, Bulent GNDER
Turkey Kemal Gani Bayaktar GNDER, Izocam
Austria, SE4ALL Martin Niemetz Country Action Officer, SE4ALL, GFT (observer)
Although not officially, GIZ (Germany), Dalarna University (Sweden) and IRENA actively contributed to the work of this Task.
Observers: Thailand, Ministry of Energy and EGAT, Malaysia, ECREEE, Austria/SE4ALL/GFT Martin Niemetz
TASK 12 - PV ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY ACTIVITIES
Fig. 1 - Task 12 Experts Meeting, Basel, Switzerland, September 2015.
INTRODUCTION
Renewable energy, with photovoltaics in a prominent role, will need safety initiatives set standards for environmental, economic and social
to provide an increasing share of the worlds energy demand in order responsibility for manufacturers and suppliers, thus improving the
to slow the ever mounting streams of greenhouse gases emitted by solar supply-chain with regard to all dimensions of sustainability.
our global society. In operation, photovoltaics generate electricity
without emissions of any kind, and the life-cycle emissions of a kWh of The overall objectives of Task 12 are to:
PV electricity are only a small fraction of those of fossil-fuel generated 1. Quantify the environmental profile of PV electricity, serving to
electricity. In the manufacturing and at end-of-life, however, the improve the sustainability of the supply chain and to compare it
material flows for producing PV cells and modules must be managed with the environmental profile of electricity produced with other
sustainably and responsibly, in terms of environmental health and energy technologies.
safety impacts. The photovoltaics industry, to date, has understood 2. Help improve waste management of PV in collection and
that the advantages of renewable energy should be emphasized by recycling, including tracking legislative developments as well
responsible management of environmental, health and safety aspects. as supporting development of technical standards.
3. Distinguish and address actual and perceived issues associated
As the industry grows and the technology advances, material designs with the EH&S aspects of PV technology that are important
and industrial processes are continually evolving. Safety practices for market growth.
also evolve with the growth of a sector or industry. Continual diligence 4. Disseminate the results of the EH&S analyses to stakeholders,
and communication on the sustainable management of material flows, policy-makers, and the general public.
industrial processes and safety practices is necessary to safeguard
health and the environment, and takes on even greater importance The first objective is served with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) that
as we progress towards larger scales of photovoltaic deployment. describes energy, material and emission flows in all stages of the life
Research such as life cycle assessment can help to predict future cycle of PV. The 2nd objective is accomplished by proactive research and
environmental emissions and lead to research and development support of industry-wide activities (e.g., input to Industry Associations,
improvements that avoid those future impacts. like EPIA in Europe or the China Photovoltaic Society to develop
and help implementing voluntary or binding policies like WEEE
OVERALL OBJECTIVES in Europe). The 3rd objective is addressed by advocating best EH&S
The main goals of Task 12 are to foster international collaboration practices throughout the solar value chain, and assisting the collective
in the area of photovoltaics and the environment and to compile action of PV companies in this area. The 4th objective (dissemination) is
and disseminate reliable environment, health, and safety (EH&S) accomplished by presentations to broad audiences, peer review articles,
information associated with the life-cycle of photovoltaic technology reports and fact sheets, and assisting industry associations and the
to the public and policy-makers. Whether part of due diligence to media in the dissemination of the information.
navigate the risks of large PV products, or to inform consumers and
policy makers about the impacts of residential PV systems, accurate APPROACH
information regarding the environmental, health and safety impacts Task 12 is subdivided into three topical Subtasks reflecting the first
of photovoltaic technology is necessary for continued PV growth. three objectives stated above. The fourth objective, dissemination
It builds consumer confidence, as well as policy-maker support, thus of information, is contained as an activity within each of the three
improving demand. On the supply-side, environment, health, and Subtasks: recycling, life cycle assessment and safety in the PV industry.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF IEA PVPS TASK 12 SUBTASK 3: Safety in Facilities

SUBTASK 1: Recycling of Manufacturing Waste and Spent Task 12 members have also brought attention to safety issues
Modules associated with various stages in the life-cycle of photovoltaics in
The Task 12 group has a long history of bringing the issue of PV various seminars (e.g. on Silane Safety, at the IEEE PVSC in San Diego,
module recycling to the fore by organizing workshops on PV recycling, April 2008) and workshops (e.g. PV Fire Safety, September 2010).
such as during the 34th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference
(PVSC) in Philadelphia in June 2009, and supporting the 1st and 2nd A C T I V I T I E S I N 2 01 5
International Conference on PV Module Recycling, in 2012 and 2013, SUBTASK 1: Recycling of Manufacturing Waste and Spent
hosted by EPIA and PV CYCLE. Modules
Andreas Wade, who is the chairman of the SolarPower Europes
Carrying on this long history, Task 12 organized a workshop at sustainability working group, and SolarPower Europes representative
the 2014 European PV Solar Energy Conference (EUPVSEC) entitled, to Task 12, is leading this group. With the adoption and implementation
PV life cycle management and recycling which gathered over of the recast WEEE Directive - making collection and recycling of
90 leaders on this topic who reviewed the status of regulations and end-of-life PV modules a legal requirement in all European Union
recycling technologies. Member states - a multitude of existing producer compliance schemes
will also look at the waste stream from PV modules. Going forward,
Publications by Task 12 members include articles on the technical and industry coordination on technical standardization as well as best
cost feasibility, on a cost optimisation model for the collection and practices in implementation will become important. This Subtask will
recycling of PV modules, as well as on the development of a method support activities in CENELEC TC111X WG6 and the eStewards program
for recycling Cd and Te from CdTe photovoltaics. on the development of recycling standards for PV technologies (e.g.,
through EPIA participation in the respective forums).
SUBTASK 2: Life Cycle Assessment
Task 12 brings together an authoritative group of experts in the Task 12 is currently developing a report on recycling. The report
area of the life-cycle assessment (LCA) of photovoltaic systems, who will provide a comprehensive overview on the national requirements
have published a large number of articles in high-impact journals in the EU Member States on collection and recycling of end-of-life
and presented at international conferences. In January 2016, Task 12 photovoltaic panels under the transposed recast WEEE Directive,
published (Activity 2.1.a) the expanded 3rd edition of the Methodology including producer requirements, collection targets, recycling and
Guidelines on Life Cycle Assessment of Photovoltaic Electricity, recovery targets and compare these to the available compliance
and also recently updated the associated report on life-cycle mechanisms (individual or joint producer compliance) as well as with
inventories (LCI) (Activity 2.2) with data on the photovoltaic life-cycle implemented recycling technologies for the various PV technologies.
materials and processes, necessary for conducting LCA studies. A In addition, this new report will provide an updated global, regional
key improvement we accomplished with the latest LCI report edition and country-level high-low scenario-based projection of waste
is to make our LCIs publically available not only in reports, but in modules.
LCA-software readable formats to facilitate their use by
LCA professionals. Task 12 is developing two new projects on PV recycling: a review of
the global status of module recycling research and development (R&D);
Importantly, Task 12 also recently published (Activity 2.1.b) and an LCA on recycling processes based on primary data from module
methodological guidelines for net energy analysis of PV to provide recyclers. More will be reported on these projects as they develop.
guidance for the conduct and reporting of these often controversial
assessments of the energy return on energy invested for PV SUBTASK 2: Life Cycle Assessment
(or similar metrics). A recent use of the EROI metric to show that PV is The life cycle assessment (LCA) expertise on photovoltaic systems
an uneconomic technology has re-awakened a dialogue in the energy is one of the prominent strengths of the Task 12 group.
community about the merits and shortcomings of EROI as a metric,
which international guidelines for appropriate definition and use of Dr. Rolf Frischknecht, an established LCA consultant, is leading
this metric are necessary to ensure fair comparison. Subtask 2.1 on LCA Methodology.
Finally, at the end of 2014 (Activity 2.2d), Task 12 published a new Activity 2.1c. Pilot Phase Product Environmental Footprint Category
report on: Life Cycle Assessment of Future Photovoltaic Electricity Rules. The DG Environment (Directorate A1. Eco-Innovation &
Production from Residential-scale Systems Operated in Europe. This Circular Economy) of the European Commission put out a tender for
report provided prospective LCA projections of life cycle impacts to proposals to develop product category rules to set the standards
2050 based on Task 12s LCIs and technology development roadmaps. for the life cycle assessment of the environmental impact of 1 kWh
of photovoltaic (PV) electricity. The rationale for this project is based
upon the observation that there is a growing demand for LCA based
product declarations. At the same time, the many methodologies are
similar but different, leading to difficulty in comparing products. GOVERNANCE, DISSEMINATION AND NEXT
This initiative for the development of Product Environmental MEETINGS
Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) will simplify and make consistent Membership: Membership has held steady in 2015. Total membership
the environmental assessment of European products. The application now stands at eleven countries and one industry association, with
was accepted as one of seven pilot phase projects (out of tens of ~sixteen active experts.
applications) in 2013. The partner organizations that submitted this
application, also referred to as the Technical Secretariat of the Engagement with International Standards on PV Sustainability:
project are: this Task 12 group, SolarPower Europe, the International
Thin-Film Solar Industry Assoc. (PVthin), Yingli Solar, First Solar, Task 12 experts are members on several international standard
Total, Calyxo, ECN and Treeze. The supporting organizations are: IEA development committees:
PVPS, WWF International - Energy Policy Unit, REC and the Bulgarian 1. IEC Building on the active liaison relationship between
Photovoltaic Association. This is a three year project, ending in 2017. IEA and IEC at the technical committee level (IEC TC 82: Solar
photovoltaic energy systems), the PVPS Executive Committee
The pilot on developing the rules for environmental footprinting has approved Task 12 to form a liaison relationship with the
of PV systems is underway in step with the timeline laid out by the PT 62994-1 (Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) Risk
European Commission. There is approximately one year remaining Assessment for the sustainability of PV module manufacturing).
in the project period, with many milestones forthcoming which will This PT is led by Korea. Task 12s next meeting, in Korea, will
produce but private and public information. include further discussion of the role Task 12 could play.
2. ANSI a new ANSI standard is under development led by the
Another new project (Activity 2.1.d) within this Subtask area NSF International regarding PV sustainability (NSF 457:
is the development of a web service for providing screening level Sustainability Leadership Standard for PV Modules). This standard,
environmental performance assessment of different PV technologies if approved, is meant to inform bulk purchasing of PV modules
(and configurations) globally through an interactive, user-driven such that high-performing modules in terms of sustainability can
web interface. A web service is the analytical and visualization be easily, transparently and credibly recognized in the market,
back-end engine that a web client (website) can call. Development and therefore incentive is provided for manufacturers to advance
of a front-end web client will be proposed subsequently upon sustainability of their products through a market pull. Task 12
discussion with potential host institutions. is not formally a member of the Joint (steering) Committee for
NSF 457, but several Task 12 members are on the JC. Task 12s
Dr. Parikhit Sinha, Director of EH&S at First Solar, leads the Subtask Methodological Guidelines for PV LCA form one major foundation
2.2 on Life Cycle Inventories. for development of this sustainability standard, as could the new
NEA Guidelines.
Activity 2.2 Life Cycle Inventories (LCI). This activity concerns the
updating and expanding of LCI data which Task 12 makes publicly P L A N S F O R 2 01 6
available in IEA reports. Most of the work laid out in Task 12s five year 2016 will see the completion of several important projects for
Workplan will be accomplished within this topic after information Task 12 the ECs Product Environmental Footprint Category Rule,
collected regarding water use in PV manufacturing (Activity 2.2c) and the screening-level environmental performance web service, the report
C-Si recycling (Activity 2.2e) has been incorporated. on global regulatory status of PV recycling and the report reviewing PV
fire safety issues, amongst others. We will also be active in developing
SUBTASK 3: Safety in PV Industry several new projects including the global status of PV recycling R&D
This task is led by Keiichi Komoto, from Mizuho Research Institute, and an LCA of PV module recycling.
Japan. It includes not only safety in facilities through the
manufacturing process, but also safety throughout the life-cycle PUBLICATIONS
of a PV product, including the safety of solar installers and Methodology Guidelines on Life Cycle Assessment of Photovoltaic
decommissioning agents. Electricity, 3rd edition, IEA PVPS Task 12, International Energy
Agency Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme. Report IEA PVPS
Activity 3.1 PV Fire Safety. The activity on PV Fire Safety includes T12-08:2016, ISBN 978-3-906042-39-8.
surveying cases of fire where PV was present, reviewing current
practices, codes and standards for dealing with these situations, Methodological Guidelines on Net Energy Analysis of Photovoltaic
and identifying recommendations, including new technologies Electricity, IEA PVPS Task 12, Report IEA PVPS T12-07:2016, ISBN
or techniques, for firefighters, the PV industry, and PV users in 978-3-906042-38-1.
operation and maintenance to prevent fires.
Life Cycle Assessment of Future Photovoltaic Electricity Production
from Residential-scale Systems Operated in Europe, Subtask 2.0
LCA, IEA-PVPS Task 12, Report IEA PVPS T12-05:2015. ISBN
978-3-906042-30-5.
Life Cycle Inventories and Life Cycle Assessments of PV Systems. TABLE 1 - TASK 12 PARTICIPANTS
IEA PVPS Task 12, International Energy Agency Photovoltaic Power
COUNTRY/
Systems Programme. Report IEA PVPS T12-04:2015, PARTICIPANT ORGANISATION
ASSOCIATION
ISBN 978-3-906042-28-2.
University of Applied
Methodology Guidelines on Life Cycle Assessment of Photovoltaic Science, Fachhochschule
Electricity, 2nd edition, IEA PVPS Task 12, International Energy Austria Susanne Schidler Technikum Wien,
Agency Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme. Report IEA PVPS Department of Renewable
T12-03:2011. ISBN: 978-3-90642-01-5 Energy
Institute of Electrical
Life Cycle Inventories and Life Cycle Assessment of Photovoltaic Lu Fang Engineering, Chinese
Systems, International Energy Agency Photovoltaic Power Academy of Sciences
Systems Programme. Task 12, Report IEA PVPS T12-02:2011. ISBN: China
Institute of Electrical
978-3-906042-00-8. Zhang Jia Engineering, Chinese
Academy of Sciences
Methodology Guidelines on Life Cycle Assessment of Photovoltaic
Solar Power
Electricity, 1st edition, IEA PVPS Task 12, International Energy Andreas Wade Solar Power Europe
Europe
Agency Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme. Report IEA PVPS
T12-01:2009. France Isabelle Blanc MINES ParisTech
NEDO (Technology
In addition to the collectively published IEA reports, Task 12 members Junichi Hozumi Development
published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and presented at Japan Organisation)
international conferences. Mizuho Research Institute
Keiichi Komoto
Japan
For more information, contact the Task 12 Operating Agent:
Korea Institute of Energy
Garvin Heath, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), USA Korea Jin-Seok Lee
Research (KIER)
And co-Operating Agent:
Carol Olson, Energy Research Center of the Netherlands (ECN), The Norway Ronny Glckner ELKEM solar
Netherlands ESCi (Escola Superior de
Spain Marco Raugei Comerc Internacional) and
M E E T I N G S C H E D U L E ( 2 01 5 A N D P L A N N E D 2 01 6 ) Oxford Brookes University
In 2015, the Task 12 Experts meet March 11-12 in Vienna, Austria treeze Ltd., fair life cycle
and September 10-11 in Switzerland. Switzerland Rolf Frischknecht
thinking
In 2016, Task 12 will meet April 7-8 in Korea, with our Fall meeting
Mariska de
to be scheduled. SmartGreenScans
Wild-Scholten
The Netherlands
Energy Research Center of
Carol Olson
the Netherlands (ECN)
National Renewable
Garvin Heath
Energy Laboratory (NREL)
USA
Parikhit Sinha First Solar
Geoffrey Kinsey U.S. Department of Energy
TASK 13 PERFORMANCE AND RELIABILITY OF PV SYSTEMS
Fig. 1 - Task 13 Expert Meeting in Leoben, Austria, 17-19 March 2015 (Photo: Montan University Leoben).
INTRODUCTION
The industry has a continued high interest in information on The overall objectives of Task 13 are to:
performance and reliability of PV modules and systems. In addition, 1. Address and analyze the economic aspects of PV system
financial models and their underlying technical assumptions have performance and reliability by reviewing the current practices
gained increased interest in the PV industry, with reliability and used in financial modelling of PV investments with focus on the
performance being key parameters used as input in such models. input that reflect the technical risks related to the PV module
and other key components, the technical design of the PV system
Accurate energy yield predictions in different climates as well as as well as the operation and maintenance of the plant over the
reliable information on operational availability of PV systems are vital systems service life time.
for investment decisions and, thus, for further market growth. In this 2. Provide available performance data for any kind of decision
context, performance and yield data, reliability statistics and empirical maker for different PV applications and system locations (e.g.
values concerning quality of PV systems are far more relevant today different countries, regions, climates). This data is evaluated for
than they used to be in the past. The availability of such information its applicability and quality in both a quantitative approach,
is, however, rather poor. using very large data sets and statistical methods, and a
qualitative approach, where evaluations on individual component
Within the framework of PVPS, Task 13 aims at supporting market performances are conducted.
actors to improve the operation, the reliability and the quality of 3. Perform activities on PV module characterization and failure
PV components and systems. Operational data of PV systems in issues in order to gain a comprehensive assessment of PV module
different climate zones compiled within the project will allow conditions in the field. The comprehensive collection and analysis
conclusions on the reliability and on yield estimations. Furthermore, of field data of PV module defects will increasingly become
the qualification and lifetime characteristics of PV components and important as a growing number of PV installations world-wide
systems shall be analysed, and technological trends identified. fail to fulfil quality and safety standards, which the work of this
Task will help to overcome.
Presently, there are 60 members from 42 institutions in 20 countries 4. Disseminate the results of the performance and reliability
collaborating in this Task, which had started its activities in May 2010. analyses to target groups in industry and research, financing
The extended Task work is expected to be undertaken over a period of sector, and the general public.
36 months (September 2014 to August 2017).
APPROACH
OVERALL OBJECTIVES Various branches of the PV industry and the finance sector will be
Task 13 engages in focusing the international collaboration in addressed by the national participants in their respective countries
improving the reliability of photovoltaic systems and subsystems by using existing business contacts. Given the broad, international project
collecting, analyzing and disseminating information on their technical consortium, cooperation will include markets such as Asia-Pacific,
performance and failures, providing a basis for their technical Europe, and the USA.
assessment, and developing practical recommendations for improving
their electrical and economic output.
Task 13 is subdivided into three topical Subtasks reflecting the first Within Subtask 2.1 Performance Databases, observed performances
three objectives stated above. The fourth Subtask, dissemination of of PV systems are collected. This data is then structured and presented
information, utilizes the output of the three Subtasks and disseminates such that actual PV performances are easier to access and evaluate
the tailored deliverables produced in the three Subtasks. as was previously possible. To this end, the Task 13 Performance
Database allows almost instant access to monthly averages of
ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF IEA PVPS TASK 13 PV performance data, for anyone who is interested. The link to the
SUBTASK 1: Economics of PV System Performance and Reliability internet server hosting the database can be found prominently on the
Subtask 1 addresses and analyses the economic aspects of PV system PVPS webpage since it went online in 2014. New data is continuously
performance and reliability. By reviewing current practices used in collected and added to the Performance Database, but it remains a
financial modelling of PV investments with focus on the input that challenge to contribute substantial amounts of data for all countries
reflects the technical risks related to the PV module and other key of high PV market penetration.
components, the technical design of the PV system as well as the
operation and maintenance of the plant over the systems service life. Within Subtask 2.1, the innovative approach to collect PV performance
The impact of the uncertainties and failure statistics of these technical data using so-called web-scraping techniques has been introduced,
parameters and input to the financial models will be analysed in in addition to the Task 13 Performance Database. Here, electricity
terms of economic importance reflected in both investment costs and yields of substantial amounts (many thousands) of PV installations
Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE). all over Europe have been gathered in 2015. Final yields are displayed
by colour-encoding on a geographical map. However, the lack of any
In this Subtask, a questionnaire has been developed to collect data on-site irradiation data means higher uncertainty of figures reported.
on how technical parameters are taken into account in PV investment Furthermore, the sheer amount of PV installations used in this
models in order to calculate the expected energy production and approach currently prohibits any quality assurance procedures
determine the investment as well as the operation and maintenance regarding, e.g., the monitoring equipment that is deployed within
costs. A draft version of this questionnaire was presented and these thousands of sites. At the same time, scientists involved in this
discussed during the meeting in Leoben, Austria, in March 2015 and activity rightfully quote the sheer number of installations to be in
preliminary results were presented at the October 2015 meeting in favour of performance accuracies; when looking at the mean of the
Uluru, Australia. The final version of the questionnaire was sent to the performance distributions and their particular shape, dubbed power
contributors in December 2015 and the final analysis of these data is of statistics. With all countries in Western Europe included in this
expected by mid-2016. innovative approach in 2015, it will be interesting indeed to see, where
this mean will be and how the distributions are shaped, resulting from
Based on the internal analysis and report, screening of the scientific this innovative approach.
literature and discussions with key stakeholders during a couple of
public meetings, the current practices will be compared with available Within Subtask 2.2 the topic is failure prediction on PV system
scientific data to identify important gaps. Finally, general guidelines level. Here, retrospective evaluations of operational PV system data
and recommendations will be put forward on how to manage these are performed to find out, if PV system failures and electrical faults
technical risks by selecting and utilizing appropriate and relevant can actually be predicted in advance. A number of parameters made
technical assumptions in the financial models. available through inverter data acquisition automatically today are
currently not used in traditional analysis of PV system performance.
SUBTASK 2: System Performance and Analysis Therefore, the idea is to use a purely statistical approach to evaluate
In Subtask 2, entire PV systems and their performance are focused virtually all accessible data today to determine any possible correlation
on. The system character of this work topic implies a broad variety of set(s) of parameter(s) that may indicate immanent system faults.
of components and their interplay are of relevance. In turn, this In 2015, evaluating large sets of parameters in retrospect were
implies various scientific disciplines are involved already. Various documented by Task 13 participants, and correlations indicating
stakeholders are involved, as well. In fact, with PV becoming main immanent system failures were found. In particular, the system
stream, this stakeholders base seems to be ever increasing. Presumably isolation, a parameter recorded by inverter as a standard, gave
millions of individuals own small PV systems as of today, and interesting leads. However, underpinning statistical and mathematical
individual large-scale systems are closing in to the Gigawatt range procedures are highly complex and the work to be continued
of installed capacity. In order to approach the broad range of related throughout 2016 will perhaps show even more possibilities for
work topics, the Task 13 group has structured the work programme failure prediction.
of the extended Task period such that four distinct activities are
addressed. The following gives a brief summary of each of these four Within Subtask 2.3, work of the former Task 13 period is continued
activities and work conducted in 2015: in the areas of PV performance monitoring and modelling on the
Subtask 2.1 Performance Databases system level, with the focus on addressing remaining residuals when
Subtask 2.2 Failure Prediction on the PV System Level comparing measured with modelled data. The analysis of residuals may
Subtask 2.3 Uncertainty Framework for PV Monitoring help to shed more light on remaining uncertainties and may allow for
and Modelling
Subtask 2.4 PV Performance Modelling Collaborative.
a more structured description of uncertainties in the area of The results and lessons learnt from the 4th PV Performance Modelling
PV energy yield. This work on uncertainties is not limited to and Monitoring Workshop in Cologne in October 2015 (see ST 4 to this
uncertainties involved in data acquisition and subsequent modelling, report) will be compiled and published in a technical report.
but also includes the broader pictures of financial interests on the
one side (with links to Subtask 1) and methodological questions of SUBTASK 3: MODULE CHARACTERISATION AND
module stability aspects on the other side (with links to Subtask 3, RELIABILITY
especially ST 3.4). Subtask 3 aims to provide recent scientific and technical findings
and recommendations on suitable measurement, testing and
One of the intermediate results is depicted in Figure 2, which shows characterization methods for performance and reliability assessments
different uncertainties of annual PV energy yield over the operational of PV modules in the field. This work is based on close collaboration
period of 20 years for different investment strategies. The largest and exchange of results between international laboratories for PV
area reflects the relatively large uncertainty for lifetime energy yield module characterization and qualification in Europe, USA and Asia.
predictions for an individual PV power plant and an operational
period of 20 years. Assuming investment into a portfolio of PV For the current phase of Task 13, the scope of this Subtask is extended
power plants, the combined uncertainty for expected energy yields towards PV module uncertainties and propagation into modelling
integrated over the lifetime is about 5,8 %, which is a reduction by as well as characterization of PV module conditions and PV module
about one third compared to the uncertainty of the yield for a single failures in the field:
system. Investing into a portfolio of PV systems for a limited duration
may help to reduce related uncertainties even further, as depicted Subtask 3.1: Power Rating, Uncertainties and Propagation
by the smallest area in Figure 2. The combined uncertainty for this into Modelling will provide an analysis of typical contributions
investment strategy may be reduced to as little as about 4,2 %. to uncertainty and comparability of laboratory power rating
measurements and result in the possibility to analyze, explain and
reduce deviations between indoor and outdoor power rating; and
110
assess the influence of measurement uncertainty on modelling results.
Annual yield / Initial yield [%]
uncertainly for i
nvestment into indiv
100 idual PV power plant
portfoli
o investm
Subtask 3.2: Module Energy Yield Data from Test Fields in Different
ent & limite
d period portfolio Climates aims to assess the today available approaches and to suggest
investment
90 how to harmonize the equipment requirements, measurements
procedures and uncertainty determination and to apply it to a set
80 of selected data which will be made available to team members and
external partners working on modelling and energy rating. The data
should cover the most important technologies and climatic zones
70
0 5 10 15 20 and improve the comparability of data from different institutes and
locations.
Years of operation
Subtask 3.3: Characterization of PV Module Condition in the Field -
Fig. 2 - Expected uncertainties for lifetime energy yield Guidelines on IR and EL in the Field consists of two parts. The aim of
predictions and potential uncertainty reduction (see paper of part 1 is to collect field data on PV modules aged multiple years in
Mller et al., 42nd IEEE PVSC). the field. The team in different climates has used the Visual Inspection
Sheet developed in former work to document observed conditions of
PV modules aged in a range of climates and identified existing sources
Subtask 2.4 bundles activities of Task 13 participants within the of literature and local reports with such data. Participants have started
PV Performance Modelling Collaborative (PVPMC, https://pvpmc. to collect and share with other participants field data from several
sandia.gov). The PVPMC website maintains a collection of simulation hundred PV modules with minimum two years field exposure. After
models and provides a platform for information sharing and model defining methods for module selection and data collection, a database
publication. Simulation models also show their uncertainties, both tool has been developed to aggregate and analyze the available field
for intrinsic reasons (suitability of the model) and for reasons of data for trends to identify the most common failures using visual
parameterization. Uncertainties may be determined from theoretical inspection and whether these failures can be correlated with climate
considerations, from comparisons to observations or from Monte-Carlo or system type.
methods. One goal of this activity is to add uncertainty information to
a number of these models. Also, for a number of standard procedures Part 2 will provide an overview of different methods to collect
like Performance Ratio (PR) assessments or yield estimations, methods infrared (IR) and electroluminescence (EL) images in the field. The aim
for the determination of an overall uncertainty may be discussed is to develop recommendations and guidelines for the standardized
between the participants. handling of IR and EL images to identify the most common failures
Power loss by module failures / Climate zones
1,0 Delamination
Defect backsheet
0,9 Defect junction box
Power loss per nominal system Power [KWp/kWp]
Discolouring of pottant
0,8 Cell cracks
2
Burn marks
0,7
Potential induced shunts
(often named PID)
0,6
Potential induced corrosion
(often with thin film modules)
0,5
Disconnected cell or string interconnect
ribbon
0,4 Defective bypass diode/wrong
1 2 1
3 dimensioned
0,3 6 Corrosion/abrasion of AR coating
2 Glass breakage
0,2
1 1 1 CdTe: back contact degradation
0,1 2 7 4 5 Storm -> deformed frame/glass-/
9 11 4 1 2 2 21 1 11
5 cell-breakage
2 4
0,0 Dust soilling
Hot and Humid Hot and dry Moderate Cold and snow
(A-climate) (B-climate) (C-climate) (D&E-climate)
Fig. 3 - The power loss of various PV module failures is documented as a function of the
climate zone (preliminary results). The columns marking numbers count the occurrence
of a specific failure type.
in the field. There are various approaches and only a few guidelines the relevance of standard test methods for different climate zones.
to collect IR and EL data in the field. For instance, the images of Furthermore, new test methods are introduced to qualify PV modules
whole arrays can be recorded with hand-held equipment, or single for various climate zones.
dismounted modules are scanned with a mobile test center on site.
The team has prepared a literature review of existing guidelines SUBTASK 4: Dissemination
for recording IR and EL images as well as a market research of This Subtask is focussed on the information dissemination of all
common test devices for IR and EL imaging. The existing collecting deliverables produced in Task 13. The range of activities in this Task
methods and guidelines will be summarized and evaluated, includes workshops, presentations, databases and technical reports.
whereas recommendations and guidelines for best practices of
the measurements to handle EL and IR images in the field will be Published Task Reports and Task flyers were distributed at the
developed. following conferences, workshops and PV events:
Conference SolarExpo: Workshop on PV Operation & Maintenance
Subtask 3.4: Assessment of PV Module Failures in the Field aims & Performance, Milan, Italy, 9 April 2015
to provide the status of the ability to predict the power loss of PV Task 13 Workshop at Intersolar 2015, Munich, Germany,
modules for specific failure modes. The team summarizes interactions 9 June 2015
and incompatibilities of lamination materials to better understand Exhibition booth of TV Rheinland, SolarPower Europe, 3E at
PV modules failures. For well-known PV module failures modelling Intersolar 2015, Munich, Germany, 10-12 June 2015
approaches to forecast the power loss are summarized from literature. Task 1 Workshop at EU PVSEC 2015, Hamburg, 14 September 2015
To identify the impact of the various failures on the modules Exhibition booth of IEA PVPS at EU PVSEC, Hamburg,
performance, a survey on the impact of PV system failure in different September 2015
climatic zones is conducted. The data is collected from various sources Workshop organized by SolarPower Europe at EU PVSEC,
and 71 PV system failure reports have been included and analysed Hamburg, 17 September 2015.
up to date. Figure 3 shows the power loss of a PV system if a specific
failure type occurs for these systems. The data is preliminary and data
collection is still in progress. These results will be evaluated to assess
Fig. 4 - IEA PVPS Task 13 flyer, version: September 2015.
In accordance with the Workplan, Subtask leader TV Rheinland has

prepared a new version of the Task 13 flyer, which Task 13 experts
use for distribution at the national and international conferences and
other solar PV events. The new Task 13 flyer is available electronically
and in paper copy (see Fig. 4).
Fig. 5 - 220 participants from Europe, the USA, Asia and Australia at the
As a parallel event and part of the Intersolar Europes conference 4th PV Performance Modelling and Monitoring Workshop in Cologne, Germany,
programme, a Task 13 Workshop entitled PV Performance Analysis 22-23 October 2015.
and Module Reliability was held in Munich, Germany, on 9 June
2015. During this workshop, a number of international experts
presented the achievements of Task 13s common work, drawing on All publications and Task 13 presentations from both workshops held
their experiences in different countries. First results of the extended in 2015 are publicly available for download from the Workshops
Task were also included, particularly on PV module reliability (module section on the IEA PVPS website: http://www.iea-pvps.org/index.
handling, hail impact and influence of back sheet). The workshop php?id=164.
attracted 60 participants from research, industry including module
and inverter manufacturers, utilities, system operators, system owners, M E E T I N G S C H E D U L E ( 2 01 5 A N D P L A N N E D 2 01 6 )
developers and construction companies, investors, banks and insurance The 12th Task 13 Experts Meeting was held in Leoben and Vienna,
companies. Austria, 17-19 March, 2015
The 13th PVPS Task 13 Experts Meeting took place in Yulara / Alice
TV Rheinland, Sandia National Laboratories, and the IEA PVPS Task 13 Springs, Australia, 9-13 October 2015.
have co-organized the 4th PV Performance Modelling and Monitoring The 14th PVPS Task 13 Experts Meeting will be hosted by EURAC
Workshop held at TV Rheinland headquarters in Cologne, Germany, and will be held in Bolzano, Italy, 06-08 April 2016.
22-23 October 2015. This workshop brought together solar PV The 15th PVPS Task 13 Experts Meeting will be hosted by SANDIA
professionals and researchers to discuss and share results related to National Laboratories and will take place in Albuquerque, NM, USA,
predicting the performance and monitoring the output from solar 27-29 September 2016.
photovoltaic systems. The workshop was divided into six topical
sessions exploring advances in the areas of solar resource assessment,
effects of irradiance spectrum on PV performance, soiling losses,
bifacial PV performance, modelling tools, and monitoring applications.
This workshop was stimulating, interactive, and providing valuable
information for modellers, model developers, and other users of
PV performance model results. The focussed workshop programme
included talks, poster presentations as well as panel discussions. The
programme included 40 oral presentations by international experts
(five Task 13 experts), 12 visual presentations and 220 participants
from Europe, the USA, Asia and Australia (Figure 5).
T A B L E 1 T A S K 1 3 P A R T I C I P A N T S I N 2 01 5 A N D T H E I R O R G A N I Z A T I O N S
COUNTRY ORGANIZATION COUNTRY ORGANIZATION
CAT Projects, Desert Knowledge National Institute of Advanced

Precinct Industrial Science and Technology
Australia Murdoch University Japan (AIST)
The University of New South Wales New Energy and Industrial Technology
(UNSW) Development Organization (NEDO)
Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
Polymer Competence Center Leoben Malaysia
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)
(PCCL) GmbH
Austria Utrecht University, Copernicus
Institute of Polymeric Materials and Netherlands
Institute
Testing (IPMT),
Prediktor
Johannes Kepler Universitt Linz Norway
University of Agder
3E nv/sa
Belgium SOLARPOWER EUROPE SOLARPOWER EUROPE
KU Leuven
DNV GL - Energy - Renewables
Institute of Electrical Engineering,
China Advisory
Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Spain
National Renewable Energy Centre
SiCon
Denmark (CENER)
Silicon and PV consulting
ABB AB, Corporate Research
Fortum Power & Heat Oy
Finland Paradisenergi AB
Turku University of Applied Sciences
Sweden Solkompaniet
Commissariat lnergie Atomique et SP Technical Research Institute of
nergies Alternatives/ Institut National Sweden
France
de lnergie Solaire (CEA / INES)
Scuola Universitaria Professionale
Electricit de France (EDF R&D)
Switzerland della Svizerra Italiana (SUPSI)
Fraunhofer-Institut fr Solare TNC Consulting AG
Energiesysteme ISE
King Mongkut University of
Institute for Solar Energy Research Thailand
Germany Technology Thonburi (KMUTT)
Hamelin (ISFH)
TV Rheinland Energie und Umwelt Case Western Reserve University
GmbH National Renewable Energy Laboratory
USA
Israel M.G.Lightning Electrical Engineering (NREL)
European Academy Bozen/Bolzano Sandia National Laboratories (SNL)
(EURAC)
Gestore dei Servizi Energetici -
GSE S.p.A.
Italy
IMT Institute for Advanced Studies
Lucca
Ricerca sul Sistema Energetico
RSE S.p.A.
Updated contact details for Task 13 participants can be found on the IEA PVPS
website www.iea-pvps.org.
TASK 14 HIGH PENETRATION PV IN ELECTRICITY GRIDS
INTRODUCTION In its work programme from 2014-2018 Task 14 addresses the full
With PV becoming an integral part of the electricity generation interconnected electricity system consisting of local distribution
portfolio in a growing number of countries around the globe, proper grids and wide-scale transmission grids. Furthermore, also autonomous
understanding of the key technical challenges facing high penetrations power systems such as mini grids, which are an increasingly used
of PV is crucial to ensure further smooth deployment of PV and avoid solution to electrify remote villages and towns, are within the scope
potential need for retroactive measures. Key issues include the variable of Task 14, in particular in those countries (e.g. Australia) where such
nature of PV generation, the power electronics interconnection to power systems form significant parts of the national electricity system.
the grid and its primary connection to the distribution grids typically
designed only for supplying loads. Power system protection, quality of SUBTASKS AND ACTIVITIES
supply, reliability and security may all be impacted. Task 14s work programme until 2018 addresses primarily the
technical issues of high penetration of PV in electricity networks.
Overcoming the technical challenges will be critical to placing PV on Issues related to implications of high-penetration PV on the level of
an even playing field with other energy sources in an integrated power electricity markets are considered, based on the local expertise of
system operation and augmentation planning process and will allow the Task 14 experts group.
PV to be fully integrated into power system, from serving local loads
to serving as grid resources for the interconnected transmission and Technical issues which are covered by the Task 14 work programme
generation system. include energy management aspects, grid interaction and penetration
(see Figure 2) related aspects related to local distribution grids and
OVERALL OBJECTIVES central PV generation scenarios. Besides these grid-focused aspects,
As part of the IEA-PVPS programme, Task 14 has been supporting requirements for components such as PV power converters acting as
different stake-holders from research, manufacturing as well as the smart interface between the PV generator and the electricity grid
electricity industry and utilities by providing access to comprehensive will be covered.
international studies and experiences with high-penetration PV.
Following the ongoing growth, PV has today become a visible player As the smart grid integration of decentralised solar PV is highly
in the electricity generation not only on a local, but country wide level dynamic and strongly interlinked with the development of (future)
in more and more countries. smart grids, a new Subtask started in 2015 which addresses the
possible roles of PV in future Smart Grids scenarios.
While during the initial phase of Task 14 from 2010 to 2014, only a
limited number of high penetration cases actually existed around the The work programme is organized into five main technical Subtasks
globe, mostly related to research or demonstration projects and field (1 to 5), covering the areas mentioned. An additional cross-cutting
trials, the situation has changed fundamentally since then: Subtask, which is intended to be a hub to all Subtasks and which
High Penetration PV has become a truly global issue today in will investigate the implications of the technical solutions on the
regions around the world. electricity market is currently under development.
Massive technical developments are currently ongoing at the Cross-cutting Subtask: Market implications with High PV
research as well as the industrial level following the increasing Penetration (currently under development)
penetration of PV. Subtask 1: Energy Management with High PV Penetration
New fundamental challenges arise with PV becoming a game Subtask 2: High Penetration PV in Local Distribution Grids
changer on the bulk power system level in several markets. Subtask 3: High Penetration Solutions for Central PV Generation
Without any other global initiative on PV grid integration, Scenarios
bringing together technical and non-technical expertise e.g. Subtask 4: Smart Power Converters for High Penetration PV
regarding market design with PV is strongly needed. and Smart Grids
Subtask 5: Communication and Control for High Penetration
All these facts clearly highlight the strong need for continued of PV
international R&D collaboration to address various aspects related
to PV grid integration and to collate and disseminate international PROGRESS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
knowledge of PV systems on a high penetration level. The massive deployment of grid-connected PV in recent years has
brought PV penetration into the electricity grids to levels where PV
Following the official endorsement of Task 14s second term by together with other variable RES have become a visible player
the IEA PVPS Executive Committee in April 2014, 2015 marked the in the electricity sector. This fact not only influences voltage and
first year of the collaboration with an extended scope and work power flows in the local distribution systems, but also influences the
programme. demand-supply balance of the overall power system. In parallel, the
size of PV systems continued to grow to the extent that GW-scale
systems could be developed in the coming years.
Fig. 1 - The enhanced power system operation by optimized utilization of the whole
resources of flexibility against the smoothed variability (Source: Ogimoto, Laboratory). Fig. 2 - IEA PVPS Task 14 Organization.
The aspect related to key challenges for operating small- and wide with more solar on the grid.
area power systems with high penetrations of PV are addressed in the During four sessions over a two day period, the following aspects
Task 14 report Power System Operation and Augmentation Planning were collaboratively presented by Task 14 experts and Canadian
with PV Integration. The report presents solutions to operational stakeholders:
planning, including balancing operation and generation dispatch, Solar Implications for Distribution Grids: examining how
reducing variability and increasing flexibility. Power system case variable renewable energy resources require the adoption of
studies from 11 countries complement the theoretical investigations new solutions and strategies which are transforming the ways
and highlight different approaches to accommodate high penetrations in which the distribution- and the transmission-networks
of PV and RES in various types of transmission systems. This IEA PVPS interact to balance supply and demand and ensure safe and
Task 14 report shows a pathway for preparing the future transmission reliable system operation.
systems along the way towards PV as a major electricity source. The Solar Variability, Forecasting, and System Operation:
described approach for an enhanced power system operation by considering the significant advancement of variable
optimized utilization of the whole resources of flexibility against the distributed solar generation, and how the interactions
smoothed variability is illustrated in Figure 1. between distribution and transmission networks have become
more complex with new considerations required for system
Complementing its technical work, Task 14 continued the successful operation, control and protection.
series of high penetration workshops with several well received events: Smart Inverters and System Benefits: looking at smart
In May 2015, IEA PVPS Task 14 together with IEA ISGAN Annex 6 inverter functions including reactive power control,
(Transmission and Distribution), organized a joint workshop, voltage, frequency ride-through, advanced two-way control
hosted by the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, Vienna, capabilities, storage integration and data streaming, and how
Austria. smart inverter technology holds the potential to maximize
Under the title The Use of Variable Renewables as Flexible the penetration of solar on the grid while optimizing system
Resources to Support Grid Operation and Power Transmission benefit and transform the electricity sector.
and Distribution Interaction, the workshop covered a broad Smart Grid Integration: examining the role and technical
range of issues: The planned rapid growth of both distributed considerations for solar in grid-modernization and its
and large-scale wind and solar power generation will require potential to transform the electricity sector as we know it
a smarter and more powerful transmission and distribution today by connecting the dots between micro-grids, storage,
system, with higher customer involvement and the rise of electric vehicles and the internet.
new market players.
A key element in this transition is flexibility, both on the Task 14 Workshop presentations of both workshops held in 2015
demand side and the generation side. Experiences and approaches as well as documents from previous events are publicly available
concerning the use of variable renewables as flexible resources for download from the Workshops section of the IEA PVPS website:
to support grid operation were shared and discussed by experts http://www.iea-pvps.org/index.php?id=212
representing utilities, consulting companies, funding agencies,
regulators, research agencies, and international members of the SUMMARY OF TASK 14 ACTIVITIES PLANNED
IEA PVPS and IEA ISGAN. F O R 2 01 6
In December 2015, Task 14 supported the 2015 SolarCanada Task 14 activities in 2016 will focus on the implementation of the
conference, held in Toronto, Canada by organizing a full subtasks. Technical research will be done on the following issues:
conference track under the heading Technical Transformation; The report Do it Local Management Summary Local Voltage
see the link: http://solarcanadaconference.ca/technical-transfor Support by Distributed Generation is planned to be published
mation-track/. This track was designed to educate and support in early 2016.
solar industry, utilities, and system operators prepare for a future
Fig. 4 - Task 14 Technical Transformation Session at SolarCanada 2015

Conference, Toronto, Canada (Photo: IEA PVPS Task 14).
Platform; P.J. Alet et.al., significant contribution by Task 14 OA

Fig. 3 - Task 14 Experts at Meeting in Vienna (Photo: IEA PVPS Task 14). Christoph Mayr, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology;
October 2015 ISGC Conference (invited keynote presentation);
European Grid Codes for DG and ESS Recent developments and
Analysis of the impact of high PV penetration on higher voltage future trends; Task 14 OA R. Brndlinger, AIT Austrian Institute
levels in electricity networks as a cross topic between Subtask 2 of Technology;
and Subtask 3. An overview on international activities in the field October 2015 ISGC Conference (invited keynote presentation);
of DSO/TSO interfaces is planned. Distribution Grid Integration of Renewables in Germany
Investigation of inverter related requirements for high penetration Interconnection Requirements and Best Practice Examples;
PV, including interface related issues and communication/control T. Stetz, Department of Smart Grids and Energy Storage University
issues. of Applied Sciences Gieen, Germany;
November 8, 2015 ISES Solar World Congress 2015 (invited
INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT keynote presentation): High penetration of PV in electricity grids:
As from the beginning, industry has been directly involved in the international context; Task 14 OA Christoph Mayr, AIT Austrian
development of the concept and work plan for Task 14. In addition, Institute of Technology.
a number of PV industry and utility representatives also directly
participate in the Task 14 group. Presentations of all Task 14 events organised so far are publicly
available for download from the Archive section of the IEA PVPS
Besides the country participation, also experts from SolarPower Europe website: http://www.iea-pvps.org/index.php?id=9 .
(formerly known as EPIA) and CANSIA, The Canadian Solar Industry
Association are official members of Task 14 and actively contribute to The successful series of utility workshops related to high PV
its activities. penetration scenarios in electricity grids will be continued in 2016, in
order to involve industry, network utilities and other experts in the
During its whole period, Task 14 actively integrated industry by field of PV integration in the Task 14 work.
organizing special workshops for knowledge exchange between
experts from utilities and the Task 14 group. At the moment, 2 workshops are planned for 2016:
Joint workshop between IEA PVPS Task 14 and IEA WIND Task 25
PUBLICATIONS AND DELIVERABLES is planned to be held in Fredericia, Denmark in May 2016;
The products of work performed in Task 14 are designed for use October 2016: Global Experiences on High penetration PV
by experts from the electricity sector, specialists for photovoltaic Integration, workshop planned as part of the 2016 Singapore
systems and inverters, equipment manufacturers and other specialists International Energy Week (SIEW).
concerned with interconnection of distributed energy resources.
Presentations of all Task 14 events which have been organised thus far
In 2015 Task 14 published 2 official reports are publicly available for download from the Workshops section of the
IEA PVPS T14-04:2014 Power System Operation and IEA PVPS website: http://www.iea-pvps.org/index.php?id=212
Augmentation Planning with PV Integration
IEA PVPS T14-05:2015 Characterization of the Spatio-temporal M E E T I N G S C H E D U L E ( 2 01 5 A N D P L A N N E D 2 01 6 )
Variations and Ramp Rates of Solar Radiation and PV prepared 2015 Meetings:
by IEA Task 14 Subtask 1.3 The 11th Experts Meeting was held in Vienna, Austria, May
2015, hosted by AIT and the Austrian Ministry for Transport,
Besides PVPS related dissemination activities, Task 14 experts Innovation and Technology
contributed to a number of national and international events and The 12th Experts Meeting was held in Toronto, Canada,
brought in the experience from the Task 14 work. December 2015, hosted by CANSIA
September, 2015 EU PVSEC (Keynote presentation): 2016 Meetings (tentative)
Quantification, Challenges and Outlook of PV integration in The 13th Experts Meeting is planned to be held in Fredericia,
the Power System: a Review by the European PV Technology Denmark, May 2016, hosted by energinet.dk.
T A B L E 1 L I S T O F T A S K 1 4 P A R T I C I P A N T S 2 01 5 ( I N C L U D I N G O B S E R V E R )
PARTICIPANT ORGANISATION
COUNTRY The 14th Experts Meeting is planned to be held in Singapore,
Australia Iain McGill October 2016, hosted by Solar Energy Institute
University of Singapore
of NSW
(SERIS)
Australia Glen Platt CSIRO
Christoph Mayr AIT Austrian Institute of Technology
Austria
Roland Brndlinger AIT Austrian Institute of Technology
Pieter Vingerhoets KU Leuven
Belgium
Ioannis-Thomas Theologitis SolarPower Europe
Canada Patrick Bateman CANSIA
China Wang Yibo Chinese Academy of Science
Denmark Kenn H. B. Frederiksen Kenergy
EC Arnulf Jger-Waldau European Commission
Martin Braun Fraunhofer IWES
Markus Kraiczy Fraunhofer IWES
Daniel Premm SMA Solar Technology AG
Gunter Arnold Fraunhofer IWES
Germany
Thomas Stetz Fraunhofer IWES, until 7/2015 and
Mittelhessen University of Applied Sciences,
after 8/2015
Gerd Heilscher Hochschule Ulm
Israel Moshe Ohayon Israel Electrical Company
Giorgio Graditi ENEA-Portici Research Centre
Italy
Adriano Iaria RSE
Toshihiko Takai NEDO
Japan Kazuhiko Ogimoto The University of Tokyo
Takashi Oozeki AIST
Ali Askar Sher Mohamad SEDA
Malaysia
Azah Ahmad SEDA
Portugal Catarina Calhau EDP Energias de Portugal
Spain Vicente Salas Universidad Carlos III de Madrid
Sweden Antonis Marinopoulos ABB Corporate Research
Lionel Perret Planair SA, Switzerland
Switzerland Christoph Bucher Basler & Hoffmann AG
Jan Remund Meteotest
Benjamin Kroposki National Renewable Energy Laboratory NREL
United States
Barry Mather National Renewable Energy Laboratory NREL
Singapore (observer) Thomas Reindl SERIS
TASK 15 ENABLING FRAMEWORK FOR THE ACCELERATION OF BIPV
Fig. 1 - Visit of Task 15 participants at the BIPV Real Life Laboratory in the Fig. 2 - Task 15 Experts at the Task 15 Kick-Off Meeting in the Netherlands,
Netherlands. June 2015.
INTRODUCTION
The built environment is responsible for up to 24 % of greenhouse Task 15 contributes to the ambition of realizing zero energy buildings
emissions and accounts for 40 % of the worlds total primary energy and built environments. The scope of Task 15 covers both new and
use. The numbers are increasing each year, due to the rising number existing buildings, different PV technologies, different applications, as
of world population, as well as improved standards of living, and will well as scale difference from one-family dwellings to large-scale BIPV
confront us with energy shortage in the future and negative climate application in offices and utility buildings.
changes already in the present. There is ample evidence that the
current energy system is not sustainable and that we have to shift to APPROACH
a system based on renewable sources, such as the sun. To reach the objective, an approach based on 6 Subtasks has been
developed, focussed on growth from prototypes to large-scale
Solar PV energy systems, applied in the built environment, offer producible and applicable products. The Subtasks with their target
the possibility of renewable energy closely located to the consumer, audiences are:
solving the challenges of climate change and energy shortage. BIPV project database - Designers and architects;
To facilitate large-scale introduction of these systems, integration Transition towards sound business models - Business developers /
in the built environment is necessary, together with the three project managers;
other key developments, price decrease, efficiency increase International harmonization of regulations - BIPV product
and energy storage. manufacturers / installers;
BIPV environmental assessment issues - Policy makers, building
Building Integrated PV (BIPV) systems consist of PV modules that are environmental assessors;
integrated in the building envelope as part of the building structure, Demonstration projects Researchers, BIPV product developers;
possibly replacing conventional building materials and contributing Dissemination all outputs from the above mentioned Subtasks.
to the aesthetic quality of the building.
In this approach the most important process and policy thresholds are
Current BIPV technology has a very small market, but huge potential. identified and breached.
To fully grasp this potential, a transition in the built environment
has to be realized, in which regulatory barriers, economic barriers, A C T I V I T I E S O F I E A P V P S T A S K 1 5 I N 2 01 5
environmental barriers, technical barriers and communicational SUBTASK A: BIPV Project Database
barriers have to be overcome. Subtask contact persons from all 18 countries have been requested
to send in 10 BIPV projects that represent interesting cases in their
OBJECTIVE countries. 10 countries have responded at the moment of writing.
Task 15s objective is to create an enabling framework to accelerate In total, over 100 projects have been received so far.
the penetration of BIPV products in the global market of renewables,
resulting in an equal playing field for BIPV products, BAPV products The received material looks very promising, but more projects are
and regular building envelope components, respecting mandatory necessary to develop a full overview and to develop the criteria and
issues, aesthetic issues, reliability and financial issues. parameters for the evaluation.
The main thresholds on the track of BIPV roll out cover the knowledge A questionnaire has been written and sent around for comment. Based
transfer between BIPV stakeholders (from building designers to product on the comments received, the questionnaire shall be updated and will
manufacturers), a missing link in business approach, an unequal playing be finalized during the Task 15 Experts Meeting in February 2016.
field regarding regulatory issues and environmental assessment,
as well as a transfer gap between product and application and are
reflected in the approach of Task 15.
SUBTASK B: Transition towards Sound BIPV Business Models [Photovoltaic modules are considered to be building-integrated if
Subtask Bs objective is to make an in-depth analysis and the PV modules form a construction product which is produced and
understanding of the true total economic value of BIPV applications, placed on the market for incorporation in a permanent manner in
and derive innovative Business Models that best exploit the construction works or parts thereof, and the performance of which
full-embedded value of BIPV. has an effect on the performance of the construction works with
respect to the basic requirements for construction works.]
Subtask B is divided in 4 work packages (WP):
This definition will form the basis of continuation of work in this and
WP B1: Analysis of Status Quo other Subtasks, and will be expanded for the purpose of Task 15 with
This WP will fully exploit information collected through Subtask A. aesthetical, economic and environmental parameters.
Based on a selection of existing projects that are most representative
of mainstream BIPV solutions/applications, the WP will perform Within this Subtask, 4 working groups have been established:
a detailed analysis and description of how economic valuation of
the project was realized, of the stakeholders that are economically Group A: State of the Art
involved, and of the overarching Business Model that prevails for Starting from prEN50583 (2014) and the additional list of requirements
establishing the financial viability of the solution. from the Japanese delegation, a first list of requirements is created that
can then be used as a basis for further improvements.
WP B2: Analysis of Boundary Conditions
This WP will analyse the current and forecasted evolution of the Group B: Structural Analysis
boundary conditions determining the financial attractiveness of BIPV This group summarizes problems that arise due to the general structure
solutions. These include in particular, nature and importance of policy of the prEN50583. Disadvantages of the BIPV definition, the five
support, financial instruments, measures prevailing in terms categories, differences between European and international approaches
of self-consumption, etc. This WP is of particular importance as etc. should be listed and improvements should be suggested.
PV and BIPV are transitioning from a subsidized, policy driven
deployment to a competitive based deployment. Group C: Communication
To avoid double work, the aim of this working group is to communicate
The WP will focus on how this expected transition affects the its efforts to other standardisation groups. Task 15 should be aware
deployment of BIPV solutions in particular. of existing standardisation activities as well as be in contact with the
most important decision makers and standardisation committees.
WP B3: Development of New Business Models
This is the core WP of the Subtask. It will in particular perform an Group D: Improvement
in-depth analysis on the definition of the true economic value of This group should find additional needs and requirements for an
BIPV, introducing the concepts of extended economic value and international BIPV standard that are not listed yet in the basis
patrimonial economic value. It will identify how these new sources developed in group A. The improvement should include the listing
of value could possibly be exploited by existing or possible new of multi-functionality issues, including the description of suggested
categories of stakeholders. changes in the existing testing procedures of other standards.
It will then analyze how new business models can be derived to fully SUBTASK D: Environmental Benefits of BIPV
exploit the patrimonial economic value and the possible need for This Substask, coordinated by Cycleco under the direction of the
new ad hoc financial instruments. ADEME (French EPA), involves 29 persons from 12 countries. All
participants are working for developping a framework enabling the
Task 15 then formulates key recommendations to policy makers, environmental assessment of BIPV.
financial operators and BIPV stakeholders to best support the
emergence of innovative business models supporting existing or new These experts are mainly from the PV community, and a bridge towards
BIPV applications. the building industry is being investigated. The first activity, state of
the art inventory, has started under the leadership of the Subtask
WP B4: Testing the New Business Models Leader. A first questionnaire to establish the international state of the
This WP will, in collaboration with Subtask E, document a selection art was sent to all participants (1st dec. 2015).
of test and demonstration projects that illustrate the actual
application of a selection of representative innovative Business Models. The work of Subtask D is split into 4 parts:
D1: Identification of BIPV related environmental benefits
SUBTASK C: International Framework of BIPV Specifications worldwide
Subtask Cs first activities are based on the following definition (based D2: BIPV focused methodology for environmental assessment
on prEN50583 and European Construction Product Regulation CPR D3: BIPV environmental assessment test cases
305/2011): D4: BIPV environmental assessment plug-in for building
assessment tools
Fig. 4 - Semi-transparent glass photovoltaic modules in the Korean Football

Arena entrance lobby.
Fig. 3 - BIPV office faade in Spain with a combination

of opaque and semi-transparent amorphous silicon SUMMARY OF TASK 15 ACTIVITIES PLANNED
photovoltaic glass modules (Photo: Onyx). F O R 2 01 6
Task 15 general activity in 2016 focusses on the finalization of the
formal participation of the contributing countries through National
At present, the University of Applied Sciences Technikum in Vienna Participation Plans and a clear distinction in activity responsibility.
(Austria) takes the responsibility of the D2 part, and the coming The activities planned for the Subtasks are the following:
meeting will enable the selection of the person in charge of the other Finalization of an in-depth questionnaire covering aesthetic, building
parts of the Subtasks work.According to the agenda established in technological, financial and environmental aspects (subtask A, B and
the convention agreement between Cycleco (Subtask Leader) and D). This questionnaire will be used for interviewing the main actors of
ADEME (IEA PVPS Task 15 Expert France), works on this Subtask are selected BIPV projects in subtask A.
on schedule. Nevertheless, the slight number of contributors should
create some delays in the coming months. Inventory of the status quo covering regulatory and environmental
issues and the current state of BIPV research and development
SUBTASK E: Demonstration facilities in the contributing countries (Subtasks C, D and E).
Out of 63 experts list contacted, 35 people from 11 countries would
like to be involved in Subtask E. Based on an inventory of existing Dissemination and outreach activities cover a regular newsletter as
test and demonstration sites, objectives are to identify assessment well as presenting at national and international sustainable building
methods and performance characterization of BIPV solutions and PV related conferences, depending on subtask F leadership and
to highlight reference technical solutions and contribute to country contribution.
dissemination of reliable BIPV solutions. Subtask E is based on a
strong contribution from all Subtasks. The first activity in this Subtask, PUBLICATIONS AND DELIVERABLES
the inventory of existing BIPV testing and demonstration sites, is in Subtask A: Publication and application of an elaborate questionnaire
progress (Action E1) under the coordination of SEAC (NL). The OFI for BIPV project analysis and preliminary publication of a selection of
Institute (AT) is currently finalizing its action choice (Action E2 or E4). analysed projects
Subtask B: Publication of the status quo of applied business models
SUBTASK F: Dissemination for BIPV application.
No progress to be reported. Subtask C: Publication of the inventory of applied regulations and
mandatory framework of BIPV in the contributing countries.
T A S K 1 5 A C T I V I T I E S I N 2 01 5 Subtask D: Publication of the inventory of applied environmental
April 7th 2015: Dutch BIPV stakeholder discussion on T15. assessment of BIPV in the contributing countries.
June 22nd 24th 2015: 1st Task meeting: kick-off, Heerlen, the Subtask E: Publication of the inventory of existing BIPV research and
Netherlands. development facilities in the contributing countries.
September 14th 2015: Task coordination meeting, Hamburg, Germany.
September 15th 2015: EU PVSEC parallel session (jointly with EU M E E T I N G S C H E D U L E ( 2 01 5 A N D P L A N N E D 2 01 6 )
PV Technology Platform). The Task 15 Kick-off Meeting was held in Heerlen, the Netherlands,
October 6th 2015: Task presentation at the Austrian PV conference, 22-24 June 2015.
Austria. The 1st Task 15 Experts Coordination Meeting was held in
November 4th 2015: parallel session at 10th Conference on Advanced Hamburg, Germany, 14 September 2015.
Building Skins, Bern, Switzerland. The 2nd Task 15 Experts Meeting was held in Sophia Antipolis,
November 16th 2015: Task presentation at the WCPEC, Busan, France, 2-4 February 2016.
South Korea. The 3rd Task 15 Experts Coordination Meeting is planned to be held
November 19th-20th, 2015: Publication at the 13th Asia Pacific in Munich, Germany, 22 June 2016
Conference on the Built Environment NEXT GEN TECHNOLOGY Hong The 4th Task 15 Experts Meeting is planned to be held in either
Kong; Building Integration of Photovoltaic: The Future of Sustainable Marrakesh, Morocco or Vienna, Austria, 8-10 November 2016.
Building - Reijenga, Ritzen.
TABLE 1 CURRENT LIST OF TASK 15 PARTICIPANTS (INCLUDING OBSERVERS*)
COUNTRY PARTICIPANT ORGANISATION COUNTRY PARTICIPANT ORGANISATION

Univ. As Technikum Lithuania* Juras Ulbikas Protechnology
Hubert Fechner Vienna, Austrian
PV Technology Platform Morocco* Souad LALAMI IRESEN
OFI, Austrian Research BIHTS / NEBER / Zuyd
Gabriele Eder Institute for Chemistry Michiel Ritzen University of Applied
and Technology Sciences
University of applied
Lukas Maul sciences Technikum Martje van Horrik BIHTS / NEBER
Vienna
Tjerk Reijenga BEAR-iD Architects
Austria
Dieter Moor ERTEX Solar GmbH
TU/e (Technical University
Boukje Huijben
AIT - Austrian Institute for Eindhoven)
Astrid Schneider Technology TU/e (Technical University
Sharon Dolmans
ASIC - Austrian Solar Eindhoven)
Philipp Rechberger Innovation Center
Roland Valckenborg SEAC
Gerhard Peharz Joanneum Research Netherlands
Chris Geurts TNO
AIT - Austrian Institute of
Christoph Mayr Technology Erik Alsema WE advisors
Belgium Adel El Gammal Becquerel institute SEAC
Menno van den Donker (Solar Energy Application
IEE (Institute of Electrical Centre)
China Shengli Wang Engineering, Chinese
Academy of Sciences) Mariska de Wild-Scholten Smart Green Scans
Denmark Kenn H.B. Frederiksen Kenergy Wilfried van sark University Utrecht
CSTB (Centre Scientifique
Simon Boddaert RuudDerks ZigZagSolar
et Technique du Btiment)
Renaud Vignal Arcelor Mittal Olivier Jung Trespa International B.V.
France Francoise Burgun CEA-INES Norway Anne Gerd Imenes Teknova
Valentine Moreau Cycleco SAS CIEMAT

(Research Centre for
Nuria Martin Chivelet
Jrme Payet Cycleco SAS Energy, Environment
and Technology)
Claudio Ferrara Fraunhofer ISE Jonathan Leloux UPM
Tilmann Kuhn Fraunhofer ISE Spain Technical University
estefania Caamano of Madrid
Wendelin Sprenger Fraunhofer ISE
Tecnalia Research &
Germany Maider Machado Innovation
Maria Roos Fraunhofer IWES
Norbert Henze Fraunhofer IWES Ana Belen Cueli Orradre CENER
Architekturbro David Larsson Solkompaniet

Ingo B. Hagemann Hagemann SP Technical Research
Peter Kovacs
Greece* Dimitrios Karamanis University of Patras Institute of Sweden
Gestore dei Servizi ABB corporate research /
Francesca Tilli Sweden Bengt Stridh
Energetici GSE S.P.A. Mlardalen University
SP Technical Research
Alessandra Scognamiglio ENEA Martin Warneryd Institute of Sweden
Eurac Research, Institute Rickard Nygren White arkitekter
Italy Stefano Avesani for Renewable Energy
Nebosja Jakica Politecnico di Milano Switzerland Christof Erban Meyer Burger AG
SETA Network Francesco Frontini SUPSI

Silke A. Krawietz ETIP PV, Chair BIPV Group
Japan Seiji Inoue AGC Glass Company
Korea Jun-Tae Kim Kongju National University
AUSTRALIA
PHOTOVOLTAIC TECHNOLOGY STATUS AND PROSPECTS
RENATE EGAN, CHAIR, AUSTRALIAN PV INSTITUTE
WARWICK JOHNSTON, SUNWIZ
5,50
4 500 Measure Names 5,00
4 000 Average System Size 4,50
Average System Size (kW)

Cumulative Capacity (MW)
3 500 4,00
Cumulative MW
3 000 3,50
3,00
2 500
2,50
2 000
2,00
1 500 1,50
1 000 1,00
500 0,50
0 0,00
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Fig. 1 - Cumulative installed capacity (MW) and average system size (kW) in the
Australian residential PV market.
GENERAL FRAMEWORK AND IMPLEMENTATION

Solar power continues to be hugely popular at residential levels in Australias PV market remains focussed upon self-consumption, with
Australia.1,5 million Australian homes are now powered by their own the majority of the population offered feed-in tariffs worth little more
PV system. Residential penetration levels average 18 % of households than the wholesale electricity price. Battery suppliers have identified
and reach over 50 % in some urban areas. Market saturation effects a significant opportunity for sales in Australia, owing to the large
are beginning to be observed as residential installation volumes have differential between the value of solar energy that is self-consumed
declined for three years running. Interest in commercial PV systems versus that which is export.
continues to grow, though not fast enough to offset the decline of
residential volumes in 2015. NATIONAL PROGRAMME
The main support for PV at a national level remains the Renewable
Deployment of utility-scale PV jumped to record levels in 2015, Energy Target (RET), which undertook an extensive review in 2014
contributing to a year of growth in the overall market. Installation and 2015. Support for large systems is via the Large-scale RET (LRET)
levels increased from 850 MW commissioned in 2014 to around which in 2015 was reduced from 41,000 GWh to 33,000 GWh of
935 MWp in 2015. At the end of 2015, installed capacity sat just renewable electricity by 2020. It operates via a market for Large-scale
below the 5,0 GW mark, accounting for 9 % of electricity capacity Generation Certificates (LGCs), with 1 LGC created for each MWh
and 2,5 % of electricity generation. Solar power was the number one of electricity generated. Support for small-scale systems is via an
source of capacity added to the Australian generation fleet in 2015. uncapped Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), for which
1 MWh creates 1 Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC). All PV
Installation restrictions are being imposed by electricity network systems up to 100 kWp are also able to claim STCs up-front for up to
operators in some areas to cope with potential issues arising from 15 years of deemed generation, based on location. This means that
high penetration levels. The major issue arising, however, is economic, the STCs for small systems act as an up-front capital cost reduction.
not technical. With revenue for electricity networks and retailers The SRES was unaffected by the RET Review.
dependent largely on kWh sales, PV uptake has contributed to revenue
reductions. Large central generators have also been impacted by the RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT & DEMONSTRATION
overall reductions in energy sales, with several plant closures. A debate PV research, development and demonstration are supported at the
about tariff reform slowly continues to build, but may take years to national, as well as the State and Territory level. In 2015, research
play out. Meanwhile many distribution network operators have singled grants were available through the Australian Research Council and the
out PV for punitive requirements such as export-limiting technologies Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). ARENA has supported
and imposition of demand-tariffs, or have otherwise restricted system PhDs scholars and post-doctoral fellows with 18 MAUD committed
sizes, particularly for non-residential systems. Despite this, Australias towards more than 80 projects, the last of which is expected to
High Court blocked one electricity distributors attempt to apply complete in 2017. To date ARENA has committed 434 MAUD towards
discriminatory billing upon solar owners. Photovoltaic projects, including 17 with the University of NSW, five
with the Australian National University, two with the University of
AUSTRALIA 39
Fig. 2 - The ARENA Solar Flagship Utility Scale Solar Farm, Nyngan NSW. AGL: Fig. 3 - The ARENA Solar Flagship Utility Scale Solar Farm, Nyngan NSW
How we source our energy (Photo: AGL Energy). (Photo: AGL Energy).
Melbourne, and one with the University of Queensland. Major projects The trends that were established in 2015 are likely to continue into
supported included: 2016. The residential PV sector is likely to continue to decline due
Solar Farms at Nyngan, Broken Hill, Moree, Degrussa, Weipa, to the early effects of market saturation and in the absence of any
Doomadgee, Karratha, and many sites in the Northern Territory specific stimulus. The commercial PV sector is anticipated to again
The establishment of the Australia-US Institute for Advanced grow by a modest amount. There are new utility-scale development
Photovoltaics initiatives from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA),
Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), state governments and
In 2015, in addition to providing funding to mixed-technology major electricity providers that will eventually result in a significant
projects, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation has added the volume of projects, though few are likely to be commissioned
following PV-specific projects to its investment portfolio: in 2016. As a result, the overall market is expected to contract in 2016.
100 MAUD in finance for solar PV and storage projects across Meanwhile there is ever-increasing customer interest in on-site
Australia which support an electricity retailer to offer Power storage. Storage solutions from major international players in
Purchase Agreements. conjunction with local partners have gone on sale in late 2015
4,7 MAUD in finance for a large scale solar PV Project in the Electricity distribution network operators have also begun trials
Northern Territory (Ayers Rock Resort, 1,8 MW). of storage technology. Although not yet cost effective for most
13 MAUD to expand the Uterne power station in the Northern customers, a market for storage is already developing. This trend
Territory from 1 MW to 4,1 MW in size. could exacerbate issues faced by incumbent electricity sector
15 MAUD in finance for remote renewable solar PV and battery businesses, even if it offers a means to manage supply intermittency
storage in Western Australia (Degrussa, 10,6 MW with 6 MW and peak demand, since it would facilitate the installation of larger
battery storage). PV systems and may also see a trend to self-sufficiency and
20 MAUD in finance for fringe of grid renewable solar PV in disconnection of customers from main grids.
Queensland (Barcaldine, 20 MW).
In 2015, ARENA and the CEFC also opened complementary
large-scale solar programs, worth 100 MAUD and 250 MAUD
respectively.
INDUSTRY AND MARKET DEVELOPMENT

Despite the fact that the overall market grew in 2015, installation
volumes were substantially lower than expected. Were it not for the
three utility-scale installations that arose out of the now-complete
Solar Flagships Program (Nyngan (103 MW), Moree (56 MW), and
Broken Hill (53 MW)), the overall market would have contracted. The
residential PV market contracted 17 %, following a 12 % contraction
on the year before. The 10-100 kW market grew by 10 % but not
enough to offset the residential contraction.
The growth in commercial PV and the contraction in residential

PV means that commercial market now represents 24 % of the
non-utility-scale market by volume. Companies like IKEA have installed
PV on each of its stores. Hence, average system size in the sub-100 kW
segment has climbed to reach 5,3 kW/system by the end of 2015.
Module prices increased slightly to around 0,80/Wp in 2015 due to
a weakening Australian Dollar; despite this installed prices for small
residential systems dropped slightly to 2,40 AUD/Wp.
AUSTRIA
HUBERT FECHNER, UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES, TECHNIKUM VIENNA
GENERAL FRAMEWORK AND NATIONAL

PROGRAMME
About 75 % of Austrias electricity supply is based on renewable Besides that, some provinces provide PV support budgets as well,
energy, predominated by mainly large hydro power with more than amongst them very specific support e.g. only for municipal buildings.
65 %, wind energy with about 7,5 %, some bio-electricity and since
a few years a significantly rising part of photovoltaics with currently The mean system price for private systems went further down to
nearly 2 % in 2015. Austria has never produced electricity from 1 752 EUR/kWp (excluding VAT) for a 5 kW system.
nuclear energy and has a strong policy against nuclear. At the climate
Conference COP 21 in Paris in December 2015, the Austrian Chancellor In 2015, support schemes for battery-storage systems in combination
also announced the countrys intentions to completely eliminate fossil with PV systems were offered by several provinces. This scheme is
energy use in Austrias electricity system by 2030. dedicated for small, mainly private systems, the support schemes are
very different, typically ranging up to storage capacities of up to a
The target for the national PV market is laid down in the national maximum of 10 kWh. Up to now, these initiatives led to a total of a
green-electricity act (GEA), firstly issued in 2002, and meanwhile few hundred storage systems.
revised several times. The official market target is currently set with
1 200 MW in 2020. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The National PV Technology Platform, founded in September 2008
Approximately 785 MW of PV power were installed in Austria by the and exclusively financed by the participating industry, research
end of 2014. There are no final figures available for 2015 yet, but it is organisations and Universities experienced again a very good
expected that the growth in 2015 declined a little and approximately development in 2015; primarily supported by the Ministry of Transport,
925 MW were totally installed in Austria by the end of 2015. With Innovation and Technology, this loose platform now acts as a legal
current installation rates, the official market target for 2020 will be body since 2012. The PV Technology Platform brings together about
reached, at the latest, in 2017. 30 partners, active in the production of PV relevant components and
sub-components as well as the relevant research community in order
Austrias support schemes for photovoltaics are manifold; the support to create more innovation in the Austrian PV sector. The transfer
per unit was further slightly reduced in 2015. Two support schemes are of latest scientific results to the industry by innovation workshops,
still dominating: trainee programmes and conferences, joint national and international
The feed-in-tariff system is designed only for systems larger than research projects, and other similar activities are part of the work
5 kWp; Feed-in Tariff is provided via the national green-electricity programme beside the needed increasing awareness aimed at further
act. The new RES are supported by this act mainly via up to improving the frame conditions for manufacturing, research and
13 years guaranteed feed-in tariffs; the annual cap, which started innovation in Austria with the relevant decision makers.
with 50 MEUR in 2012 is reduced every year by one million. In
2015, an additional 47 MEUR for all new renewables became For many years, the Austrian PV research activities are mostly
available. Photovoltaic receives 8 MEUR from this amount. The focused on national and international projects. The involved research
feed-in-tariffs are stated by the Federal Ministry for Economics organisations and companies are participating in various national
and financed by a supplementary charge on the net-price and a and European projects as well as in different Tasks of the IEA PVPS
fixed price purchase obligation for electricity traders. For 2015, Programme and, The National Energy Research Programme from the
the tariff was set at 11,5 EURcent/kWh for PV on buildings Austrian Climate and Energy Fund, as well as the programme City of
(12,5 EURcent/kWh in 2014) and for the first time there was no Tomorrow from the Ministry of Transport, Innovation and Technology
incentive for PV on the open landscape. As in 2014, an additional which covers quite broad research items on energy technologies
200 EUR subsidy per kWp (or 30 % of total invest cost) was including PV. The research budget for PV related projects within the
offered. energy research programmes rose substantially until 2013. Whereas
About 7 MEUR were dedicated in 2015 to PV investment support in 2007, only 0,7 MEUR were dedicated to photovoltaic research. In
for small, private systems up to 5 kWp by the Austrian Climate 2013, more than 7 MEUR were spent for PV research. However, the
and Energy Fund. This additional support scheme exists since data for 2015 shows a decline towards less than 3 MEUR. Further
2008, well-co-ordinated with the feed-in scheme. With 275 EUR public research funding in the field of PV is given within the initiatives
per kWp for roof-top systems and 375 EUR per kWp for building COMET or on an individual project basis.
integrated systems, the support per kWp was the same as in
2014. This support has led to about 6 000 new PV systems with a In 2014, Austrias public expenditures for energy-related research
total capacity of 36 MWp in 2015. For the first time there was an and development amounted to 143 MEUR, increasing the expenditure
additional offer for the agricultural sector systems from 5 kWp of 2013 by 15 % and reaching an all-time high. Expenditures for
to 30 kWp, owned by farmers, got the same incentive per kWp renewable energy technologies were at a total of 32,4 MEUR.
(275/375 EUR) like the other private people, which might have led Here, solar energy provided 60 % of activities (19,2 MEUR) with its
to approx. 4,4 MWp installed in 2015. main focus on PV (11,5 MEUR; equal to a share of 8 % of public
energy-related research funding).
AUSTRIA 41
Fig. 1 - Laboratory test devices of inorganic-organic hybrid solar cells prepared at ICTM, TU Graz (Photo: Astrid Knall, TU Graz).
Within IEA PVPS, Austria is leading the Task 14 on High Penetration of The main applications for PV in Austria are grid connected distributed
Photovoltaics in Electricity Networks, as well as actively participating systems, representing much more than 99 % of the total capacity.
in Task 1,12, 13 and the new Task 15 on Enabling Framework for the Grid-connected centralised systems in the form of PV power plants
Acceleration of BIPV. play a minor role. Building integration is an important issue and a
cornerstone of the public implementation strategy.
The national RTD is focusing on materials research, system
integration as well as more and more on building integration, too. The new Austrian electricity statistic regulation, negotiated and
On the European level, the on-going initiative to increase the decided at the end of 2015 obliges the network operators from now
coherence of European PV RTD programming (SOLAR-ERA-NET) is on to report all new installed wind and PV systems to the regulator at
actively supported by the Austrian Ministry of Transport, Innovation the end of each year. This might be the basis for a national PV register,
and Technology. which could also serve as an important tool to improve the PV power
forecasting.
Smart Grid activities in Austria are more and more focusing on
business models for new applications, where PV together with storage, MARKET DEVELOPMENT
heat pumps, electric-vehicles and other technologies offer a wide The Federal Association Photovoltaic Austria is a non-governmental
spectrum for new activities. PV is seen as an important cornerstone interest group of the solar energy industry. The association promotes
in a new and more and more digital energy world. Moreover, there solar PV at the national and international level and acts as an
is a clear tendency of private consumers to achieve a high degree of informant and intermediary between business and the political and
energy autonomy. PV in combination with storage systems, where public sectors. Its focus lies on improving the general conditions for
both technologies have shown significant cost digression in recent photovoltaic in Austria and on securing suitable framework conditions
years, offers this opportunity. Out of that trend, discussions about for stable growth and investment security. Benefiting from its strong
further financing the public grid are emerging. public relations experience, PV-Austria builds networks, disseminates
key information on the PV industry to the broader public, and
IMPLEMENTATION & MARKET DEVELOPMENT organizes press conferences and workshops. By the end of 2015, the
As mentioned above, self-consumption is more and more an additional association counted 240 companies and persons involved in the
driver of the PV development. However, a self-consumption tax was PV industry as its members.
introduced in 2014, for annual production which exceeds 25 000 kWh;
since this is far beyond the typical production by private PV systems, The 13th Annual National Photovoltaic Conference took place in
which are dominating the Austrian market traditionally, this tax does Schwaz/Tyrol in 2015. It was again a three-day event, organised by
not influence the development of private PV storage systems, but has the Technology Platform Photovoltaic and supported by the Ministry
an effect on larger systems in industry as well as small and medium of Transport, Innovation and Technology. This strategic conference
enterprises which are affected by this taxation, self-consumption has been established as THE annual come together of the innovative
is mainly seen as the decisive factor for amortisation of larger PV Austrian PV community, bringing together about 250 PV stakeholders
systems in Austria. from industry, research and administration.
Many specific conferences and workshops were organised by the Smart city projects are well supported by the Ministry of Transport,
association PV Austria. These renewable energy fairs and congresses Innovation and Technology, as well as by the Austrian Climate and
are more and more focussing on PV. Energy Fund. Within the broad range of city relevant research, PV plays
more and more a role as significant and visible sign of a sustainable
The Certified PV Training for planners and craftsmen, offered by energy future in urban areas; frequently also in combination with the
the Austrian Institute of Technology, has increased their PV program use of electric vehicles.
significantly by performing 8 day-training courses all over the country.
A further 8 courses are planned for 2016. Furthermore, specialized The level of the public know-how and interest about the potential
trainings for planners and installers are offered, since Autumn 2015, and perspectives of PV is continuously growing. Several renewable
in the areas of system quality and planning, practical knowledge on energy education courses are already implemented, some new courses
standards and guidelines for electrical engineers in practice, optimized are currently under development, as well. All of them include PV as
self-consumption of PV systems and detailed knowledge of mounting an essential part of the future energy strategy. The importance of
systems. proper education for installers and planners of PV systems will increase
depending on the market situation; the training is already available
Larger PV power plants, ranging from several 100 kWp to some MW and can be extended easily. Meanwhile, at the University of Applied
systems have been successfully installed by the utility Wien Energie as Science Vienna (Technikum-Wien), about 300 students are studying
citizens solar power plants, meaning that the project is crowdfunded at the Bachelor and Master courses in Urban Renewable Energy
by citizens. They become owner of one or several modules and will Technologies with solar and specifically PV systems as one core
receive an annual interest rate. As previous projects have shown, the element of the education.
demand is very high. Usually it only takes some hours until a new
power plant is sold out. Part of this success is the relatively high annual
interest rate, compared to the currently low market rates.
FUTURE OUTLOOK
The Austrian PV industry is strengthening their efforts to compete
on the global market, mainly through close collaboration with the
research sector, in order to boost the innovation in specific niches
of the PV market. International collaboration is very important.
Storage systems will enable increased energy autonomy and might

become a main driver in the sector, currently mainly driven by private
consumers.
Changing the energy infrastructure by adapting to fluctuating

generation is a major issue. The fruitful smart grids community in
Austria, a collaboration between research institutes industry and some
national distribution networks operators, has already create significant
results from their first demo-sites.
PV research and development will be further concentrated on

international projects and networks, following the dynamic know-how
and learning process of the worldwide PV development progress.
Mainly within the IEA PVPS Task 14 on High Penetration Photovoltaic
in Electricity Networks, commenced in 2010 and lead by Austria
is a focal point of the international research activities in this topic.
However, the national energy research programmes are also dedicated
to PV issues, with many larger projects just in operation.
Building integration is another main issue with some larger projects

having started in 2014. However, the cooperation with the building
industry is still in its early phase. The European Building Directive
moving the building sector towards active buildings with PV as a
possible central element of generation might cause a new momentum
in the building sector.
BELGIUM 43
BELGIUM
GREGORY NEUBOURG, APERE ASBL, BRUSSELS
Fig. 1 - The roof of the Belgian pavilion at the Universal Exhibition in Milano was covered with BIPV laminated photovoltaic glass from the AGC Company (either crystalline
photovoltaic cells or an organic fill).
GENERAL FRAMEWORK
Belgium reached 3,227 MWp of cumulative installed PV capacity at In Wallonia, the Qualiwatt support plan for small systems (10 kW)
the end of December 2015, according to the latest figures of the three introduced in 2014 has not yet met the success that was foreseen
regional regulators. The country added 88 MWp in 12 months, despite the attractive conditions. It replaces the previous system by
a similar growth as in the year 2014 or 2008. a premium spread over five years and calculated to obtain a simple
payback time of 8 years (5 % IRR for a 3 kWp installation after
Despite this sluggish market, and thanks to an exceptional annual solar 20 years). The plan removes the mechanism of green certificates and
radiation (1 049 kWh/kWp in Brussels), the PV electricity production keeps the yearly net-metering. Besides the financial aspects, this
reached 4 % of the total electricity demand in 2015. new plan also introduces strong quality criteria for the equipment
(European norms, factory inspection), the installer (RESCERT trainee)
In Flanders, the prosumer fee of around 85 EUR/KW depending and the installation (standard conformity declaration, standard
on the Distribution System Operator (DSO) was introduced in July 2015 contract) which restores trust for the new investors.
for all the small PV systems (<10 kW). This fixed fee enables DSOs to
charge for the cost of grid use by PV owners, without changing the For big systems in Wallonia, a change occurred in the support
system of net metering. Big systems (>10 kW) have no net-metering mechanism in 2015. There is now a system of GC reservation that
or prosumer fee, they benefit from a self-consumption scheme and controls the development of the market. The amount of GC/MWh
from an additional green certificate (GC) support scheme to ensure depends of the system size and varies between 2,4 (156 EUR) if system
that investors have an IRR of 5 % after 15 years. The support is is smaller than 250 MWp and 1,9 (123,5 EUR) if system is bigger than
recalculated every 6 months. 750 MWp. This change has strongly impacted the total installation
rhythm that went from 375 installations in 2014 to 47 in 2015.
In terms of installed capacity, Flanders installed 65 MWp in 2015, In terms of installed capacity, Wallonia installed 21 MWp in 2015,
reaching 2,3 GWp. The installation of small systems (<10 kW) was with a timid recovery of the small systems market, reaching
better than in 2014. This segment still represents 51 % of the installed 838 MWp in total.
capacity. The big plants (>250 kW) and the commercial segments
(10-250 kW) represent respectively 27 % and 22 % of the total Brussels is the first Belgian region where the yearly net-metering
installed capacity. system that has benefited small systems (< 5 kW) is going to be
removed. It will be replaced by a self-consumption scheme at the start
INDUSTRY
Issol is the last producer of classical modules, but it is not their main
activity. With Soltech and Reynaers, they are the three main companies
focusing on BIPV applications. Derbigum is specialized in amorphous
silicon. Next to these three big companies, a lot of companies work in
all parts of the value chain of PV, making the Belgian PV market a very
dynamic sector. (www.pvmapping.be)
MARKET DEVELOPMENT
Photovoltaic: Installed capacity in Belgium
MWp
3 228
Yearly 3 045 3 140
3 000
Cumulative 2 799
2 500
2 105
2 000
1 500
Fig. 2 - In January 2015, IMEC demonstrated a large area industrial crystalline 1 065 1 040
silicon n-PERT solar cell with a record 22 percent efficiency.
1 000
648 694
539
500 418
247
85 109 94 88
20 24
of 2018. The green certificates support remains operational and has 0
been increased in the beginning of 2016 for small systems to take into 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
account the removal of the net-metering scheme and to guarantee a
7 year payback time.
In terms of installed capacity, Brussels installed 2 MWp in 2015, YEAR YEARLY (MWp) CUMULATIVE (MWp)
reaching 51 MWp.
2007 84 844 108 525
NATIONAL PROGRAM
In 2010, the 2009/28/EC European Directive to reach 20 % of 2008 539 017 647 542
renewable energy was translated in Belgium into a national renewable
energy action plan with an objective of 20,9 % of renewable electricity. 2009 417 541 1 065 083
For PV, it foresaw 542,1 MW of installed capacity for the end of 2013
and 1 340 MW for 2020. At the end of 2008, the total power of all 2010 1 039 600 2 104 683
photovoltaic systems installed in Belgium was about 100 MW. By the
end of 2015, it reached more than 3 GW, which is already more than 2011 694 079 2 798 762
the double of the objective for 2020.
2012 246 648 3 045 410
Since November 2015, and after long negotiations, the national
objective of 20 % of renewable energy was translated into regional 2013 94 207 3 139 616
targets. In 2016, each region will adapt their existing roadmaps to
reach these objectives.
2014 88 064 3 227 680
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

R&D efforts are concentrated on highly efficient crystalline silicon
solar-cells, thin film (including Perovskite) and organic solar-cells Small-scale projects (< 10 KW) account for 60 % of the installed
(for example by IMEC, AGC, etc.). There is also some research on capacity with more than 361,300 installations which represent
smart PV modules that would embed additional functionalities as approximately 1 household out of 13. The other 40 % include
micro-inverters (mainly from IMEC Research Center). 7 200 large-scale projects.
CANADA 45
CANADA
YVES POISSANT AND LISA DIGNARD-BAILEY, CANMETENERGY, NATURAL RESOURCES CANADA
PATRICK BATEMAN, CANADIAN SOLAR INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION (CANSIA)
GENERAL FRAMEWORK NATIONAL PROGRAMME

Canadas Department of Natural Resources (NRCan) supports Research and Demonstration
priorities to promote the sustainable and economic development of NRCans CanmetENERGY is responsible for conducting PV R&D
the countrys natural resources, while improving the quality of life of activities in Canada that facilitate the deployment of PV energy
Canadians. CanmetENERGY [1], reporting to the Innovation and Energy technologies throughout the country. The PV program coordinates
Technology Sector of NRCan, is the largest federal energy science national research projects, contributes to international committees
and technology organization working on clean energy research, on the establishment of PV standards, produces information that
development, demonstration and deployment. Its goal is to ensure will support domestic capacity-building and organizes technical
that Canada is at the leading edge of clean energy technologies to meetings and workshops to provide stakeholders with the necessary
reduce air and greenhouse gas emissions and improve the health of information to make informed decisions. In 2015, research on the
Canadians. performance, cost and durability of PV systems in the Arctic was
identified as a priority to support the clean electricity program in
The Canadian Solar Industry Association (CanSIA) is a member of the Canadian northern territories.
International Energy Agency PVPS implementing agreement and works
with industry stakeholders and government decision makers to help In December 2015, Canadian and IEA PVPS experts shared the results
develop effective solar policy and identify key market opportunities of their research and demonstration activities at Solar Canada 2015,
for the solar energy sector. CanSIAs national annual conference in Toronto. Sessions focused on
best practices for managing higher solar PV penetrations in electricity
With the significant decline in the PV system costs and a recognition grids, including four panel sessions: Solar Implications for Distribution
of opportunities to reduce soft costs (non-equipment, regulatory Grids; Solar Variability, Forecasting, and System Operation; Smart
and administrative costs), PV generation is gradually approaching grid Inverters and System Benefits; and Smart Grid Integration [2].
parity throughout Canada. Most provincial and territorial governments
have established policies aimed at simplifying the regulatory A new Business-led Network of Centres of Excellence was established
framework for customers that want to invest in their own renewable in 2014 [3]. The Refined Manufacturing Acceleration Process (ReMAP),
energy micro-generation as part of their overall energy conservation headquartered at Toronto-based Celestica, is developing an ecosystem
measures and to reduce their electricity bills. Others are now beginning for commercialization that links academics, companies and customers.
to explore the potential of solar PV in greater levels With access to 38 labs and manufacturing lines across the country,
of deployment and at larger scales. the ReMAP network will work with participating companies from the
information and communications technologies, healthcare, aerospace,
Utility Interconnected PV Systems 2014 defence and renewable energy sectors to quickly identify innovations
that are most likely to succeed, and then accelerate the product
commercialization and global product launch.
The NSERC Smart Net-Zero Energy Buildings Strategic Network

(SNEBRN) performs research that will facilitate widespread adoption in
key regions of Canada of optimized net zero energy buildings design
and operation concepts by 2030. CanmetENERGY is contributing to
this research effort and has been leveraging its activities through
its leadership of the recently completed IEA SHC/EBC Task 40/Annex
52, entitled Towards Net Zero Energy Solar Buildings - a large
international collaboration jointly managed by the IEA SHC and EBC
programs. To achieve this objective, some 75 T40/A52 experts from
19 countries, including Canada, have documented research results and
promoted practical case studies that can be replicated worldwide [4].
Fig. 1 - Map showing the Canadian provinces, the capacity (in megawatt) and IMPLEMENTATION
the number of utility interconnected PV Systems in 2014. Ontarios Long Term Energy Plan and Procurement
The province of Ontario continued its procurements at the residential,
The Province of Ontario, Canadas most populous and second commercial and utility-scales. Residential-scale solar ( 10 kW)
largest province, leads the country in photovoltaic (PV) investments. was procured through the microFIT program which has an annual
As of September 30th 2015, the cumulative PV installed capacity stood procurement target of 50 MW. Commercial-scale solar (>10 500 kW)
at 1 766 MWAC embedded within the distribution network and was procured through the FIT program which has evolved to include
240 MWAC connected directly to the transmission grid for a total a tendering process. For the first time since 2011, the province also
of 2 006 MWAC. re-launched utility-scale procurement by running an RFP for the
Large Renewable Procurement (LRP) program which will competitively Of these seven manufacturers, five are Canadian companies.
contract 140 MW in 2015. The Ministry of Energy of Ontario held a Canadian Solar Inc. is one of the top five module producers in the
consultation on net-metering and self-consumption (NM/SC) that will world with a global market share estimated at 7 % in 2014. Its two
align with its conservation first policy for small PV systems (under crystalline silicon PV module manufacturing facilities in Guelph and
10 kW) [5]. As of September 30th 2015, the total amount of PV capacity London, Ontario employed approximately 600 workers and had a
installed and under development in Ontario was approximately maximum total annual production of 432 MW in 2014. The company
2 483 MWAC. This now represents more than 1,5 % of the electricity also has additional PV module production capacity of over 2 000 MW
mix and 220 WattsDC per capita in the province of Ontario. in China.
Jurisdictional Scan The balance of system technology manufacturing companies that

The Government of Alberta initiated its Climate Leadership consultation have development and manufacturing facilities in Canada include
in 2015 which gave rise to the announcement in November 2015 Schneider-Electric (Xantrex), Eaton and Sungrow Canada. Other
that the province will phase out coal-fired generation and triple the major brands manufacture through OEM contracts with companies
proportion of electricity it receives from renewable sources from such as Celestica, SAE Power and Sanmina.
approximately 10 % today to 30 % in 2030. In 2016, the province will
introduce an auction-based approach for procurement of large-scale MARKET
renewables and renewed regulatory frameworks for self-consumption PV power capacity in Canada grew at an annual rate of 25 % between
and community-scale generation. 1994 and 2008. In recent years this growth was 98 % in 2011, 48 %
in 2012, 54 % in 2013 and 52 % in 2014 due to the Ontario incentive
Saskatchewan also announced a new target in November 2015. programs. PV module prices have gradually declined from 6,18 CAD/
By 2030, the proportion of its electricity generation capacity from Watt in 2004 to 0,85 CAD/Watt in 2014. This represents an average
renewable sources will have doubled to 50 % in 2030. The province annual price reduction of 22 % over a 10-year period.
also committed to procuring its first utility-scale solar facilities
by RFP in 2016 and is also conducting a regulatory review for FUTURE OUTLOOK
self-consumption and small-scale generation. While each Canadian jurisdiction continues to grow rapidly annually,
Ontario continues to be the largest solar market in Canada with
The Yukon Territory initiated a successful micro-generation production more than 400 MWAC of new contracts to be awarded in 2016 for
incentive program to reimburse customers for the amount of residential, commercial and utility-scale facilities. Saskatchewan
electricity exported to the grid at a rate reflective of the avoided cost has also committed to the procurement of 60 MWAC of utility-scale
of new generation in the territory. This program now offers a tariff of facilities starting in 2016 and the potential for major market growth
0,21 CAD for grid connected and 0,30 CAD generation micro grids up is contingent on new policy development but anticipated to become
to 5 kW on shared transformer, 25 kW on a single transformer and up significant in 2016.
to 50 kW on a case by case approved by the local utility [6].
The Canadian Solar Industry Association (CanSIA) has released a
The Northwest Territories (NWT) have launched a Solar Energy Strategy roadmap that presents a vision to 2020 and that identifies key barriers
to install solar systems with the capability to supply up to 20 percent and solutions that industry leaders will address over the next 5 years [8].
of the average load in NWT diesel communities for 2012-2017 [7]. In
2015 a total of 55 systems and 650 kW were installed representing REFERENCES
14,9 Watt per capita. [1] CanmetENERGY: https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/offices-labs/canmet/5715
[2] The expert reports are publicly available, website: http://www.iea-pvps.org
INDUSTRY STATUS under Task 14 research collaboration
Canadas solar sector has experienced continued significant [3] Refined Manufacturing Acceleration Process ReMAP $7,7 million
investments over the last 5 years. Employment in PV-related areas for 2014-18: http://www.nce-rce.gc.ca/NetworksCentres-CentresReseaux/
in Canada has grown with a 2014 labour force estimated at over BLNCE-RCEE/ReMAP-AAPF_eng.asp
8 100 compared to 2 700 jobs in 2009. The PV business revenue [4] International Energy Agency Solar Heating and Cooling Task 40:
was estimated at 1 734 M CAD in 2014. This includes 600 M CAD of http://task40.iea-shc.org/
revenues generated by module manufacturers. The export market [5] Ontario PV installed power second quarterly 2015 report: http://www.ieso.
accounted for 13 % of manufacturing revenues in 2014. ca/Documents/Supply/Progress-Report-Contracted-Supply-Q22015.pdf
[6] Yukon Micro-Generation Production Incentive Program website:
Seven companies were producing PV modules in 2014, all of which http://www.energy.gov.yk.ca/microgeneration.html
have their facilities located in the province of Ontario with an [7] Northwest Territories Solar Energy Strategy (2012-2017):
estimated 778 MW production, largely for the domestic market in http://www.enr.gov.nt.ca/_live/documents/content/Solar_Energy_
Canada. This represents a 23 % growth in production from 2013. Strategy_2012-2017.pdf and Presentation by Wade Carpenter, Government
of the Northwest Territories at CanSIA Solar Conference December 8, 2015
[8] CANSIA Roadmap 2020, December 2014: http://cansia.ca/sites/default/
files/cansia_roadmap_2020_final.pdf
CHINA 47
CHINA
PV TECHNOLOGY AND PROSPECTS
WANG SICHENG, ENERGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE, CHINA NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND REFORM COMMISSION
XU HONGHUA, INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCE
LV FANG, INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCE
Fig. 1 - PV Integrated with Agriculture.
GENERAL FRAMEWORK NATIONAL PROGRAM

On Dec. 22, 2015, the National Development and Reform Commission According to latest roadmap of energy transition, the Chinese
issued the new Feed-in Tariff of PV for 2016 (NDRC [2015] No. 3044). government offers three tops: by the year of 2020, the coal
The details of PV FIT are shown below: consumption in China will reach the top level; by the year 2025,
total primary energy consumption will reach the top and by the year
2030, the emission of CO2 will reach the top and will be decreasing
TABLE 1 THE NEW FITS FOR PV POWER PLANTS later on. And the targets of energy transition are as follows: by the
A N D T H E S U B S I DY F O R D I S T R I B U T E D P V year of 2020, 15 % of total energy consumption will come from
non-fossil fuels, including renewable energy and nuclear energy; by
the year 2030, 20 % of total energy consumption will come from
FIT DISTRIBUTED PV non-fossil fuels; by the year 2050, 60 % of total energy consumption
and 90 % of electric power will come from renewable energy. To reach
these targets, total PV installation must be 150 GW by the year 2020,
SOLAR
For Excess PV 400 GW by 2030 and 2 000 GW by 2050. That means, annual average
RESOURCES FIT
self-consumed Feed-Back installation should be 20 GW during 2016-2020; annual average
(Yuan/
PV to Grid installation should be 25 GW during 2021-2030 and annual average
kWh)
(Yuan/kWh) (Yuan/kWh) installation should be 80 GW during 2031-2050.
I: 0,80 Recently, the National Energy Administration (NEA) issued The 13th
Retail Price of Wholesale
II 0,88 Solar Energy National Plan 2016-2020 (draft for comments). The main
Grid Electricity Coal-Fire Tariff
near targets are: 1) by the year of 2020, PV cumulative installation
III 0,98 +0,42 + 0,42
will be 150 GW, among them, 70 GW is distributed PV, 80 GW is
large-scale ground mounted PV and 10 GW of CSP; 2) 65 % of the
total PV installation (150 GW) will be installed in the middle and
eastern part of China and only 35 % will be installed in the west. From
From Table 1, We can see the FIT reduced for PV power plants the 13th national plan, within the next 5 years, the distributed PV will
which selling all electricity to grid and for self-consumed PV projects, grow up sharply, from only nearly 17 % today to 47 % by 2020.
the subsidy level is kept the same as before. To get enough money to
support the development of renewable energy, the surcharge level GOVERNMENT SUPPORTED SPECIFIC PROJECTS
was raised from 1,5 USDcents per kWh to 1,9 USDcents/kWh. By this During the next 5 years (2016-2020), three government supported
surcharge, 60-70 BCNY (about 10 BUSD) can be collected every year specific projects will be carried out: the Leading Runner Plan,
to subsidy PV, wind and biomass power. Micro-grid Demonstration and PV Poverty Alleviation.
Fig. 2 - Fish-Pool PV and PV on Water Surface.
Leading Runner Plan of PV

This plan is deemed to encourage advanced PV technologies and wan
to solve the problem of over-capacity by phasing out the outdated
technology and manufacturers. The requirements for the margin of
market entry and leading runner specification are shown below:
TABLE 2 SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR PV LEADING RUNNER PLAN
PV CELLS PV MODULES BASIC REQUIREMENTS LEADING RUNNER

DEGREDATION
TYPE Size of Cells Cell Number in 15,5 % 16 % Efficiency 16,5 % 17 % Efficiency LIMITS
(mm) one Module Efficiency (Wp) (Wp) Efficiency (Wp) (Wp)
156*156 60 255 / 270 /
Multi-Si 1) Within the first
156*156 72 305 / 325 / year multi-Si: 2,5 %
mono-Si: 3,0 % TF
156*156 60 / 260 / 275 PV: 5,0 %
Mono-Si
156*156 72 / 315 / 330 2) After the first
year, annual
degradation of all
a-Si Effciency 8 % Effciency 12 % type PV modules
should not be higher
than 0,7 %;
CIGS Effciency 11 % Effciency 13 % 3) The total
All Thin-Film (TF) degradation within
CdTe Effciency 11 % Effciency 13 % lifetime for all type
of PV modules
Other TF Effciency 10 % Effciency 12 % than 20 %.
1) Within the first

year, the power
degradation should
not be higher than
2,0 %;
2) After the first
year, the annual
degradation of all
HCPV 500 concentrating times Effciency 28 % Effciency 30 % type PV modules
than 0,5 %;
3) The total
degradation within
lifetime for all type
of PV modules
than 10 %.
Effciency 96 % with
DC/AC transformers;
Grid-connected Inverters
Inverter Effciency 98 % without
transformers.
CHINA 49
Fig. 3 - PV Integrated with Greenhouses.
Micro-Grid Demonstration PV Poverty Alleviation

On July 13th, NEA (National Energy Administration) issued the On December 24, 2015, NEA issued the document of Speed Up Energy
Guideline for Promoting RE Micro-grid Demonstrations (NEA (2015) Construction at Poor Regions to Push Forward Poverty Alleviation
No.265), plan to build 30-50 RE Micro-grid demonstration projects in NEA [2015]452. The main issues are:
China, include grid-connected micro-grid and off-grid stand-along 1) A total of 15 GW will be installed in next 5 years, 3 GW per year
micro-grid projects: on average;
2) The regions for PV Poverty Alleviation should have good solar
Off-Grid Isolated Micro-Grid: resources, the annual yield should be higher than 1 100 hours;
Micro-Grid for Islands 3) PV Poverty Alleviation will focus on 15 provinces, 451 poor
Micro-Grid for Remote Villages counties with 35,700 registered poor villages;
Grid-connected Micro-Grid: 4) By the year 2020, an average 3 000 Yuan income per year should
Grid-friendly Micro-Grid be provided to the registered 2 million poor families and the
Self-Balanced Micro-Grid benefits should last 20 years;
Service-Type Micro-Grid 5) The Poverty Alleviation Project is to install 3 KW of PV for each
The purposes of the demonstration is as follows: poor family. 70 % of capital cost will be subsidized by central and
Going forward to reach high-penetration of Distributed local governments. This project is to provide a money source to
RE (>50 %); the poor families.
To make fluctuant RE power become grid-friendly dispatchable
power sources; INDUSTRY AND MARKET DEVELOPMENT
To start a new market for energy storage; China has been the largest producer of PV modules in the world
Institutional Innovation and hoping to have independent since 2007.
distributors of power supply.
In 2015, total PV grade poly-silicon produced WAS about 165 000 Tons.
China now is the largest producer in poly-Si in the world (shared
48,5 % in total world production), but still needs to import about
100 000 Tons from other countries. The situation of poly-Si production
in China is shown below:
T A B L E 3 D O M E S T I C D E M A N D A N D P R O D U C T I O N O F P O L Y - S I ( 2 011 - 2 01 5 )
YEAR 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

World (Ton) 240 000 235 000 246 000 302 000 340 000
China (Ton) 84 000 71 000 84 600 136 000 165 000
Share (%) 35,00 30,21 34,39 45,03 48,53
Fig. 4 - Technicians are installing PV system for Fig. 5 - A villager is checking PV system on his own Fig. 6 - The new look of the whole village, almost
a rural house in Guzhang county, Jiangxi province. house roof. every house has an installed PV system.
In recent years, the cost of poly-silicon used in PV has been reduced

significantly. Today, the cost of poly-Si is only about 11 USD/kg and
the spot price is about 15 USD per kg.
China is the largest producer of PV modules since 2007, the situation

is shown in Table 4 below:
T A B L E 4 D O M E S T I C D E M A N D A N D P R O D U C T I O N O F P O L Y - S I ( 2 0 0 8 - 2 01 4 )
YEAR 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
PV Production (MW) 1 340 2 714 4 990 12 437 22 798 25 214 25 610 35 000 41 000
Dem. PV Market (MW) 20 40 160 500 2 700 3 560 10 680 10 640 15 000
Share of Export (%) 98,51 98,53 96,79 95,98 88,16 85,88 58,30 69,60 63,41
Chinas PV installation in 2015 is shown in Table 5:
T A B L E 5 D O M E S T I C P V I N S T A L L A T I O N B Y S E C T O R S I N 2 01 5
2015 DOMESTIC PV MARKET BY SECTORS

ANNU.INS. CUMM. INS. SHARE
No. MARKET SECTOR
(MWp) (MWp) (%)
1 Rural Electrification 10 180 0,41
2 Communication & Industry 5 85 0,20
3 PV Products 5 85 0,20
4 Distributed and Building PV 1 390 6 060 13,92
5 Ground Mounted LS-PV 13 740 37 120 85,27
Total 15 150 43 530 100,00
During 2011-2015, the cost of PV has been reduced sharply. It is

estimated that PV price will reach grid-parity with traditional coal-fire
power by the year of 2025.
TABLE 6 PRICE REDUCTION OF PV DURING THE LAST 5 YEARS
YEAR 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 (E)

Cummulative (GWp) 3,50 7,06 17,74 28,38 43,38 63,00
Module Price (CNY/Wp) 9,00 4,50 4,00 3,80 3,50 3,30
System Price (CNY/Wp) 17,50 10,00 9,00 8,00 7,00 6,50
PV Tariff (CNY/kWh) 1,15 1,00 0,9-1,0 0,8-0,98
COPPER ALLIANCE 51
COPPER ALLIANCE
THE COPPER ALLIANCES ACTIVITIES
FERNANDO NUNO, PROJECT MANAGER, EUROPEAN COPPER INSTITUTE
Fig. 2 - Electrical board.
Since copper is the material that integrates many diverse solutions in

electricity systems, LE develops and executes strategic initiatives in the
field of renewable energy such as:
Analysis of how to improve the inherent flexibility of the electricity
system and enhance its ability to cope with variable electricity
production in preparation for near 100 % renewable electricity;
Promotion of industrial demand side management (facilitating
the integration of massive renewables in the grid);
Capacity building and knowledge transfer on best practices on
renewables through application notes, webinars and e-learning
programs;
Review of scenarios for near 100 % renewable electricity systems
Fig. 1 Copper busbars. and infrastructure requirements at system level.
PV RELATED ACTIVITIES
Copper Alliance is supported by 43 industry members, all of whom are Copper Alliance supports PV development through various streams:
highly active in various areas of the complete copper production chain. In-depth market intelligence reports;
Through its market development program, Copper Alliance promotes Regular and active involvement in standardization activities at IEC
copper applications to multiple target audiences. Its policy, advocacy, level;
education and partnership initiatives are designed to translate coppers Advocacy on new business models for PV. As an example, Copper
excellent technical properties into user benefits and added-value. Alliance supports the design of economically sustainable incentive
Considering the strong linkages between carbon reductions and copper schemes for PV through the grid parity monitor
use, Copper Alliance aims to accelerate the energy transition through (www.leonardo-energy.org/photovoltaic-grid-parity-monitor),
its Leonardo ENERGY initiative. which also contributes to improving public acceptance.
Training engineers and policy makers on facilitating, designing,
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY installing and operating PV systems.
Leonardo ENERGY (LE) actively supports a low carbon economy
by facilitating knowledge and technology transfer, and promoting COPPER ALLIANCE INVOLVEMENT IN IEA PVPS
good practices in both engineering and policy making. LE runs ACTIVITIES
innovative and targeted campaigns on a broad portfolio of Copper Alliance actively participates in the IEA PVPS ExCo meetings.
copper-intensive technologies. They are designed to contribute Moreover, it contributes to Task 1 reports, such as the analysis of
significantly to energy sustainability in key areas such as building self-consumption regimes around the world. In addition to the
automation and controls, high efficiency motor systems, industrial publication of IEA PVPS reports and summaries on the Leonardo
demand side management, etc. ENERGY website, Copper Alliance successfully held two PV webinars,
reaching an audience of about 600 energy professionals.
ABOUT COPPER ALLIANCE

Headquartered in New York, NY, USA, the organization has divisions
in Asia, Europe and Africa, Latin America, and North America. It
incorporates a network of regional offices and copper promotion
centers in nearly 60 countries, which propagate the Copper
Alliance brand and are responsible for program development and
implementation, in close cooperation with their partners. Through this
international network, Copper Alliance has built up a comprehensive
resource of approximately 500 program partners from all over the
world.
Fig. 3 - Flexibility tracker tool for analysis and benchmark of different countries (http://j.mp/flexroadmap).
DENMARK 53
DENMARK
PV TECHNOLOGY STATUS AND PROSPECTS
FLEMMING KRISTENSEN, ENERGIMIDT LTD., DENMARK
PETER AHM, PA ENERGY LTD., DENMARK
Fig. 1 - Car park with a 152 kWp PV system from the town hall in Fredensborg. Fig. 2 - Gudhjem public swimming hall, Bornholm. Crowd founded by the local
Developed by Solar Park. inhabitants.
GENERAL FRAMEWORK NATIONAL PROGRAM AND IMPLEMENTATION

The Danish government launched its energy plan known as Our Denmark has no unified national PV programme, but a number of
Energy in November 2011, with the vision of a fossil free energy projects supported mainly by the Danish Energy Authoritys EUDP
supply by 2050 and interim targets for energy efficiency and renewable programme, and via the Public Service Obligation (PSO) of Danish
energy by 2020 and 2035, e.g. by 2020 50 % of the electricity shall transmission system operator, Energinet.dk, a fully government owned
come from wind turbines. The energy plan was finally agreed upon by body, i.e. the ForskVE programme targeting R&D&D in the field of
a broad coalition of parties in- and outside the government in March green electricity producing technologies.
2012. The plan, which reaches up to 2020, was further detailed in the
governments energy statements of May 2012 and April 2013. Net-metering for privately owned and institutional PV systems was
established mid 1998 for a pilot-period of four years. In late 2002 the
The energy plan further focuses on the ongoing development of net-metering scheme was extended another four years up to the end
efficient energy technologies both nationally and in the EU, and the of 2006. Net-metering has proved to be a cheap, easy to administrate
government wish to strengthen the research community and the and effective way of stimulating the deployment of PV in Denmark;
development of new and promising energy solutions. With regard to however the relative short time window of the arrangement was
renewable energy (RE), the plan sets quantifiable targets for the overall found to prevent it from reaching its full potential. During the political
contribution from RE following or surpassing the national targets negotiations in the fall of 2005, the net-metering for privately owned
as defined in the EU RE Directive, but sets only technology specific PV systems was consequently made permanent, and net-metering
targets for wind energy and biomass. - during 2012, at a level of approx. 0,30 EUR/kWh primarily because
of various taxes combined with dropping PV system prices proved
Renewable energy is not only a future option, but very much a during 2012 to be able to stimulate PV deployment seriously, as the
present and considerable element in the energy supply: by end of 2015 installed grid connected capacity during 2012 grew from about
about 45 % of the national electricity consumption was generated 13 MW to approx. 380 MW, a growth rate of about 30 times.
by renewable energy sources including incineration of waste. For PV systems qualifying for the net-metering scheme grid-parity
Ongoing research, development and demonstration of new energy was reached in 2012.
solutions including renewable energy sources have high priority in
the proposed energy plan, the main objectives being the development This dramatic growth gave rise to political debate towards the end
of a future environmental benign energy system completely free of of 2012, and the government announced a revision of the net-metering
fossil fuels. Renewable energy technologies, in particular wind, thus scheme inter alia reducing the net-metering time window from
play an important role with PV still seen as a minor but potentially one year to one hour. During the first half of 2013, a series of
fast growing RE technology to be prioritized when found more new regulations were agreed upon politically; this because the
competitive. During 2015, PV proved periodically capable of providing consequences of the new regulations were not fully clear at time of the
about 15 % of the electricity demand. decision and follow up measures were found to be necessary. By June
2013, the new regulations were finally in place including transitory
Regions and municipalities are playing an increasingly more active regulations, effectively putting a cap on future PV installations under
role in the deployment of PV as an integral element in their respective the net-metering scheme in terms of an overall maximum installed
climate and energy goals and plans, and these organisations are capacity of 800 MW by 2020; for municipal PV installations the cap
expected to play a key role in the future deployment of PV in the was set at an additional 20 MW by 2020. A standard FIT for both wind
country. However, existing regulations for municipal activities have and PV is set at 0,60 DKK/kWh (8,05 EURcents) for the first 10 years and
been found to present serious barriers for PV deployment. 0,40 DKK/kWh (5,37 EURcents) the following 10 years. A quota system
in lots of 20 MW for different targets groups has been established
and increased FIT for 10 years can be applied for in this context;
the increased FIT will be reduced year by year until it is equal to the
standard FIT.
Fig. 3 - Sunset over a 2,38 MW PV park in Kollund. Developed by Sveigaard, Fig. 4 - Roof integrated PV system by Storlkke holiday centre in Bornholm.
Herning. A part of the PV Island Bornholm R&D project. Developed by Nielsen El, Rnne.
The above mentioned uncertainties as to net-metering regulations even though being hampered in the process by the regulatory
in the first half of 2013 and the general reduction in benefits of uncertainties. The association plays a key role in the previously
the revised net-metering scheme put a damper on the market, and mentioned revision of the national PV Strategy.
a dispute during 2014 between the European Commission and the
government about the compliance of the aforementioned PSO scheme A couple of Danish module manufacturers each with an annual
with the Lisbon Treaty the PSO constituting the very base for capacity of 5-25 MW per shift are on the market. A few other
renewable energy development and deployment in the country put companies producing tailor-made modules such as window-integrated
effectively the PV market on hold. In 2015, about 183 MW installed PV cells can be found.
capacity was added leading to a total installed capacity of around
783,1 MW by end of 2015; two large scale ground mounted systems There is no significant PV relevant battery manufacturing in
alone accounted for about 110 MW. The amount of PV installations not Denmark at present, although a Li-Ion battery manufacturer has
applying for the net-metering scheme but operating in the economic shown interest in the PV market. A few companies develop and
attractive self consumption mode appears to be growing, but no firm produce power electronics for PVs, mainly for stand-alone systems for
data is available yet. the remote-professional market sector such as telecoms, navigational
aids, vaccine refrigeration and telemetry.
The main potential for deployment of PVs in Denmark has been
identified as building applied or integrated systems. However, during A number of companies are acting as PV system integrators, designing
2015, a couple of ground based centralised PV systems in the range of and supplying PV systems to the home market. With the rapidly
50 to 60 MW have been commissioned. expanding market in 2012, the number of market actors increased fast,
but many upstarts have disappeared again since 2013. Danish investors
The Danish Energy Agency commissioned a revision of the national have entered the PV scene acting as holding companies, e.g. for cell/
PV Strategy in 2015; the revision which will be carried out in module manufacturing in China.
consultation with a broad range of stakeholders is expected to be
completed primo 2016. Consultant engineering companies specializing in PV application in
developing countries report a slowly growing business area.
In late 2015, the Danish Energy Agency forecasted PV to reach
1,75 GW by 2020 (5 % of power consumption) and more than 3 GW Total PV business volume in 2015 is very difficult to estimate with
by 2025 (8 % of power consumption); the figures, which were made any degree of accuracy due to the commercial secrecy surrounding
public early 2016, were part of a revised general energy sector forecast. the above mentioned business developments. However, the business
volume of about 183 MW on the domestic market is estimated at
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT around 265 MEUR and combined with exports the estimate is around
R&D efforts are concentrated on Silicon processing, crystalline Si cells 300 MEUR.
and modules, polymer cells and modules and power electronics. R&D
efforts exhibit commercial results in terms of export in particular for The cumulative installed PV capacity in Denmark (including Greenland)
inverters but also for custom made components. has been estimated at a bit more than 800 MW by the end of 2015.
Penetration and high penetration of PV in grid systems are being FUTURE OUTLOOK
researched and demonstrated, and network codes are under revision The new liberal minority government, which came into power in June
to accommodate a high penetration of inverter-based decentral 2015, has announced the intention to reduce the annual government
generation, as well as to conform to the EU wide harmonisation under funds, which until now have been set at 135 MEUR and allocated to
development in Entso-E/EC. R&D into energy and renewables. How this reduction will affect the
PV sector is not yet clear.
A Danish PV industrial association (Dansk Solcelle Forening) was The future market development for PV in Denmark will strongly
established in late 2008. With about 75 members, the association depend on the impact of the revised net-metering scheme, including
has provided the emerging PV industry with a single voice and is the caps mentioned above, following the settlement between the
introducing ethical guidelines for its members. The association has European Commission and the government to be reached before the
formulated a strategy aiming at 5 % of the electricity for private end of 2016. The emerging market sector of PV installations for own
households coming from PV by 2020, but is now revising this target, consumption is growing, however, there is little firm data on this new
submarket.
EUROPEAN COMMISSION
SUPPORT TO RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND DEMONSTRATION ACTIVITIES ON PHOTOVOLTAICS AT EUROPEAN UNION LEVEL
FABIO BELLONI, EUROPEAN COMMISSION, DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
PIETRO MENNA, EUROPEAN COMMISSION, DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR ENERGY
THE EUROPEAN ENERGY POLICY FRAMEWORK RESEARCH AND DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMME

The Energy Union framework strategy launched in February 2015 Horizon 2020, the EU framework programme for research and
set out the strategic vision to bring about the transition to a innovation for the period 2014-2020, is structured along three
low-carbon, secure and competitive economy in the European strategic objectives: Excellent science, Industrial leadership, and
Union [1]. The Energy Union consists of five interrelated dimensions: Societal challenges [6]. With a budget of about 30 BEUR, the third
security of energy supply; internal energy markets; energy efficiency; objective -Societal challenges- focuses on six key areas: health,
decarbonisation of the energy mix; and research and innovation demographic change and well-being; food security, sustainable
in the energy field. These dimensions were described elsewhere [2]. agriculture, marine and maritime research, and the bio-based economy;
secure, clean and efficient energy; smart, green and integrated
The Energy Union strategy places consumers at the core of the transport; climate action, resource efficiency and raw materials;
EU energy policy, encouraging them to take full ownership of the inclusive, innovative and secure societies. In particular, the specific
energy transition. As the emerging self-consumption model opens goal of the Secure, Clean and Efficient Energy challenge, with an
new opportunities for energy consumers, the European Commission allocation of about 5,9 BEUR, is to make the transition to a reliable,
provided insights and identified best practices on renewable energy affordable, publicly accepted, sustainable and competitive energy
self-consumption in the EU [3]. system, aiming at reducing fossil fuel dependency in the face of
increasingly scarce resources, increasing energy need, and climate
More recently, the first State of the Energy Union reported on change.
progress over the year 2015 and identified key issues requiring specific
attention in 2016 [4]. Progress made, the way forward and policy The Call Competitive low-carbon energy of the Energy Challenge,
conclusions are presented for each of the five dimensions. With the covering the Work Programme (WP) for the period 2014-2015, was
State of the Energy Union it is remarked how the implementation published in December 2013. Amongst the others, this Call addressed
of the Energy Union strategy and the accomplishment of the energy four PV specific challenges, divided into two more general topics:
transition requires strategic planning. However, only around a third LCE 2 (Developing the next generation technologies of renewable
of Member States (MSs) currently have comprehensive energy and electricity and heating/cooling) and LCE 3 (Demonstration of
climate strategies in place beyond 2020, including national indicative renewable electricity and heating/cooling technologies). The LCE
targets for greenhouse gas emissions, renewables and energy 2 topic concerned technology development, whereas technology
efficiency. This is a matter of concern in view of the necessity to create demonstration and supply-side market readiness were addressed in
a predictable framework for investments in areas which often require LCE 3. The following PV specific challenges were comprised within the
long-term planning. Integrated national energy and climate plans, LCE 2 topic: 1. Developing next generation high performance PV cells
addressing all five dimensions of the Energy Union, are necessary tools and modules (for the year 2014); and 2. Developing very low-cost
to have more strategic planning. PV cells and modules (for the year 2015). The PV specific challenges
under LCE 3 concerned: 1. Accelerating the development of the
D E P L OY M E N T EU Inorganic Thin-Film (TF) industry (for the year 2014); and 2. PV
In 2014, about 7 GW of new photovoltaic (PV) capacity was installed integrated in the built environment (for the year 2015). Evaluations
in the European Union, bringing the cumulative PV capacity to about for these specific challenges are now concluded; two projects have
86 GW. Following the annual newly installed capacity maximum been granted under the 2014 LCE 2 challenge, one under the 2015
reached in 2011, with more than 22,5 GW installed that year, a LCE 2 challenge, and one more under the 2015 LCE 3 challenge.
shrinking market was recorded for the third year in a row. The EU A new Call for Competitive low-carbon energy has been published
global market share was lower than 18 % in 2014, while it represented within the Energy Challenge, covering the WP for the period
about 74 % of the global market in 2011. The cumulated PV capacity 2016-2017 (publication date: 13 October 2015). The Call comprises
installed in the EU countries with more than 1 GW at the end of 2014 six PV specific challenges, divided into five topics: LCE 7 (Developing
is reported in Fig. 1. The European market might shrink for different the next generation technologies of renewable electricity and
reasons (phasing out of support schemes, restricted access to credit, heating/cooling), LCE 9 (Increasing the competitiveness of the EU
introduction of caps, and retroactive changes). The solar electricity PV manufacturing industry; opening date: 27/05/2016; submission
production is estimated at about 85 TWh, with Germany and Italy deadline: 8/09/2016), LCE 10 (Reducing the cost of PV electricity;
together accounting for more than 65 % of the whole solar electricity opening date: 26/05/2017, deadline: 7/09/2017), LCE 21 (Market uptake
production. A further element of consideration is that the increasing of renewable energy technologies; opening date: 30/09/2015, deadline:
deployment of variable renewables in the EU adds to the challenges 5/01/2017), LCE 37 (Support to the energy stakeholders to contribute
for their integration and their balancing in the electricity system. to the SET-Plan; opened on 30/09/2015, deadline: 05/04/2016).
In this respect, Europe represents today the most advanced The PV specific challenges under LCE 7 concern: 1. Developing
and innovative system worldwide to demonstrate the integration next-generation increased efficiency high-performance crystalline
of photovoltaics into the energy sector. silicon c-Si PV cells and modules (for the year 2016; opened on
30/09/2015, deadline: 16/02/2016); 2. Developing next-generation
40
2012
35
2013
2014
30
Photovoltaic capacity (GW)
25
20
15
10
0
Germany Italy Spain France Belgium UK Greece Czech Rep Romania Bulgaria Netherlands
Fig. 1 - Cumulated installed photovoltaic capacity in some EU countries [5].
increased-efficiency high-performance perovskite PV cells and arrangements for cooperative discussions with MSs / Associated
products (for the year 2017; opening date: 16/09/2016, deadline: Countries (ACs) and the Commission services. The main role of ETIPs
5/01/2017). is to provide strategic advice to MS/ACs and the EC on all issues
relevant to progressing their R&I efforts, building on consensus
Furthermore, complementary activities in the field of PV are supported among the stakeholders. The ETIPs are foreseen to be a continuation
under a variety of topics within the Horizon 2020 WP; e.g., LCE 1 and of the European Technology Platforms (ETPs) and European
LCE 6 (New Knowledge and Technologies) in the 2014/15 and 2016/17 Industry Initiatives (EIIs) in a single platform, with the freedom of
WP for the Energy Challenge, respectively, or the topic NMBP 19-2016 self-organisation. Accordingly, the Solar European Industry Initiative
(Advanced Materials Solutions and Architectures for High Efficiency (SEII) [2] is going to evolve towards the ETIP PV.
Solar Energy Harvesting), included in the 2016/17 WP for Leadership
in Enabling and Industrial Technologies Nanotechnologies, Advanced Strategic Targets in Photovoltaic Solar Energy
Materials, Biotechnology and Advanced Manufacturing and Processing. In view of progressing the implementation of the actions contained
in the SET-Plan Communication, and specifically the actions concerned
SET-PLAN ACTIONS AND INITIATIVES with the priority Number 1 in Renewable Energy [7], a series
Towards the European Technology and Innovation Platform of Issues Papers for different areas of the energy sector (including PV)
on Photovoltaics have been issued, jointly prepared by the services of the European
The Communication Towards an Integrated Strategic Energy Commission and discussed with the representatives of EU MSs and
Technology (SET) Plan: Accelerating the European Energy System countries part of the SET Plan. The Issues Papers basically propose
Transformation [7] lists 10 key actions, addressing the R&I and strategic targets to stakeholders. For PV, the overarching goals are
competitiveness priorities of the 5th pillar of the Energy Union. to re-build EU technological leadership in the sector by pursuing
These key actions, formulated on the basis of the SET Plan Integrated high-performance PV technologies and their integration in the EU
Roadmap [2,8], are essential to develop and integrate innovative energy system; and to bring down the levelised cost of electricity
technologies and system solutions that will accelerate the transition from PV rapidly and sustainably.
to a low-carbon economy. The SET Plan governance needs to be
adapted to ensure, through structured and targeted exchanges The input from, and positions of, stakeholders for each area addressed
on common priorities and commitments, the cooperation of all by the Issues Papers have been used to come to an agreement on
stakeholders to deliver on the key actions and hence to achieve the targets in a dedicated meeting of the SET Plan Steering Group with
objectives of the Energy Union. a representation of key stakeholders. As for PV, the agreement has
followed consultations with the European Photovoltaic Technology
One of the main novelties of the SET Plan governance is the Platform (PVTP), the European Construction Technology Platform
establishment of European Technology and Innovation Platforms (ECTP), the EERA Joint Programme on Photovoltaics (EERA JP-PV), and
(ETIPs), structures gathering all the relevant stakeholders, with the European Platform of Universities in Energy Research & Education
(EUA-EPUE), as well as a public consultation via the SETIS website [9]. REFERENCES
This agreement takes into consideration the responding Input Papers [1] A Framework Strategy for a Resilient Energy Union with a Forward-Looking
from the stakeholders, public comments available on the SETIS website Climate Change Policy, COM(2015)80, Brussels, 25.2.2015
and discussions held in the SET-Plan Steering Group meeting of [2] P. Menna, F. Belloni, Support to research, development and demonstration
9 December 2015. activities on photovoltaics at European Union level, IEA PVPS Annual Report
2014, pp 54-56.
The agreed strategic targets in PV solar energy are here reported: [3] Best practices on renewable energy self-consumption, SWD (2015) 141 final,
1. Major advances in efficiency of established technologies (c-Si and Brussels 15.7.2015
TFs) and new concepts: [4] State of the Energy Union 2015, COM(2015) 572 final.
Increase PV module efficiency by at least 20 % by 2020 [5] For the years 2012 and 2013, the source is Photovoltaic Barometer,
compared to 2015 levels; Eurobserver-Systmes Solaires (April 2014). For the year 2014, the source is
Increase PV module efficiency by at least 35 % by 2030 Global Market Outlook For Solar Power / 2015 2019 (SolarPower Europe,
compared to 2015, including the introduction of novel Mid 2015).
PV technologies. [6] REGULATION (EU) No 1291/2013 of 11 December 2013 establishing Horizon
2. Reduction of the cost of key technologies: 2020 - the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020),
Reduce turn-key system costs by at least 20 % by 2020 as OJ L 347/104 (20.12.2013).
compared to 2015; [7] Towards an Integrated Strategic Energy Technology (SET) Plan: Accelerating
Reduce turn-key system costs by at least 50 % by 2030 the European Energy System Transformation, COM (2015) 6317 final.
compared to 2015 with the introduction of novel, potentially [8] Towards an Integrated Roadmap: Research & Innovation Challenges and
very-high-efficiency PV technologies manufactured at large Needs of the EU Energy System, JRC/SETIS, http://setis.ec.europa.eu/set-
scale. plan-implementation/towards-integrated-roadmap-and-action-plan.
3. Further enhancement of lifetime, quality and sustainability: [9] Strategic Energy Technologies Information System (SETIS),
Increase module lifetime to a guaranteed power output time https://setis.ec.europa.eu
(at 80 % of initial power) to 30 years by 2020 and 35 years
by 2025;
Minimize life-cycle environmental impact along the whole
value chain of PV electricity generation, increase recyclability
of module components.
4. Enabling mass realisation of (near) Zero Energy Buildings by
Building-Integrated PV (BIPV):
Establish structural collaborative innovation efforts between
the PV sector and key sectors from the building industry;
Develop BIPV elements, which at least include thermal insulation
and water protection, to entirely replace roofs or facades and
reduce their additional cost by 50 % by 2020, and by 75 %
by 2030 compared to 2015 levels, including with flexibility in
the production process.
5. Major advances in manufacturing and installation:
Increase large scale manufacturing concepts and capabilities by
demonstrating PV production capabilities of at least 20 m2 per
minute by 2020;
Develop PV module and system design concepts that enable fast
and highly automated installation, to reduce the installation
costs of both ground-mounted arrays and building renovation,
by 2020.
The stakeholders have agreed to develop, within 6 months, a detailed

implementation plan for the delivery of these targets, to determine
joint and/or coordinated actions; to identify the ways in which the
EU and national research and innovation programmes could most
usefully contribute; to identify the contributions of the private sector,
research organizations, and universities; and to identify all issues of a
technological, socio-economic, regulatory or other nature that may be
of relevance in achieving the targets. The stakeholders intend to use the
ETIP PV as the main vehicle for discussions on the implementation plan.
FINLAND
KARIN WIKMAN, PROGRAMME MANAGER, TEKES, THE FINNISH FUNDING AGENCY
JERO AHOLA, PROFESSOR, LUT, LAPPEENRANTA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
Fig. 1 - Wall-mounted solar PV panels at LUT (Photo: Lappeenranta University Fig. 2 - Suvilahti Solar PV plant in Helsinki (Photo: Helen Oy
of Technology www.lut.fi). www.helen.fi).

A long-term objective of Finland is to be a carbon-neutral society. Sciences. There is also active research on silicon solar cells at Aalto
This challenge is particularly great in the energy sector. Approximately University, on high-efficiency multi-junction solar cells based on
80 % of all greenhouse gas emissions in Finland come from energy III-V semiconductors at Tampere University of Technology, and
production and consumption, when transport energy use is included. on roll-to-roll printing or coating processes for photovoltaics at
At the energy policy level, the National Climate and Energy Strategy is VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. In addition, there are
updated by each government. The latest update was released in 2013, research groups working on dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC), organic
and the work for the next one is in progress. photovoltaic (OPV) and atomic layer deposition (ALD) technologies at
Aalto University and the Universities of Helsinki and Jyvskyl.
NATIONAL PROGRAMME The research work in universities is mainly funded by the Academy
Currently, there are no specific objectives nor a national programme of Finland and Tekes the Finnish Funding Agency for Innovation.
for photovoltaic power generation in Finland. Instead, solar PV Tekes also finances company-driven development and demonstration
is considered an energy technology among others that can be used projects. The largest R&D company in the field of solar PV is ABB. There
to enhance the energy efficiency of buildings by producing electricity are no specific budget lines or allocations or programs for solar energy
for self-consumption. To support PV installations, the Ministry R&D&I in Finland, but PV is funded as part of open energy research
of Employment and the Economy has granted investment subsidies programmes. Over the last few years, the average public spending on
to renewable energy production. The support is only intended for PV has been approx. 3 MEUR per annum. The Academy of Finland is
companies, communities and public organizations, and it will be financing basic research with an estimated annual contribution of
provisioned based on applications. Thus far, the subsidy level has been approx. 0,5 MEUR, while Tekes is funding applied research, innovation
30 % of the total project costs. Agricultural companies are also eligible and demonstrations with approx. 2,5 MEUR per annum.
to apply an investment subsidy of 35 % for PV installations from the
Agency of Rural Affairs. Individual persons are able to get a tax credit INDUSTRY AND MARKET DEVELOPMENT
for the work cost component of the PV system installation. The sum is For a long time, the PV market in Finland has been dominated by
45 % of the total work cost including taxes. The tax credit can only be small off-grid systems. There are more than half a million holiday
applied when the PV installation is implemented as a retrofit. homes in Finland, a significant proportion of which are powered
by an off-grid PV system capable of providing energy for lighting,
R&D refrigeration and consumer electronics. The amount of off-grid
In Finland, the R&D activities on solar PV are spread out over PV capacity in Finland is estimated to be approx. 10 MWp. Since 2010,
a wide array of universities. Academic applied research related to the number of grid-connected PV systems has gradually increased.
solar systems, grid integration, power electronics and condition Presently, the market of grid-connected systems outnumbers the
monitoring are conducted at Aalto University, Lappeenranta market of off-grid systems. The grid-connected PV systems are mainly
University of Technology and Tampere University of Technology as roof-mounted installations on public and commercial premises and in
well as at Metropolia, Satakunta and Turku Universities of Applied private dwellings. By the end of 2015, the installed grid-connected
PV capacity was estimated to be approximately 10 MWp.
FRANCE 59
FRANCE
YVONNICK DURAND AND PAUL KAAIJK, FRENCH ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (ADEME)

In 2015, the French government took several new measures in favour (based on the difference between the market price and a reference
of the photovoltaic sector, enacted the Energy Transition Act for Green tariff). The multi-year energy plan (PPE), still unpublished, will set out
Growth and hosted the United Nations on Climate Change Conference the specific financial conditions under which the objectives will be
(COP21). achieved.
The new measures raised the 2020 National target volume of The UN Conference on Climate Change (COP21) took place in Paris
PV installations from the current 5 400 MW to 8 000 MW, increased by in December 2015 attracting 20 000 delegates. The leaders of the
10 % the T4 feed-in tariff for PV roofs with simplified integration, and 195 countries in attendance adopted the Paris Agreement to limit
increased the target volumes of the two on-going calls for tenders to average global warming to well below 2 C before the end of the
240 MW and 1 100 MW respectively. century. As one of the major side events of COP21, India and France
launched an International Solar Alliance to boost solar energy in
In early 2015, the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) launched two developing countries.
calls for tenders, one for rooftop systems (100 kW to 250 kW) for a
total volume of 120 MW, the target volume being later doubled to From a national perspective, the French Agency ADEME has
240 MW (3 80 MW), and the other for the installation of 50 MW of conducted a prospective study entitled, A 100% Renewable Electricity
photovoltaic plants (> 100 kW) with storage in non-interconnected Mix? - Analyses and Optimisations. The study identifies the technical
territories (ZNI). At the end of the year, the Ministry of Environment, measures to be implemented (strengthening electricity grids, load
Energy and Sea released the results of the CRE3 call for tenders with shedding and storage) for a growth policy in renewable electricity
a total power of 1 100 MW and also published a calendar of new calls generation.
for tenders totalling 4 350 MW between 2016 and 2019. All these
measures were well received by the solar industry. By the end of 2015, the PV industry had added 879 MW of grid-
connected PV systems bringing the French cumulative capacity to
The Energy Transition Act for Green Growth was passed by the 6 549 MW.
French Parliament in August 2015. For the Minister for Environment
the law embodies a great ambition to make France an exemplary NATIONAL AND REGIONAL PROGRAMMES
nation in terms of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, diversifying The French photovoltaic sector development is historically driven by
its energy model and increasing the deployment of renewable energy a national policy of feed-in tariffs. Alternatively, PV systems above
sources. The laws main objectives include GHG reduction (- 40 % by 100 kW can apply to calls for tenders.
2030 compared to 1990 levels), energy efficiency (reducing demand by
50 % in 2050 compared to 2012 levels), the diversification of energy Feed-in Tariffs
supply through a reduced consumption of nuclear and fossil fuels and Feed-in tariffs aim at promoting building-integrated photovoltaic
an accelerated deployment of renewables (32 % of the final energy systems (Table 1). They are guaranteed over a period of 20 years and
consumption in 2030 and 40 % of the electricity production). The paid for by electricity consumers.
law creates a new support mechanism for renewables above 0,5 MW
(starting 1 January 2017), in which electrical energy will be sold In 2015, the Ministry of Environment decided on a 10 % increase
directly on the electricity market and will benefit from a premium of the T4 tariff in order to boost simplified building-integration (ISB)
systems.
T A B L E 1 P V F E E D - I N T A R I F F S F O R T H E 4 T H Q U A R T E R O F 2 01 5 ( E U R / k W h )
TARIFF CATEGORY POWER OF PV TARIFF Q4 2015 2015 ANNUAL VARIATION SINCE

AND PV SYSTEM TYPE INSTALLATION (W) (EUR/kWh) VARIATION (%) MARCH 2011 (%)
T1 Full building-
P 9 kW 0,2539 - 5,9 % - 44,8 %
integration (IAB)
T4 - Simplified building- P 36 kW 0,1440 + 4,8 % - 52,6 %
integration (ISB) 36 kW < P 100 kW 0,1368 + 4,8 % - 52,5 %
T5 - Other installations P < 12 MW 0,0612 -10 % - 49,0 %
NOTE 1: In 2013, T2 and T3 tariffs were included into T1 and T4 categories. NOTE 2: Increase of T4 tariff in 2015.
Source: CRE, Ministry of Environment, Energy and Sea.
National Calls for Tenders for PV Systems above 100 kW in the 15th arrondissement in Paris, was inaugurated by the
Table 2 provides a summary of all national calls for tenders launched French President in November 2015. The building houses the new
by the French Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) under the headquarters of the French Ministry of Defence and features an
supervision of the Ministry of Environment. There are three types of 820 kW BIPV rooftop with specially designed zinc coloured c-Si PV
calls for tenders: modules similar to zinc roofs in Paris (Figure 2).
1. The first relates to the construction and operation of photovoltaic
installations between 100 kW and 250 kW which have to To help collectivities in their PV development strategies, ADEME has
comply with the rules governing simplified building integration published Photovoltaics and Territorial Collectivities, a guide with
(ISB). In March 2015, the CRE launched a third series of calls with case-studies on the economic, societal and environmental benefits of
a target volume of 120 MW over three phases of PV systems at local level.
40 MW each. In July 2015, a volume of 120 MW was added to
the call for agricultural buildings. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
2. The second type of calls for tenders relates to the construction In France, PV research, development and innovation (RDI) activities
and operation of photovoltaic installations above 250 kW and cover the full spectrum of topics and involve most of the industrial
up to 12 MW. Applications are PV on buildings, PV carports, and public research laboratories working in the sector. RDI projects are
ground-mounted PV power plants on fixed structures or with funded by national public agencies ADEME, ANR and Bpifrance. These
solar trackers, and concentrator CPV power plants. For both organisations are in charge of managing the government programme
types of calls, projects are selected on the electricity selling price called Investments for the Future (PIA) and the Single Interministerial
proposed by the bidder over a period of 20 years, as well as on Fund (FUI). Regional councils can also provide additional financial
the carbon footprint assessment of the PV module manufacturing support for collaborative projects. All projects are funded through
process. subsidies and/or repayable advances.
In 2015, the initial 400 MW target volume of the third CRE call
launched in November 2014 was almost tripled, which led to The RDI strategy 2014-2020 of the French Environment and Energy
the selection by the Ministry of 253 projects for a total power Management Agency (ADEME) is to call for research projects that
of over 1 100 MW. There was a 15 % to 23 % fall in the average accompany the energy and environmental transition. Calls for
electricity selling prices compared to those listed in the previous proposals cover the topics of innovative component processes,
CRE2 selection (Table 2). PV building integration technologies, network integration of
3. The third type of national calls refers to non-interconnected renewables, smart electrical systems, etc. ADEME manages 13 RDI
insular territories (ZNI) i.e. Corsica and the French overseas projects whose funding comes either from PIA or from its own budget.
departments. In May 2015, the CRE issued a call to install 50 MW Three new projects under private-public partnerships were selected in
of PV plants (> 100 kW) with storage. The target volume is 2015: smart module with micro-inverter, bifacial cells and new
equally divided between installations on buildings and ground- cell architecture.
mounted plants (submission deadline 20 November 2015).
In July 2015, the French National Research Agency (ANR) published a
At the end of 2015, the calls for tenders for systems above list of six new basic PV research projects on perovskites, nanowires and
100 kW resulted in the selection of 1 822 PV installations with a new type of transparent electrodes as defined under the topic Clean,
a total power of 2 279 MW (Table 2). Secure and Efficient Energy, one of the nine societal challenges of the
National Strategic Agenda.
In November 2015, the Ministry of Environment issued the 2016-
2019 provisional calendar of national calls for tenders for systems INES, the National Solar Energy Institute, is the main organisation
above 100 kW, providing for the installation of 4 350 MW, of which in charge of RDI and training on solar energy. Its PV activity covers
1 350 MW will be installed on buildings and 3 000 MW will be crystalline silicon (from feedstock to cells), organic materials, PV
ground-mounted (Table 3). modules, PV components and systems, as well as storage, building
applications and solar powered mobility.
Regional and Local Initiatives
In recent years Frances regional, departmental and municipal IPVF, the Institut Photovoltaque dle-de-France (IPVF) brings
authorities have set up several photovoltaic promotion policies. The together several public research teams and industry laboratories in
regions of Alsace, Aquitaine, Guadeloupe, Languedoc-Roussillon, Pays order to carry out further research into thin film materials, processes
de la Loire and Poitou-Charentes have issued calls for proposals for and machinery, and to develop advanced concepts for high efficiency
photovoltaic self-consumption projects. cells and modules.
At a local level, a number of municipalities are implementing their Other public research teams from the CNRS (National Organisation
Climate-Energy Plan. For example, Paris is currently implementing for Scientific Research) and from universities together with
several eco-district projects. A notable low energy building situated engineering schools contribute to national and transnational RDI
FRANCE 61
Fig. 1 Grid-connected cumulative installed PV capacity in the French Fig. 2 820 kW BIPV rooftop with specially designed zinc coloured c-Si PV
departments at the end of 2015: 6,5 GW and 365 000 PV installations modules similar to zinc roofs in Paris (Photo: ANMA, R. Nicolas-Nelson/
(source: SOeS). Arme de lAir).
TA B L E 2 S U M M A R Y O F C A L L F O R T E N D E R S F O R P V S Y S T E M S A B O V E 10 0 kW
TARGET
ACHIEVED NUMBER OF AVERAGE SELLING
CALL TYPE VOLUME
VOLUME (MW) INSTALLATIONS PRICE (EUR/MWh)
(MW)
First (2011-07) and
212* (1st series)
second series of 360 MW 279 1 343
162* (2nd series)
1 Simplified calls calls (2013-03)
100 kW to 250 kW Third series of calls
Simplified building integration 3 phases (launched 3 40 doubled
2015-03) n/a n/a n/a
1 phase Results to be
st to 3 80
published in 2016
CRE1 (2011-09) 213* (CRE1)
950 900 226
2 Ordinary calls CRE2 (2013-03) 142* (CRE2)
250 kW to 12 MW 400 almost Large roof: 129 (-18 %**)
Large roof, PV carport, CRE3 (2014-11) 1 100 PV carport: 124 (-15 %**)
Ground-mounted plant, CPV Results published in tripled to (Applications: 2 200 MW)
253
2015-12
1 100 MW Ground-mounted: 82
(-23 %**)
3 PV plants > 100 kW ZNI 1 (2015-05)

Results to be published 50 n/a n/a n/a
with storage for ZNI*** in 2016
Total (not incl. 3rd series
2 410 MW 2 279 MW 1 822 installations
and ZNI calls)
* Weighted average calculated on eligible projects corresponding to different types of systems. Provisional value.
** Compared to preceding call.
*** ZNI: non-interconnected territories (Corsica and French overseas departments).
Source: CRE and Ministry of Environment, Energy and Sea.
T A B L E 3 P R O V I S I O N A L C A L E N D A R O F C A L L S F O R T E N D E R S 2 01 6 - 2 01 9 ( M W )
APPLICATION 2 01 6 2 01 7 2 01 8 2 01 9 TOTAL
Rooftop 2 calls 150 3 150 3 150 1 150 1 350
Ground-mounted 1 call 500 2 500 2 500 1 500 3 000
Total 800 1 450 1 450 650 4 350
Source: Ministry of Environment, Energy and Sea.
Fig. 3 230 MW PV plant, near Bordeaux, mounted on fixed structures with an east-west orientation (Photo: Neoen,
Clemessy).
programmes, including the European Horizon 2020 programme and During 2015, an estimated volume of 879 MW (939 MW in 2014,
the Solar-ERA-Net network. French experts participate in the various 651 MW in 2013) was grid-connected representing some 16 865
Tasks of IEA PVPS among which, the new Task 15 Enabling Framework PV installations (source: SOeS, Observation and Statistics Office, Feb.
for the Acceleration of BIPV. 2016). PV systems up to 9 kW contributed 9 % of annual installed
photovoltaic power and systems between 9 kW and 100 kW 16 %.
The 5th Photovoltaic National Days (JNPV), organised near Paris PV systems above 100 kW all resulting from calls for tenders
by the CNRS and the Federation of PV Research Labs (FedPV) from contributed 75 %. The 230 MW Cestas PV plant installed near
1 to 4 December 2015, offered PV researchers the opportunity to Bordeaux, contributed 26 % of annual power. The plant is mounted
present and discuss their work. on fixed structures with an east-west orientation (Figure 3).
INDUSTRY AND MARKET DEVELOPMENT At the end of 2015, the cumulative grid-connected PV power
The Journal du Photovoltaque (May 2015) provides an overview capacity in France was estimated at 6 549 MW with some
of about 250 stakeholders showing that all professions are represented 364 830 PV installations (Table 4). Figure 1 shows the distribution
in the French photovoltaic value chain from manufacturing materials, of PV installations in the French departments. Building-integrated
ingots/cells/modules, production equipment and a variety of systems amounted to 62 % of capacity while ground-mounted
components and products all the way to system planning and PV plants stood at 38 % (source: ObservER and ADEME).
implementation. Photovoltaic modules are produced by nine
manufacturers with a total production capacity of 800 MW.
T A B L E 4 G R I D - C O N N E C T E D P V C A P A C I T Y A T T H E E N D O F D E C E M B E R 2 01 5 ( P R O V I S I O N A L )
CUMULATIVE NUMBER
CUMULATIVE POWER
POWER CATEGORY OF PV ISNTALLATIONS
A T T H E E N D O F 2 01 5 ( % , M W )
A T T H E E N D O F 2 01 5
Up to 9 kW (T1 FiT) 16 % 91 %
From 9 kW to 100 kW (T4 FiT) 19 % 7,2 %
Above 100 kW (calls for tenders) 65 % 1,8 %
Total (provisional) 6 549 MW 364 830 installations
Source: SOeS after ERDF, RTE, EDF-SEI, CRE and main ELD.
GERMANY 63
GERMANY
PHOTOVOLTAIC BUSINESS IN GERMANY STATUS AND PROSPECTS
KLAUS PRUME, CHRISTOPH HNNEKES, PROJEKTTRGER JLICH (PTJ), FORSCHUNGSZENTRUM JLICH GMBH

The Energiewende, the transformation of the energy system, is a
core task for Germanys environmental and economic policy. Overall
objective is an environmental friendly, reliable and economically
feasible energy supply. Furthermore, it was decided in 2011 to
terminate the production of nuclear power until 2022. Therefore, the
Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) defined an
energy agenda comprising 10 key projects to approach this goal of the
energy transition during the 18th legislative term. [1]
The goals are to be reached firstly by efficient energy use and secondly
by the use of renewable energies. The German Energy Concept states
that renewable energies will contribute the major share to the energy
mix of the future. With respect to the electricity supply, the share for
renewable energies has reached approx. 32,5 % of the gross electricity
consumption of Germany in 2015. This is already close to the first
target of the German Energy Concept [2] to reach 35 % in 2020
(long term target: 80 % in 2050).
Photovoltaic (PV) is a major part of this development driven by the

Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) [3] on the one hand and a
noticeable decrease of system prices on the other hand. A capacity
of 1,5 GW PV power has been newly installed in Germany in 2015
(see Figure 2). This results into a total installed PV capacity of 39,7 GW
connected to the electricity grid. Subsequently, PV contributed
38,5 TWh (approx. 6 %) to the annual gross electricity generation
of 647,1 TWh [4]. The total amount of electricity generated by grid
connected PV systems increased by 6 % in comparison to the Fig. 1 - Test faade for various building integrated PV systems
previous year [5]. (Photo: Maria Roos, Fraunhofer IWES, Kassel).
NATIONAL PROGRAMME
The responsibility for all energy related activities are concentrated For small PV systems, the FiT depends mainly on the system size.
within the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi). It includes a monthly adapted degression rate of the FiT, which
Up to now, the main driving force for the PV market in Germany is depends on the previously installed PV capacity. This procedure tends
the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG 2014). In terms of achieving to stimulate a yearly installation of 2,4 2,6 GW. No further reduction
expansion targets for renewable energies in the electricity sector, of the FiT was executed from October 2015 on since the installed
the EEG is the most effective funding instrument at the German capacity dropped below this range in the last two years. Details on
governments disposal. It determines the procedure of grid access for the development of the FiT can be found in [6]. Table 1 shows the
renewable energies and guarantees favourable Feed-in-Tariffs (FiT) development of the FiT for small rooftop systems (< 10 kW) installed
for them. In order to stimulate competition, additional amendments since 2001 [7]. All rates are guaranteed for an operation period
to the EEG have been introduced from August 1st 2014 on. The most of 20 years. The FiT terminates at a total installed PV capacity of
important change for PV is that new installations > 500 kWp (from 52 GW. Meanwhile, the EEG contains measures for the integration
2016 on PV installations > 100 kWp) are obliged to direct marketing of PV systems into the grid management.
of the generated electricity. A feed-in premium is paid on top
of the electricity market price through the so-called market
integration model.
TA B L E 1 D E V E L O P M E N T O F T H E F E E D - I N TA R I F F ( F I T ) F O R S M A L L R O O F TO P S Y S T E M S ( < 10 K W )
YEAR 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012* 2013* 2014* 2015* 2016*
EURcents/
50,6 48,1 45,7 57,4 54,5 51,8 49,2 46,75 43,01 39,14 28,74 24,43 17.02 13,68 12,56 12,31
kWh
* adjusted by a flexible monthly degression rate between 0 2,8 % throughout the year
9 45
Annual installed PV capacity [GW] 7,5 7,6
8 40
Cumulative installed PV capacity [GW] 7,4
Cumulative installed PV capacity [GW]

7 35
Annual installed PV capacity [GW]
6 30
5 4,4 25
4 20
3,3
3 15
2,0 1,9
2 10
1,3 1,5
1,0 0,8
1 0,7 5
0,1 0,1 0,1
0 0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015*
Fig. 2 - Development of grid connected PV capacity in Germany, *first estimate as of February 2016.
In 2015, within the market integration model three pilot auctions Funding Activities of the BMWi
have taken place for ground-mounted photovoltaic installations, In December 2014, the BMWi released a new call for tender which
enabling initial experience to be gathered with the new promotion reflects the targets of the energy research programme. Concerning PV,
instrument in the field of renewable energies. The aim of the pilot the call addresses six focal points which are all connected to applied
auctions for ground-mounted PV installations is to achieve the research:
expansion targets for renewables in a cost-efficient manner. The pilot Silicon wafer technology,
auction has ensured that new ground-mounted PV installations are Thin-film technologies, especially based on Chalcopyrites (CIS/
being built while maintaining a high level of public acceptance and CIGS),
stakeholder diversity. The three calls covered a capacity of 500 MW Quality and reliability issues of PV-systems
altogether and were characterized by a high degree of competition. System technology for both, decentralised grid-connection and
The proposed capacity was significantly over-subscribed and the island systems,
price level was reduced from call to call (9,17 EURct/kWh -> 8,49 Alternative solar cell concepts such as Concentrated PV (CPV) and
EURct/kWh -> 8,00 EURct/kWh) which shows a good efficiency of Cross-cutting issues such as Building Integrated PV (BIPV),
the process. Moreover, investments in PV installations are getting recycling or research on the ecological impact of PV systems.
attractive even without financial support by a Feed-in-Tariff. A PV
rooftop system in the range of 10 100 kW cost about 1 300 EUR/kW In 2015 the BMWi support for R&D projects on PV amounted to about
in 2015 [8]. The Levelized Costs of Energy (LCOE) for such a PV system 59,68 MEUR shared by 262 projects in total. That year, 106 (2014: 90)
are around 0,13 EUR/kWh whereas the average electricity price for a new grants were contracted. The funding for these projects amounts
private household is around 0,28 EUR/kWh [9]. to 84,2 (66,9) MEUR in total.
In addition to the above mentioned support scheme for renewable Details on running R&D projects can be found via a web-based
energies a 25 MEUR market stimulation programme has been database of the Federal Ministries. [12] The German contributions to
introduced to boost the installation of local stationary storage the PVPS Tasks 1, 12, 13 and 14 are part of the programme.
systems in conjunction with small PV systems (< 30 kWp). [10] Within
the framework of this storage support programme around 20 000 Funding Activities of the BMBF
decentralized local storage systems were funded by the end of 2015. From 2013 to 2015, the BMBF funded PV projects under the
A continuation of the programme is planned for 2016. programme Material Research for the Energy Transition aiming for
the support of long-term R&D which is complementary to the BMWi
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT funding. From September 2015 on, the BMBF relaunched its energy
Research and Development (R&D) is conducted under the 6th Programme related funding under the Kopernikus initiative. Under this scheme
on Energy Research Research for an Environmental Friendly, Reliable cooperative research on four central topics of the Energiewende will
and Economically Feasible Energy Supply [11] which came into force be addressed: storage of excess renewable energy, development of
in August 2011. Within this framework, the BMWi as well as the BMBF flexible grids, adaption of industrial processes to fluctuating energy
(Federal Ministry of Education and Research) support R&D on different supply and the interaction of conventional and renewable energies.
aspects of PV. The main parts of the programme are administrated by
the Project Management Organisation (PtJ) in Jlich.
GERMANY 65
R&D for Photovoltaics a Joint Initiative of BMWi and BMBF REFERENCES

To support the momentum stimulated by the Innovation Alliance PV [1] 10-point energy agenda of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and
of 2010, a new joint initiative of BMWi and BMBF has been launched Energy, see http://www.bmwi.de/English/Redaktion/Pdf/10-punkte-energie-
in 2013. The aim of this 3 year programme R&D for Photovoltaics is agenda,property=pdf,bereich=bmwi2012,sprache=en,rwb=true.pdf
to support R&D activities especially with participation of the German [2] Energy Concept for an Environmentally Sound, Reliable and Affordable
PV industry in the fields of Energy Supply, see http://www.germany.info/contentblob/3043402/
economical operation of grid-connected and off-grid PV system Daten/3903429/BMUBMWi_Energy_Concept_DD.pdf
solutions including energy management and storage systems, [3] Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG 2014), see http://www.bmwi.de/BMWi/
efficient and cost effective production concepts including the Redaktion/PDF/G/gesetz-fuer-den-ausbau-erneuerbarer-energien,property
introduction of new materials and production monitoring =pdf,bereich=bmwi2012,sprache=de,rwb=true.pdf
systems, and [4] Gross energy production and consumption in Germany in 2015, see
introduction of new PV module concepts with a special focus http://www.ag-energiebilanzen.de/index.php?article_ id=29&fileName=
on quality, reliability and life time. quartalsbericht_q4_2015_18122015.pdf
[5] Federal Statistical Office, see https://www.destatis.de/EN/FactsFigures/
A mid-term evaluation of the running 12 joint projects which are EconomicSectors/Energy/Production/Tables/GrossElectricityProduction.html
funded by the ministries BMWi (8 projects, 43 MEUR) and BMBF [6] Feed-in-Tariffs for 2015/2016 can be found at www.bundesnetzagentur.de
(4 projects, 6 MEUR) [13] will take place in early 2016. Already now, first [7] The amended Feed-in-Tariff (FiT) programme went into effect on
results show a significant impact: SolarWorld presented a 22 % record April 1, 2012. For PV system installations up to 10 kW capacity,
cell efficiency using industrial standard materials and processes only. the new FiT from January 1st, 2016 will be 12,31 ct / kWh. For roof top
installations up to 40 kW capacity, the new FiT will be 11,97 ct / kWh,
INDUSTRY AND MARKET DEVELOPMENT up to 100 kW the FiT is 10,71 ct / kWh (all without direct marketing
The German PV industry manufacturers as well as equipment suppliers of the electricity). Systems above 500 kW require direct marketing of
are slowly gaining ground. SolarWorld is shifting its whole production electricity. No reimbursement is paid for installations greater than
processes towards the highly efficient PERC (passivated emitter rear 10 MW. A monthly degression rate is fixed quarterly depending on the
contact) technology. At the same time, material and equipment installed capacity of the last 12 month in relation to the aimed corridor
suppliers experienced a significant upturn in 2015. Holding a share of between 2,4 2,6 GW.
50 % [14] of the world market of PV process technologies, equipment [8] Fraunhofer study on facts of PV in Germany:
suppliers could maintain an excellent position. However, competition https://www.ise.fraunhofer.de/de/veroeffentlichungen/veroeffentlichungen-
with foreign suppliers is becoming more intense. pdf-dateien/studien-und-konzeptpapiere/aktuelle-fakten-zur-photovoltaik-
in-deutschland.pdf
Together with a strong research community and a high number [9] Average electricity price for a private household in Germany:
of system installers, a workforce of approximately 40 000 to 50 000 https://www.bdew.de/internet.nsf/id/DC9ABD3F297604DC1257F42002E5075/
people are employed in the PV industry [15]. $file/160122%20BDEW%20zum%20Strompreis%20der%20Haushalte%20
Anhang.pdf
[10] Market stimulation programme for local stationary storage systems
in conjunction with small PV-systems: https://www.kfw.de/Download-
Center/F%C3%B6rderprogramme-%28Inlandsf%C3%B6rderung%29/PDF-
Dokumente/6000002700_M_275_Speicher.pdf
[11] The 6th Energy Research Programme of the Federal Government, see
http://www.bmwi.de/English/Redaktion/Pdf/6th-energy-research-
programme-of-the-federal-government,property=pdf,bereich=bmwi,
sprache=en,rwb=true.pdf
[12] Research project database (in German), see http://foerderportal.bund.de
[13] F&E Photovoltaik: https://www.solarstromforschung.de/
[14] VDMA - German Engineering Federation: http://pv.vdma.org/article/-/
articleview/11180819
[15] Germany Trade and Invest for PV see http://www.gtai.de/GTAI/Content/
EN/Invest/_SharedDocs/Downloads/GTAI/Industry-overviews/the-
photovoltaic-market-in-germany-en.pdf
ISRAEL
PHOTOVOLTAIC TECHNOLOGY STATUS AND PROSPECTS: AN UPDATE
GIDEON FRIEDMANN, TECHNOLOGIES & RENEWABLE ENERGY SECTION MANAGER
MINISTRY OF NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE, ENERGY & WATER RESOURCES
GENERAL
In preparation for the 2015 Paris Agreement on Greenhouse Gas mentioned above for PV. In fact, there is a tariff that is available to
Emissions Reductions, the Israeli government set a new target of RE manufacturers, which PV entrepreneurs ought to consider. This
17 % Renewable Energy electricity production (in energy terms) to be tariff is the recognized conventional electricity generation tariff
reached by 2030, with interim targets of 13 % in 2025 and 10 % in + a premium for emissions reduction (currently 0,26 + 0,08 ILS
2020. In addition, a 17 % energy efficiency improvement target was respectively). This tariff is not subject to the FIT quotas. The main issue
set. There is no potential for hydropower generation in Israel, whereas for PV entrepreneurs now, is the fact that the rate fluctuates with
in most of Europe this is a significant part of the clean energy. In light conventional electricity generation rates, and is thus not guaranteed.
of the dramatic decrease in the cost of PV systems in recent years, it is An example for this uncertainty was seen last year with the steep
now expected that more than 50 % of the renewable energy in Israel decline of electricity generation costs.
will come from the PV sector.
GOVERNMENT POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
Approximately 780 MW of PV systems were installed by the end Review of the current policies continues. Our view is that the main
of 2015, of which 200 MW were connected in 2015. Conventional benefits of PV are
large scale capacity is close to 16,000 MW. Two large scale plants were Energy Security by diversification Israel is highly dependent on
connected this year, Halutziot with 55 MW and Ketura Solar with natural gas;
40 MW. The capacity factor in Israel for PV is considerably higher than Emissions Reduction;
in Europe and stands around 19 % for actual production on an annual Guaranteed Prices over time.
average. The overall electricity production from renewables in 2015
was close to 3 %. Although PV systems in the summer produce electricity when it is
needed the most, this is not the case in the winter. This, and the lack of
Government support to renewable energy (RE) is given in the form of guaranteed availability, will prevent PV systems from becoming a large
guaranteed Feed-in-Tariff (FiT) for 20 years. FiTs vary by project nature, source of Israels electricity production, because their value decreases
size and other parameters. FiTs have decreased considerably over the with increased penetration. Only when storage becomes a practical
last few years, and are expected to continue their decline. In order to solution will this change.
reduce the costs of RE installations, Israel is now trying a new bidding
system for the FiT in large PV projects. Under this system, a quota and Net Metering/Self Consumption
price are set by the Public Utilities Commission. If the quota is not In 2013, a net-metering scheme was implemented for all REs. It
filled, the price rises a notch, and so forth, until all the quota is filled. established a cap of 200 MW for 2013 and the same for 2014. This
Current starting price for this FiT bidding system is 0,27 ILS per KWh was extended to 2015, and is expected to be further extended.
(0,07 USDcents). The first bidding process is now in progress. A price This quota is applicable to all renewable generation up to 5 MW.
of 0,32 ILS (0,08 USDcents) was set in another large project. Other Currently around 50 MW of this quota has been used, and with
bidding processes are also expected soon. the decline of the FiT, it is becoming more popular.
Real-time self-consumption simply reduces the electricity bill.
Because FiT includes a subsidy, there are quotas (Caps) for each Excess PV production can be fed into the grid in exchange
renewable energy category. In 2014, an additional quota of 340 MW for monetary credits, which can be used to offset electricity
for PV was issued, to be evenly spread during 2015-2017 part of consumption from the grid during the following 24 months. The
which was used for the above described bidding system. In addition, credit is time of day dependent. Thus a small overproduction at
there is a quota of 180 MW, which is expected to be converted from peak times, can offset a large consumption at low times.
CSP to PV. Other than these, essentially all previous PV quotas have Credits can be transferred to any other consumer and in
been assigned to projects. It is expected that significant quotas particular to other locations of the same entity.
(hundreds of MW) will be released in the next 2 years in order to One has the option to sell a preset amount of the electricity
achieve the interim goal of 10 % RE production by 2020, and in to the grid for money (and not credit), but at a conventional
consideration with the fact that PV is currently the most readily manufacturing price (currently 0,30 ILS/KWh).
available RE in Israel. All the electricity fed into the grid is subject to Grid and Services
charges.
2015 has seen a dramatic decline in the electricity cost in Israel A back-up fee that aims to cover the need to back-up PV systems
(around 15 %). This is mainly due to the removal of temporary costs with conventional power plants. This fee is technology dependent
which were associated with the gas supply crisis in 2012, and due to and will grow for solar from 0,03 ILS/kWh when the installed
the steep decline in the price of coal, which is used to produce almost capacity will reach 1,8 GW and then 0,06 ILS/kWh when 2,4 GW
50 % of the electricity in Israel. Thus the competition to renewable will be installed.
energy has become tougher. However, it is still clear that PV systems A balancing fee (0,015 ILS/kWh) for variable renewable sources
are close to grid parity. For example, the estimated cost, without has also been introduced.
externalities, of an open cycle gas turbine in Israel is about 0,25 ILS Finally, a grid fee that depends on the time of day and day of the
per KWh, which is just a fraction lower than the 0,27 ILS per KWh week and connection type (to transmission, distribution, or supply
grid) and ranges from 0,01 and 0,05 ILS/kWh has been introduced.
ISRAEL 67
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The Ministry of National Infrastructure, Energy and Water Resources
supports R&D under 3 main programs, which are operated by the Chief
Scientist Office at the Ministry:
Direct support of academic research. Support is 100 % of research Fig. 1 - First generation BiFacial PV system installed by SolAround, with white
that won in the annual tender. background to increase the contribution of the back side of the PV panel. Overall
Support of startup companies. Support is 62,5 % for projects with efficiency of SolAround BiFacial panels is expected to be between 25-28 %.
technology innovation.
Support for Demonstration and Pilot programs. Support is
50 %. This is meant for field deployment of novel technologies.
Demonstration can also be supported under a special dedicated
cap for electricity production. In this case the payment is through
the FiT over 20 years.
To facilitate higher penetration of PV systems, high priority research

topics include improved efficiency of PV systems, and storage.
Among the current companies supported are:
Solaraound develops high-power high-efficiency bifacial
p-Si PERT solar cells that allow significantly lower LCOE, Fig. 2 - Solatics PV Integrated Membrane installation, using the Direct
compared with most industry leaders, who use costly n-Si Attachment method.
wafers and processes. SolAround novel technology allows the
implementation of bifacial high front and back efficiency cells
using the lower cost p Si, fitting 85 %-90 % of the production
lines worldwide and avoiding the costly move to n-Si. The
companys technology for a highly controllable boron doping
of the p+ layer, allows retaining for the first time in p-Si, a very
high bulk lifetime of the minority carriers, in combination with
low surface recombination losses through the high-temperature
fabrication stages. SolAround plans to launch in 1,5 years its
bifacial PERT p-type cell with 21 % front efficiency and 25 %-
28 % equivalent efficiency, in a production cost close to that of
a standard cell. The company has already produced, certified and
launched in Germany industrial high-power high-end bifacial
cells and modules of its 1st generation. Fig. 3 - Lab testing of small scale SolarPaint coated units. SolarPaint develops a
In collaboration with the Lev Academic Center in Jerusalem (JCT), flexible net coated with its proprietary paint, that will produce electricity from
SolAround develops a novel simulation model for the prediction the sun.
of the energy collection characteristics and generation by bifacial
PV modules and systems. SolarPaint develops a paint formulation and an electrode
Solatics develops PV Integrated Membrane (PVIM) technology netting that upon simple installation and application will become
which allows lower cost solar PV installation on water reservoirs, an economic, aesthetic and efficient solar harvesting system.
landfill, brownfield sites and even flat-roof applications, where The first product that the company is developing is a light and
standard solar PV systems cannot be installed. flexible 1 m x 1,6 m netting of electrodes simply trimmable
Designed to improve the overall architecture and assembly of the by scissors to adjust to the desirable form, to be used for the
crystalline silicon solar panels, Solatics technology allows the external coverage of walls and roofs. The netting will be sold
use of crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells at a much lower cost painted with the solar paint which the company is developing,
per installed Watt. Targeting large-scale commercial customers coated with a colorful protective topcoat and complete with
such as electric utilities, water companies, waste companies and standard electrical connectors, ready for simple installation. The
landfill owners, Solatics offering includes reduced system cost, developed paint contains a combination of an active material
easier and faster installation, larger capacity and higher yield per and other materials acting as stabilizers, binders and fillers in
acre, reduced BOS (Balance of system ) costs, integrated-racking the finished solar cell. The cell itself is built such that in reaction
solar design and overall lower installed cost in comparison with to solar radiation the electrons in the active material undergo
standards glass-metal solar panels. Using its Direct Attachment excitation. The electronic properties of the active material and
method, Solatics also solves waterproofing issues, static load the electrode netting facilitate charge separation and efficient
limitations, un-stable ground and drifting problems, surface conduction of charges to produce an electric current. The
penetration and wind related phenomena. chemical processes used in their synthesis are simple and enable
attractive pricing and widespread use.
ITALY
PV TECHNOLOGY STATUS AND PERSPECTIVES
SALVATORE CASTELLO, ENEA
SALVATORE GUASTELLA, RSE
FRANCESCA TILLI, GSE

In 2015, the Italian PV sector continued to grow, but in a different way
than in the past. After the conclusion in 2013 of the feed-in incentive
programme named Conto Energia, the sector changed approach
trying to capture new opportunities in distributed generation.
First estimates for 2015 show the total new PV capacity installed
of almost 300 MW, thus underlining a reduced growth compared to
2014 (424 MW). The residential segment of small size plants performed
better thanks to tax deductions; medium and large plants did not grow
as expected despite the possibility to be installed with a specific grid
configuration in order to be recognized Sistemi Efficienti di Utenza
(SEU, see National Programme below).
A marginal sector which is growing slowly but constantly is the

PV off-grid one for domestic and non-domestic applications that
reached about 14 MW. Fig. 1 - Detail of BIPV monocrystalline modules in the 5 kWp PV plant in Verona
(Photo: GSE Gestore dei Servizi Energetici - www.gse.it).
On the whole, it can be estimated that a total cumulative capacity of
almost 19 GW was reached at the end of 2015. Thus, after the Feed-In
Tariff (FiT) era, Italy can be considered a mature market (although with Regarding the second mechanism, tax breaks have been extended
a different trend related to new installations) with a positive public through 2015 and white certificates are still available; both provisions
perception towards PV technology. apply for 2016, too.
More encouraging statistics are those of PV energy production that in Moreover, an additional mechanism, the so-called Sistemi Efficienti
2015 reached 25,2 TWh, almost 13 % more than 2014. This represents di Utenza (SEU) configuration, is becoming widespread (especially
8,5 % of the total Italian electricity consumption and 9 % of total among existing plants). This configuration consists of generation
gross production. More specifically, during June 2015, also thanks systems in which one or more power production plants operated by a
to weak demand, PV plants covered 13 % of demand, while in a few single producer are connected through a private transmission line to
midday hours of the same month the power delivered by PV plants a single end user and are entitled to obtain a significant reduction on
and wind turbines exceeded demand. the electricity bill.
The contribution of new renewables (solar, wind and geothermal) The experience so far has outlined that SSP plus tax breaks are the
reached about 17 % of all energy production, a share that rose to most effective mechanisms in boosting new PV installations, especially
around 33 % including hydroelectric source. PV represented about in the residential sector, while the SEU can boost the installation of
55 % of total energy production from new renewable sources. medium and large plants.
NATIONAL PROGRAMME RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND DEMONSTRATION

The strong growth of the PV sector in Italy was achieved thanks to In Italy, research, development and demonstration activities in the
massive financial support in the period 2005-2013. After the end of FiT field of PV technology are mainly led by ENEA (the Italian Agency for
programme in 2013, two kind of mechanism remain valid in 2015; the New Technology, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development) and
first deals with the value of energy delivered to the grid (given the real RSE (a research company owned by GSE). Additional contributions on
time self-consumption allowed for all PV system sizes) and the second the PV devices and systems are also provided by several universities,
relates to tax breaks and white certificates. CNR (the National Council for Scientific Research) and few private
companys laboratories.
The schemes of the first group are:
net billing system, so-called Scambio Sul Posto (SSP), valid ENEA is the most relevant research organization operating in PV
initially for existing plants with a capacity below 200 kW and in Italy. Most of its activity is on materials, solar cells as well as on
extended from 2015 to new plants up to 500 kW; under SSP PV systems. The most relevant topics of research and development
provision, electricity fed into the grid is remunerated through on materials and devices concern crystalline and microcrystalline
an energy quota (based on market prices) and a service quota silicon cells, amorphous-crystalline silicon heterojunction cells,
(depending on some grid services costs); CZTS single junction and CZTS/silicon tandem cells, Perovskite single
electricity sales, indirectly by entering into a Ritiro Dedicato junction and Perovskite-silicon tandem cells and micromorph
(RID), through which GSE retires the electricity according to a tandem cell. Moreover, ENEA is focused on innovative approach
dedicated withdrawal agreement, or directly, through sales of for the architectural integration of PV elements in buildings and
electricity on the power exchange or to a wholesaler. concentrators technologies. Regarding PV systems ENEA is developing
ITALY 69
Fig. 2 - BIPV plant in Torino, 553 kWp, monocrystalline modules Fig. 3 - Li-Ion Energy storage system (16 kWh) for 14 kWp grid connected PV
(Photo: ENERGYGLASS, www.energyglass.eu; Information: GSE Gestore dei Servizi plant on Lampedusa island (Photo: ENEA, www.enea.it).
Energetici Atlasole www.gse.it).
devices, software, modelling, smart grid concepts and strategies Besides, at the end of 2015, new solutions on energy storage were
for optimum plant integration in the electrical grid in order to address announced: hybrid storage systems to be used in micro-grids, in
value services for users and distributors taking also into account the electrification of rural areas and in balancing services in the field of
emerging technologies of energy storage and management. In this on and off-grid applications.
context, ENEA during 2015 has installed and is testing grid-connected
PV plants equipped with different storage technologies on Lampedusa Taking into account the Italian manufacturing assets and the size
Island. of the annual national market, expected for the next years around a
few hundred MW, internationalization is obliged path for the Italian
RSE is the main research organization carrying out activities on high PV industry given the ratio between the production capacity and the
efficiency solar cells in Italy, developing multi-junction solar cells stable domestic market. Thanks also to the know-how acquired during
based on III-V-IV elements and nano-structured coating for high the boom years, Italian PV companies are repositioning in foreign
concentration applications in the frame of the Italian electric system markets, providing interesting developments for the future growth of
research programme RdS (Ricerca di Sistema) and European projects. this technology. In particular, companies producing inverters are ahead
In this field, RSE is involved in the design of new optics, in outdoor and in the process as EPC contractors and system integrators, while more
indoor concentrating module characterization and in the development difficulties are encountered by module manufacturers. For the above
of advanced solar tracking control. Within the frame of the new mentioned reasons, none of module producers became an important
H2020 program, RSE is involved in the project CPVMatch, on the international player.
development of a four-junction solar cell for better spectral matching
by using frontier multi-junction technology, for the development of Moreover, the high level of PV plant capacity built in the past helped
new mirrors for high concentration and new sensors to be integrated the growth of companies providing operation and maintenance
in the CPV modules for more accurate sun tracking. Furthermore, RSE activities. Large Italian companies, in the past EPC contractors and
is engaged in the performance evaluation of innovative flat modules system integrators, are now more and more focused on large size plant
and plants, as well as in research and demonstration activities for management and maintenance services; while significant merge and
electrification of communities in remote areas (i.e. small islands of acquisition processes are ongoing in this sector in Italy, also in the
Mediterranean Sea). frame of EU, representing an important market.

Domestic production of PV cells and modules is still in a difficult
period, with a gap between actual output and production capacity.
After the end of FiT scheme, the sector became independent on
financial support and therefore many producers, mostly those with
speculative aims, were forced to abandon the market because of price
reduction.
For power conditioning systems, domestic production capacity puts

Italy among the top manufacturers worldwide.
JAPAN
HIROYUKI YAMADA, NEW ENERGY AND INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION (NEDO)
OSAMU IKKI, RTS CORPORATION
Fig. 1 - Floating PV Power Plant (INFINI Hyogo Daikyu Power Plant) (Inami Town, Hyogo Prefecture). Multicrystalline silicon PV module: 250 W x 6 846 modules (by INFINI)
1,7 MW.
GENERAL FRAMEWORK
Based on the Fourth Strategic Energy Plan approved by the cabinet on the following five pillars: 1) measures to address projects which
in 2014, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) have not started operation; 2) promotion of long-term stable power
formulated Japans Long-term Energy Supply-demand Outlook in generation; 3) cost-efficient introduction; 4) accelerated introduction
July 2015. The national government decided the Energy Mix for FY of power sources with longer lead time such as geothermal and wind
2030 desirable for Japan. The Plan strategically shows the direction of power generation which requires a long time for development;
energy which Japan should depend on in the future, focusing on key and 5) expanded introduction of taking advantage of the electricity
issues such as reduction of power generation cost and greenhouse system reform. This proposal shows measures to address various
gas emissions, improvement of energy self-sufficiency ratio and the current issues and includes revision proposals aimed to create a
ratio of baseload power sources. In the Outlooks energy mix, it is sustainable market toward the future. The Renewable Energy Act
estimated that the total power generation amount in FY 2030 will be is scheduled to be revised in 2016.
approximately 1 065 TWh. Under this estimate, target ratios of power
sources were set as follows: 22 to 24 % by renewable energy; 20 to Furthermore, in December 2015, METI started working on the
22 % by nuclear power; 26 % by coal; 3 % by oil and 27 % by LNG. formulation of the Innovative Strategy for Energy, designed to
The total ratio of fossil fuels amounts to 56 %. The target ratio of efficiently promote system reforms of electricity and gas markets and
renewable energy exceeds that of nuclear power, which represents that the Energy Mix for FY 2030 while securing consistency.
renewable energy will become one of the mainstream power sources
in the future. Breakdown ratios of renewable energy are as follows: NATIONAL PROGRAM
7,0 % by PV; 1,7 % by wind; 1,0 to 1,1 % by geothermal; 8,8 to (1) Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program for renewable energy power
9,2 % by hydro and 3,7 to 4,6 % by biomass. 7,0 % by PV corresponds generation facilities
to 64 GW of power generation capacity. Except for hydro power METI is taking initiative in supporting introduction of PV systems
generation, PV power generation is positioned the highest among under the FIT program.
other sources of renewable energy. In FY 2015, the levels of the FIT for renewable energy power generation
facilities were set lower than those of the previous year. The tariffs and
Regarding the installed capacity of PV systems, a total of 81,7 GW periods of purchase are set as follows: 1) 27 JPY/kWh (excl. tax) for
(as of the end of August 2015) of PV systems have been approved PV systems with a capacity of 10 kW or more for the period of 20 years
under the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program which took effect in July 2012, and 2) 35 JPY/kWh for PV systems with a capacity of below 10 kW
of which 22,2 GW started operation. Annual PV installed capacity (33 JPY/kWh for PV systems which are not required to be equipped
in 2015 is expected to have increased year for year to the level with devices to respond to output curtailment) for the period of
of 9 to 10 GW, a similar level to that of 2014. Rapid growth of PV 10 years. Under the FIT program, as of the end of August 2015, total
installations brought about some issues such as an increase in the capacity of approved PV systems with a capacity of below 10 kW,
nations financial burden, limit of connection to the grids, necessity between 10 kW and below 1 MW and 1 MW and more are 4,1 GW,
for output curtailment and so on. Having faced these issues, METI 34,4 GW and 43,2 GW, respectively, amounting to 81,7 GW in total.
decided to drastically review the scheme to introduce PV and other However, since it takes time for many PV projects to start operation
sources of renewable energy. METI held meetings of councils and after they have obtained approval due to the issues of permission and
subcommittees to discuss the revision of the Act on Special Measures electric grids, only 22,2 GW of PV systems started operation under
Concerning Procurement of Renewable Energy Sourced Electricity by the FIT program and 6 778 MW of PV systems out of them started
Electric Utilities (Renewable Energy Act) in 2016 and the final proposal operation between January and August 2015, a 23,6 % increase
for the report on the reform of the FIT program was compiled, based compared to the same period of the previous year.
JAPAN 71
In order to respond to a large number of applications for facility the FY 2014 supplementary budget to Subsidy for measures for
approval by renewable energy projects dominated by PV projects, off-grid renewable energy power generation systems, etc., which
various amendments were made related to the FIT program in 2015. is designed to subsidize renewable energy-based power generation
Highlights of the amendments are as follows: 1) It is impossible to systems for self-consumption, instead of selling the entire generated
change the manufacturer or the type of PV modules after the facility electricity. Also, large-scale budget items were included in the FY
is approved, and amendments which lower the conversion efficiency 2014 supplementary budget as part of measures for electric grids.
are not permitted; 2) It is impossible to increase the approved output 74,4 BJPY was allocated to Emergency responses to suspension
capacity; 3) FIT will be fixed at the time when the grid connection of grid connection of renewable energy, 13,0 BJPY to Subsidy for
contract is signed; 4) Documents which indicate the securing of land projects to support introduction of lithium ion batteries for stationary
and facilities must be submitted within 270 days from the next day of installation, and 6,5 BJPY for Project for improving technologies
received date of grid connection application to utility company; to deal with surplus power generated by renewable energy power
5) Grid connection is not possible in case the details of the project site generation systems.
are not the same as those described in the notification documents
on facility approval; 6) In case the project capacity is increased after Also, 45,6 BJPY has been allocated to Subsidy for projects to
the start of operation, the increased capacity is subject to a newly implement the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program for renewable energy
applied FIT; 7) It is possible that the approval may be revoked in case as a budget item to compensate the amount of reduced surcharge
cost for grid connection by the project owner is not paid within one of entities who are eligible for the reduction of surcharge payment.
month after the signing of the grid connection contract; 8) The status
of obtaining various permissions must be reported and 9) Information As a support project for renewable energy-based power generation
on facility approval must be disclosed to local governments. With facilities in the areas damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake,
these amendments of the FIT program, it has become difficult to Subsidy for projects to promote introduction of renewable energy
easily obtain a facility approval for the FIT program. Furthermore, power generation systems, etc. as part of restoration measures was
discussions on the major revision of the FIT program accompanied implemented from FY 2011 to FY 2015 (total budget: 31,6 BJPY).
by the revision of the law also started, in order to drastically change In FY 2011, 70 PV systems with a total output of approximately
the program, including the resolution to the previously-approved 140 MW were selected whereas 665 PV systems with a total output
projects which have not started operation for a long time. Under of 880 MW were selected in FY 2012 and 330 PV systems with a total
this revision, rules have been discussed that all the projects including output of approximately 600 MW were selected in FY 2014. In FY 2015,
previously-approved ones will be obliged to newly obtain project 21 PV systems with a total output of approximately 132 MW were
approval and that they will not be able to be connected unless they selected. Under the similar framework, Subsidy to support restoration
meet the new criteria. through promoting introduction of renewable energy-based power
generation facilities, etc. was implemented, applicable to three
METI established the Working Group on Grid Connection of disaster-stricken prefectures of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima with the
Renewable Energy in 2014 under the New and Renewable Energy budget of 3,7 BJPY in FY 2015. In FY 2014, 70 PV systems with a total
Subcommittee operated under the Advisory Committee for Natural output of approximately 45 MW were selected.
Resources and Energy. The Working Group estimates and reports
possible grid connection capacity of each of the electric utilities except (3) Efforts by other ministries and local governments related
for those who have sufficient open capacity of grid connection. For to dissemination of PV power generation
the projects which exceed this possible grid connection capacity, Under the Project to promote introduction of renewable energy and
electric utilities are able to conduct unlimited output curtailment. In advanced facilities, etc. in public facilities (former Green New Deal
reality, there has been a delay in the restart of nuclear power plants Fund), the Ministry of the Environment (MoE) has been supporting
and not all the renewable energy projects which had applied for grid introduction of renewable energy, storage batteries, etc. in disaster
connection contracts started operation; grid-connected capacity of prevention facilities, evacuation facilities and public facilities which
PV systems has not reached the possible grid connection capacity. should retain the function in case of disaster, while promoting support
However, in a remote island in the service area of the Kyushu Electric for introduction of advanced facilities toward enhancing measures
Power Company which has a small grid connection capacity, Japans against global warming at waste disposal facilities. In FY 2015, the
first output curtailment was conducted in May 2015. budget of 19,0 BJPY was allocated. In addition, in FY 2015, 5,3 BJPY
was allocated to the Project to create advanced low-carbon, recycling
(2) METIs budget related to dissemination of PV power and harmony with nature local communities (Green Plan Partnership
generation project), approximately 1,4 BJPY for the Project to promote creation
After the enforcement of the FIT program, the focus of METIs of low-carbon communities in remote islands, 1,0 BJPY for the
budget has shifted from supporting introduction with subsidy to Project to promote establishment of independent and distributed
establishing the environment toward a large-scale dissemination of low-carbon energy society, 4,6 BJPY for the Project to establish
renewable energy including responses to grid restriction and subsidy a fund to promote investment in low-carbon in local communities,
for storage batteries to adjust the grid. 3,5 BJPY was allocated as approximately 2,2 BJPY for the Project to subsidize interest for
Fig. 2 - Office building Ochanomizu Sola City (Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo). Single crystalline silicon PV module: 150 kW.
expansion of the environmental finance, 1,8 BJPY for the Eco lease The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and
business promotion project, 7,3 BJPY for the Project to support Technology (MEXT) has been promoting establishment and
establishment of social system to improve low-carbon value, and so on. improvement of environment-friendly school facilities in order to
promote environmental measures at educational facilities. According
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to the result of survey on the installation status of renewable
(MLIT) obliged the buildings to conform to the energy conservation energy-based power generation systems at public school facilities as
standards, in response to the enactment of the Act on Improvement of April 1, 2015, PV systems are installed at 8 617 schools (including
of Energy Consumption Performance of Buildings, the revised Act 7 371 elementary and junior high schools), achieving the installation
Concerning the Rational Use of Energy (Energy Saving Act) and so ratio of 24,6 %. Among the renewable energy-based power generation
on. Compared to the past, standard values were largely increased systems installed at public elementary and junior high schools,
and they became obligatory. Therefore, for buildings with an area 3 711 schools are equipped with the systems which have the function
above a certain level, construction cannot be started in case annual to continue operation even in case of blackout. This represents
energy consumption exceeds the standard value. Discussions are 44,5 % of schools which are equipped with PV systems.
underway in a direction where not only the fact that introduction
of PV systems and other renewable energy-based power generation In order to strengthen efforts for local production and local
facilities makes it easier to achieve the standard value but also a special consumption of energy, local governments and municipalities are
case for floor-area ratio (FAR) which eases the FAR should be included. working on expanding dissemination of renewable energy. Some of
Moreover, approximately 400 MJPY was allocated in FY 2015 to cover them took initiative in the establishment of PPS (Power Producer
the expenses of survey to promote improvement of infrastructure and Supplier) across the nation to sell the generated electricity to
through public-private partnership (PPP) designed to support discussion public facilities and businesses. They have established a framework to
to establish a project to improve infrastructure such as revitalization of support dissemination of renewable energy which can complement
local communities and improvement of disaster prevention conducted the national governments review of its policy on renewable energy,
by local governments. Also, in the FY 2014 supplementary budget, through the support program to introduce PV systems for universities,
93,5 BJPY was allocated to conduct the Eco Point program and shopping districts and community development, selection and
to support projects toward establishment and improvement of announcement of suitable sites for PV power plants, demonstration
energy-saving houses and buildings, whereas approximately 8,2 BJPY project on energy storage technology, as well as project to establish
was allocated to efforts such as enhancement of disaster prevention a fund through public-private partnership (PPP) for dissemination of
functions of governmental facilities which work as disaster prevention renewable energy.
bases. MLIT is also conducting the Eco Point program to establish and
improve energy-saving houses and buildings and supporting leading R&D, D
projects of houses and buildings aiming to conserve energy and reduce R&D
CO2 emissions. The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization
(NEDO) completed two programs at the end of FY 2014 (March 2015):
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) R&D for High Performance PV Generation System for the Future
is implementing a subsidy program to introduce PV systems at (FY 2010 to FY 2014) and R&D on Innovative Solar Cells (FY 2008 to
facilities for agriculture, forestry and fisheries, in order to promote FY 2014). Post-evaluation of these projects was conducted and R&D
introduction of renewable energy into these industries. MAFF of PV system technologies are underway in the demonstrative program
implemented the Project to comprehensively promote renewable mentioned below.
energy for revitalization of agricultural, forestry and fishing villages.
Through this project, MAFF is supporting efforts to promote/ support As for R&D for PV system technologies, NEDO started Development
commercialization of renewable energy by private organizations and of high performance and reliable PV modules to reduce levelized cost
local public organizations. MAFF allocated 100 MJPY in the FY 2014 of energy (FY 2015 to FY 2019) in FY 2015 based on the NEDO PV
supplementary budget and 1 BJPY in the FY 2015 budget for Challenges, a new guidance for technology development that was
this project. formulated in September 2014. Four technological development topics
were determined following the NEDO PV Challenges aiming to achieve
power generation cost of 14 JPY/kWh by 2020 and 7 JPY/kWh by
JAPAN 73
Fig. 3 - Fukushima Airport Mega-Solar Power Plant (Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture, etc.). Total: 1,2 MW (500 kW, 200 kW, 500 kW), 30 types of PV modules including tracking
system and various types of mounting structures.
2030 with a total of 19 R&D topics, and three trends survey projects of PV recycling technologies (FY 2014 to FY 2018), NEDO solicited new
were selected from public offering in June 2015 and started activities. proposals for research topics. Under these projects, development and
Eight topics mainly proposed by businesses for practical technologies demonstration have been conducted on technologies to improve the
were selected under R&D for silicon solar cells employing advanced power generation amount by highly-functioned BOS, technologies
complex technologies and high performance CIS solar cells. Two to reduce BOS cost including installation cost and recycling process
research topics were on ultra-high performance III-V compound PV technologies of PV modules.
modules and low-cost perovskite solar cells under R&D for solar cells
with innovative new structures, conducted by industry-university Demonstration activities on practical applications of PV power
consortiums. Under Technological development of common platform generation are conducted in several demonstration projects aiming
for PV cell/ module, four topics including high-efficiency crystalline at realizing smart communities by METI or NEDO. A number of
silicon with pilot mass-production line and high performance CIS demonstration projects on smart communities are conducted home
solar cells. Five research topics including performance measurement and abroad and PV systems are introduced in those demonstration
technology for solar cells and reliability measurement technology, projects. These projects are aiming at global market development
output evaluation technology of PV power generation, etc. were by localization of technologies to meet the needs of different
selected for the Development for common platform. countries and regions. The following are major demonstration projects
conducted in FY 2015:
As for R&D conducted by MEXT, MEXT promotes FUTURE-PV Demonstration Tests of Next-generation Energy Technologies
Innovation Projects (FY 2012 to FY 2016) aiming at highly efficient (Project selected in FY 2014): Demonstration of power control
silicon nano-wire solar cells with 30 % or higher conversion efficiency. system in Kashiwanoha Campus and surrounding areas, Kashiwa
Researchers moved the development site to FREA and conduct City, Chiba Prefecture (finished in March 2015), Technology
research activities by the end of FY 2016 (March 2017). MEXT also demonstration on electricity supply system utilizing EVs and
conducts two basic R&D programs through Japan Science and PHVs in Osaka Business Park, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture,
Technology Agency (JST): Photoenergy Conversion Systems and Demonstration of energy management for the integrated fish
Materials for the Next Generation Solar Cells and Creative Research processing site in Onagawa Town, Miyagi Prefecture, Technology
for Clean Energy Generation using Solar Energy. Most of the research demonstration aiming at establishing a local sharing system for
projects under both programs were terminated as scheduled. thermal energy and electricity in an industrial park, Toyota City,
Aichi Prefecture and Demand side PPS demonstration project for
Demonstration local production and consumption, Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture;
In the area of PV-related demonstration research, a program Smart Community Demonstration Project: Lyon, France (FY 2011
promoted by NEDO titled Leading technological development for to FY 2015), Gongqing City, Jiangxi Province, China (FY 2011 to
commercialization of organic PV (FY 2012 to FY 2014) was finished FY 2015), Malaga, Spain (FY 2011 to FY 2015), Java Industrial Park,
at the end of FY 2014 (March 2015). In FY 2015, NEDO promoted Indonesia (FY 2012 to FY 2017), Manchester, UK (FY 2014 to
three demonstration projects following the above mentioned NEDO FY 2016), Speyer, Germany, (FY 2015 to FY 2017);
PV Challenges. Under Demonstration project for diversifying Japan - U.S. Smart Grid Collaborative Demonstration Project
PV applications (FY 2013 to FY 2016) aiming at extension of PV (FY 2010 to FY 2014, completed): New Mexico, USA;
installation areas, development and demonstration of installation Demonstration Project for World-leading Remote Island Smart
technologies for building walls, agricultural applications, slopes and Grid (FY 2011 to FY 2016): Maui Island, Hawaii, USA;
water surfaces, etc. and validation of power generation performance Model Project for a Microgrid System Using Large-scale PV Power
in these sites were conducted. Development and demonstration Generation and Related Technologies (FY 2012 to FY 2015):
of solar thermal/ PV hybrid modules and systems as added value Neemrana Industrial Park, Rajasthan, India;
technologies applying functions other than power generation or Demonstration for Hybrid Solar Inverter & Battery System with
adding new applications have been conducted. For the Technological Monitoring and Control (FY 2015 to FY 2016): Oshawa, Ontario,
development for improvement of system performance and operation Canada.
and maintenance (O&M) (FY 2014 to FY 2018) and the Development
Furthermore, demonstration projects on large-capacity storage energy houses (ZEH) which realize self-consumption from their own
systems were started by electric utilities as part of support programs generated electricity have advanced. Storage systems for cutting peak
by METI and MoE, aiming to expand possible grid connection capacity power and balancing the generated power are on sale for businesses.
of renewable energy and control the grid.
In the housing industry, efforts for dissemination of ZEH have been
INDUSTRY STATUS AND MARKET DEVELOPMENT accelerated mainly by major prefabricated housing manufacturers,
Many of the Japanese PV cell/module and system manufacturers are beyond the movements to secure energy-saving performances of
doing business in accordance with their estimates that their shipment newly-built buildings to meet the obligation to conform to energy
volume will remain at the same level as, or decrease, from the previous conservation standards. Due to the fact that PV power generation is
fiscal year, due to the impacts of the revision of the FIT program, etc. approaching grid parity and that the public awareness of disaster
After the sluggish sales in the first half of FY 2015 (April to September prevention is improving, there is a sign of trend shifting from selling
2015), a sign of recovery has emerged in the second half of FY 2015. the entire generated electricity to the self-consumption business
However, the situation remains difficult for these manufacturers due model. Overall, the residential PV market has stabilized and both
to the reduction of average prices and other factors. Among Chinese established and newly-entered businesses in this market have shown
manufacturers doing business in Japan, some achieved year-to-year their intention to return to and focus on this market segment.
increase in shipment, approaching closely to the shipment of
Japanese manufacturers. They forecast that the Japanese PV market In the EPC sector, installation of small- to large-scale PV systems
for MW-scale PV power plants will shrink and are shifting back to continues to increase under the FIT program, and the market is brisk.
the residential, building and facility PV markets. The manufacturers A great number of announcements were made on the start of
are differentiating themselves from others through introduction of operation and construction plans of large-scale PV projects with a
high-efficiency and high-output products, product lineup with HEMS capacity of several dozens of MW. Trading of so-called middle solar
and storage batteries, as well as extension of warranty for output and PV projects with a capacity of up to 1 MW is also accelerated.
devices.
In the area of PV business support service, companies are increasingly
In the components and manufacturing equipment industry, efforts differentiating themselves from their competitors through improving
have continued to reduce cost and improve performances of PV cells, operation and maintenance (O&M) service. With the steady growth
modules and systems. of the PV installed capacity in Japan, major EPC companies,
distributors, as well as businesses in the security, electronic device
In the PV inverter industry, companies reported their good and telecommunications industry are entering this business sector.
business performances one after another, reflecting the growth of the
PV markets both in Japan and abroad. Japanese manufacturers are In the area of PV power generation business, announcements on
enhancing activities for their future growth, including enhancement the start of operation of PV projects have been made one after
of production capacity of products for overseas markets, launch of another. Large-scale PV projects with a capacity of several dozens of
hybrid inverters equipped with lithium ion batteries, production of MW to over 100 MW have started generating power in Japan. Major
string inverters for MW-scale PV power plants, and enhancement PV system manufacturers are also actively engaged in a large number
of maintenance service, taking advantage of the offices across Japan. of projects, which is contributing to the expansion of sales of
PV systems. New business models emerged, including the power sales
In the supporting structure industry, in addition to domestic business with leased PV systems and resale of MW-scale PV projects;
manufacturers, an increasing number of non-Japanese manufacturers contributing to broadening the scope of the PV power generation
are entering the Japanese market thanks to the rapid increase of business.
demand due to the increase in installations of industrial PV systems.
Some Japanese manufacturers are enhancing their production capacity In the finance industry, financial institutions are actively investing
of supporting structures and brackets, while others are conducting in PV projects, along with the revitalization of the domestic PV system
sales activities in preparation of doing business in emerging markets in business, mainly with MW-scale PV projects. They are supporting
the future, in line with the establishment of their overseas production the expansion of PV system installations in a variety of formats
bases. With the growing installations, installation locations are getting such as establishment of project finance and investment funds, sale
more diverse, and development of new products and manufacturing of insurance products, preliminary rating of trust beneficiary right,
processes have been advanced. establishment of funds to acquire the power generation business,
establishment of the infrastructure fund market, issuance of green
In the storage battery industry, a number of new products were bonds and syndicated loans by regional banks.
launched one after another, with long life, large capacity and high
reliability as storage systems for residential applications. Home
builders launched smart houses, which are equipped with PV systems
and storage batteries as standard equipment. Also, efforts on zero
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 75
REPUBLIC OF KOREA
DONGGUN LIM, KOREA NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF TRANSPORTATION
Fig. 1 - Bicycle lane covered with solar panels, Sejong-si, Korea.

The Korea government set its 4th basic plan for new and renewable primary energy supply will account for 11 % in 2035. That is the same
energy (NRE) in 2014 which is the domestic/international resource as the target of the first energy plan which was announced in 2008.
development and the long-term (2014-2035) basic plan for the New Currently, the renewable energy is estimated to account for 3,6 % of
and Renewable Energy NRE. Visions and targets of the new basic total primary energy consumption.
plan are as follows. (1) By 2035, provide 11,0 % of the primary energy
supply with NRE. (2) Reduce the relative importance of waste while (1) RPS Programme
developing PV and wind power as main energy resources, so that The Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) is a system that enforces
13,4 % of total electric energy is supplied by NRE in 2035. In the target power producers to supply a certain amount of the total power
scenario, the PV energy share of the NRE supply will account for generation by NRE. The RPS replaced the FIT Scheme from 2012. In
4,9 % in 2014, 12,9 % in 2025 and 14,1 % in 2035. (3) Focus on Korea, 14 obligators (electricity utility companies with electricity
making the NRE market base to shift from a government-led system generation capacity of exceeding the 500 MW) are required to supply
to one that is driven by private partnerships. (4) Secure self- 10 % of their electricity from New and Renewable Energy (NRE)
sustainability for sustainable growth through expansion into foreign sources by 2024, starting from 2 % in 2012. PV has its own set-aside
markets. amount in the RPS of total 1,5 GW by 2015. The PV set-aside
requirement plan was shortened by one year in order to support the
In Korea, FIT was terminated at the end of 2011. The Renewable local PV industry. In 2015, the record-breaking 924 MW was installed
Portfolio Standard (RPS) replaced the FIT scheme from 2012. Under under this program. In a cumulative amount, about 68 % of the total
the RPS scheme, Koreas PV installation marked a tremendous jump PV installations in Korea were made under RPS scheme, while a total
to 1,011 GW in 2015. At the end of 2015, the total installed capacity of 500 MW (about 14 %) was installed under FIT programme which
was 3,493 GW. ended in 2011. The RPS is expected to be the major driving force for
PV installations in the next few years in Korea, with improved details
NATIONAL PROGRAMME such as boosting the small scale installations (less than 100 kW) by
Korea has been making an effort to increase the renewable energy adjusting the REC and multipliers, and unifying the PV and non-PV
portion of the national energy mix. The new goal was announced in markets.
2014. In the target scenario, the Koreas renewable energy share of
(2) Home Subsidy Programme

This programme was launched in 2004 that merged the existing
100 000 solar-roof installation programme. Although the 100 000
solar-roof deployment project was to install PV system in residential
houses, the one million green homes plan focuses on a variety of
resources such as PV, solar thermal, geo-thermal, and small wind.
In general, detached and apartment houses can benefit from this
programme. The Government provides 60 % of the initial PV system
cost for single-family and private multi-family houses, and 100 % for Fig. 2 - 3 MW roof mounted PV system at LG Electronics, Gumi-si, Gyunsangbuk-do,
public multi-family rent houses. The maximum PV capacity allowed for Korea (Photo: Solar Today).
3 kW. In 2015, 21 MW was installed under this programme.
(3) Building Subsidy Programme TABLE 1 - OBLIGATION SHARE FOR PUBLIC BUILDING
The Government supports up to 50 % of installation cost for OBLIGATION PROGRAMME
PV systems (below 50 kW) in buildings excluding homes. In addition,
the Government supports 80 % of initial cost for special purpose
demonstration and pre-planned systems in order to help the developed YEAR 2011~2012 2013 2014 2015
technologies and systems to diffuse into the market. Various OBLIGATION
grid-connected PV systems were installed in schools, public facilities, 10 11 12 15
SHARE (% )
welfare facilities as well as universities. In 2015, 6 MW
was installed under this programme. YEAR 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020~
OBLIGATION
(4) Regional Deployment Subsidy Programme 18 21 24 27 30
SHARE (% )
In an effort to improve the energy supply & demand condition and
to promote the development of regional economies by supplying
region-specific PV system that are friendly to the environment, the (6) PV Rental Programme
government has been promoting a regional deployment subsidy This is a new NRE subsidy programme launched in 2013. The PV rental
programme designed to support various projects carried out by local programme will fully begin since 2014. Household owners who used
governments. The government supports up to 50 % of the installation more than 350 kWh of electricity can apply for this programme.
cost for NRE (including PV) systems owned and operated by local Owners pay a PV system rental fee (maximum monthly 70 000 KRW
authorities. In 2015, 14 MW was installed under this programme. which is on the average less than 80 % of the electricity bill) for
a minimum of 7 years and can use the PV system with no initial
(5) Convergence and Integration Subsidy Programme for NRE investment and no maintenance cost for the rental period. PV rental
This is a new NRE subsidy program launched in 2013. A consortium companies recover the investment by earning a PV rental fee and
led by either local authority or public enterprise with NRE selling REP Renewable Energy Point (REP) having no multiplier. In
manufacturing companies and private companies can apply for this 2015, 8 MW was installed under this programme.
subsidy programme. This programme is designed to help diffuse the
NRE into socially disadvantaged and vulnerable regions and classes R&D, D
such as islands, remote areas (not connected to the grid), long-term A total of eight Korean ministries were involved in planning and
rental housing district, etc. Local adaptability is one of the most managing the national PV R&D projects. In 2013, 86,9 % of total
important criteria, thus the convergence between various NRE PV R&D budget was managed by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and
resources (PV, wind, electricity and heat) and the complex between Energy (MOTIE) and the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning
areas (home, business and public) are primarily considered to benefit (MSIP) (112,0 BKRW by MOTIE and 73,3 BKRW by MSIP), and the rest
from this programme. In 2015, 5 MW was installed under this was managed by six other government entities including the Small
programme. and Medium Business Administration (16,4 BKRW) and the Ministry
of Education (7,5 BKRW). The Korea Institute of Energy Technology
(6) Public Building Obligation Programme Evaluation and Planning (KETEP) controls the biggest portion of the
The new buildings of public institutions, the floor area of which MOTIE-led national PV R&D budget and managed a total of 430 BKRW
exceeds 1 000 square meters, are obliged by law to use more than for the period of 2008~2013. About 60 BKRW will be invested in PV
12 % (in 2014) of their total expected energy usage from newly R&D through KETEP in 2014. For the short-term commercialization,
installed NRE resource systems. Public institutions include state so many projects have been implemented with the subjects of
administrative bodies, local autonomous entities, and state-run polycrystalline Si, Si ingot, crystalline silicon solar cell, CIGS thin film
companies. The building energy obligation share will increase up to solar cell, PV module, and PV system. For long-term and innovative
30 % by 2020. In 2015, 33 MW was installed under this programme. goals, many projects have been implemented in the area of quantum
dot, organic, and perovskite solar cells.
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 77
Fig. 3 - 5 MW PV power plant at Amsa Arisu Water Filtration Center, Seoul, Korea (Photo: Hankook-Ilbo).
INDUSTRY AND MARKET DEVELOPMENT in 2014, respectively, were installed due mainly to the newly introduced
The supply chain of crystalline silicon PV in Korea is complete, from RPS scheme with mandated PV requirement. The RPS scheme was
feedstock materials to system installation. again the main driver for PV installation in 2015, and a remarkable size
TABLE 2 CAPACITY OF PV PRODUCTION CHAIN of 1,011 GW was recorded. At the end of 2015, the total installed PV
IN 2015 capacity was about 3,493 GW, among them the PV installations that
were made under the RPS scheme accounted for 68 % of the total
P O LY- S I Ingot Wafers Cells Modules cumulative amount.
(TON) (GW) (GW) (GW) (GW)
93 000 3,350 2,830 3,645 4,490
Production of Feedstock and Wafer: OCI achieved its total

production capacity of poly-silicon feedstock up to 52 000 ton.
Woongjin Energy is operating a 1 GW silicon ingot capacity plant.
Nexolon has a capacity of 1,75 GW in silicon wafers.
Production of Photovoltaic Cells and Modules: Hanwha Q CELLS

Korea built 1,5 GW of photovoltaic cell plant and 500 MW of module
plant in province of Chungcheongbuk-do. LG Electronics has a capacity
of 900 MW and 1 GW in the c-Si solar cells and modules, respectively.
Hyundai Heavy Industry has a capacity of 600 MW and 600 MW in the
c-Si solar cells and modules, respectively. Shinsung Solar Energy has a
capacity of 420 MW and 150 MW in the c-Si solar cells and modules,
respectively.
Since the installation of 276 MW in 2008, the PV market remained

stagnant in Korea over the three years that followed (installation
of 156 MW in 2011). This was mainly due to the limited FIT scheme
which played an important role in the early stage Korean PV market
expansion. However, 230 MW in 2012, 531 MW in 2013 and 926 MW
MALAYSIA
DATO DR NADZRI BIN YAHAYA, MINISTRY OF ENERGY, GREEN TECHNOLOGY AND WATER
CATHERINE RIDU, SUSTAINABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MALAYSIA

The grid-connected PV market in Malaysia is largely driven by
the implementation of the feed-in tariff (FiT) mechanism by the
Sustainable Energy Development Authority Malaysia (the Authority).
2015 marked the fourth year of FiT implementation in Malaysia; the
FiT is framed under the Renewable Energy (RE) Act 2011 [Act 725]
whilst the establishment of the Authority is under the SEDA Act 2011
[Act 726]. Aside from the Authority, the main actors involved in the FiT
framework are the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water,
the Energy Commission, the distribution licensees, RE developers, and
the RE service providers.
FiT Programme: In Malaysia, the FiT programme is applicable for

the entire country save for the state of Sarawak. The FiT portfolio
covers five types of renewable resources connected to the grid;
they are biomass, biogas, small hydro, PV, and geothermal. Of these
five renewable resources, PV continuously ranked as the renewable
resource with the fastest take up rate. Despite a steep degression rate
for PV compared to the other renewable resources, the PV market
continued to outpace the other renewable resources due to the ease
of project implementation. As of end of December 2015, the Authority
approved a total of 7 268 applications (324,79 MW) for PV and these
applications constituted 97,8 % of the total applications approved
under the FiT mechanism.
Degression Rates: Since the FiT was implemented on 1 December 2011,

degression rates for PV have been revised on annual basis to reflect
a reasonable return on investment in PV projects. On 29 December Fig. 1 - A PV farm of 1,764 MW in Kedah, Malaysia by Leaf Energy Sdn Bhd.
2015, new degression rates were gazetted and this review took into
consideration the global pricing dynamics of PV and the weakening
of the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) against major currencies such as the NATIONAL PROGRAMME & MARKET DEVELOPMENT
US Dollar. The degression rates for installed PV capacities of up to The market development for grid-connected PV systems hinges mainly
1 MW remained unchanged. However, the degression rates for installed on the FiT mechanism. In 2015 alone, a total of 2 770 applications
PV capacities greater than 1 MW and up to 30 MW were revised for PV were approved with a total capacity of 72,50 MW. The
from 20 % to 15 %. Additionally, the degression rate for bonus breakdown of approved applications is as follows: individuals (2 479
criteria for use of PV as installation in building or building structures applications 20,39 MW), community (184 applications 4,51 MW), and
(i.e. retrofitted application) was revised from 20 % to 10 % but non-individuals (107 applications 47,60 MW). As of 31 December 2015,
the degression rates of use of PV as building materials (i.e. BIPV a cumulative total of 221,33 MW of PV projects were operational
application) remained at 20 %, and use of locally manufactured of which the 46,05 MW were for the individuals, 0,97 MW were for
or assembled PV modules and inverters remained at 0 %. the community and 174,31 MW were for the non-individual
PV projects. This translated to 4 827 individuals, 58 communities,
Way Forward: The FiT mechanism is funded by consumers who and 285 non-individuals feed-in approval holders. The installed
contributed an additional amount of 1,6 % on their electricity PV capacity in 2015 alone was 61,3 MW; 17,05 MW from individuals,
bills [1] to the RE Fund. This totals to approximately only MYR 633 0,97 MW from communities, and 43,28 MW from non-individuals.
million per annum; the amount is miniscule compared with many More information on PV quota, FiT rates and operational capacity
countries implementing the FiT mechanism. This matter is exacerbated can be accessed via www.seda.gov.my.
as the Malaysian Government subsidizes the electricity tariff in the
country. Due to the constraint in the RE Fund; PV under the FiT is In the state of Sarawak, the cumulative installed PV capacity in 2015
projectedto conclude releasing further quota post 2017. In order to was 2,747 MW of which 2,489 MW was off-grid and 0,258 MW
sustain the PV industry and to grow the PV market in the country, was grid-connected PV systems. In 2015 alone, there were no grid-
thePrime Minister of Malaysia announced in the Budget 2016 connected PV systems installed whereas there were 1,657 MW of
the implementation of Net Energy Metering by the Authority with off-grid PV systems installed. Although FiT is not extended to the state
the quota capacity of 100 MW per year commencing 2016 of Sarawak, net energy metering mechanism is implemented at utility
(23 October 2015). level (source: Sarawak Energy Berhad).
[1] domestic consumers with not more than 300 kWh per month electricity are exempted from contribution to the RE Fund.
MALAYSIA 79
INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT
On the PV manufacturing front, Malaysia remains a significant
PV producer (after China and Taiwan). In 2015, the total metallurgical
grade silicon (MGS) and polysilicon manufacturing nameplate capacity
remained at 53,4 tonnes with employment of 840. For wafer, solar
cells and PV modules manufacturing, the total estimated nameplate
capacity was 9 430 MW with employment of 13 149. Figure 2 shows
the major PV manufacturing statistics in Malaysia classified under
4 categories for 2015 and 2016 (estimate): Metallurgical and Poly
Silicon, Wafer, Solar Cells, and PV Modules.
M E TA L S I & P O LY S I 2 01 5 2 01 6 ( E S T I M A T E )
No. Company Name Capacity (kilo ton) Employment Capacity (kilo ton) Employment
1 Elpion Si (Metal Si) 33,4 160 33,4 160
2 Tokuyama (Poly-Si) 20,0 680 20,0 680
Total 53,4 840 53,4 840
WAFER 2015 2016 (ESTIMATE)
No. Company Name Capacity (MW) Employment Capacity (MW) Employment
1 Sun Edison (P-type mono) 1 000 650 NA NA
2 Comtec (Ingot, N-type mono) 205 320 278 434
Total 1 205 970 278 434
CELL 2 01 5 2 01 6 ( E S T I M A T E )
1 AUO-SunPower (N-type Mono-Si) 750 1 694 800 1 664
2 Hanwha Q-Cells (P-type Multi-Si) 1 700 1 106 NA NA
3 TS Solartech (Multi-Si) 210 200 700 500
4 First Solar Tetrasun (N-type 100 100 100 100
Mono-Si)
5 Jinko Solar (Multi-Si) 500 536 500 536
6 JA Solar (Multi-Si) NA NA 400 700
Total 3 260 3 636 2 100 2 800
MODULE 2 01 5 2 01 6 ( E S T I M A T E )
1 First Solar (CdTe thin film) 2 400 3 900 2 400 3 900
2 Flextronics (OEM for Si) 1 100 1 500 1 500 2 000
3 Panasonic (HIT N-type Mono Si) 300 1 200 425 1 250
4 MSR (Mono & Multi-Si) 85 130 85 130
5 Solartif (Multi-Si) 10 NA NA NA
6 PV HiTech (Multi-Si) 5 15 5 15
7 Endau XT (Mono & Multi-Si) 75 NA NA NA
8 Hanwha Q-Cells 1 600 774 NA NA
9 Jinko Solar (Multi-Si) 450 914 450 914
10 Nanopac (Thin Film) Not operational 12 30
11 Promelight (Mono & Multi-Si) 40 106 150 200
Total 6 065 8 539 5 015 8 409
Fig. 2 - Major PV Manufacturing Statistics in Malaysia (Source: Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology).
Within the PV industry, there were 118 PV service providers active in

the market in 2015. The list of these registered PV service providers
for 2016 can be found in www.seda.gov.my.
R&D, D
R&D activities in PV are largely under the purview of the Ministry
of Science, Technology and Innovation. Figure 3 shows the main R&D
areas of Malaysian universities and research institutions.
N AT I O N A L U N I V E R S I T Y O F M A L AY S I A ( U K M )
PV Cell PV Module BOS PV System Others
Bifacial C-Si Cell Solar radiation

Junction formation Bifacial module Optimization of Hybrid PV systems monitoring
optimization of C-Si Cell PV-thermal panels inverter design Solar radiation,
Surface texturisation of C-Si with bifacial solar cell Optimization of MPPT Performance solar energy,
Cell Thermal analysis of controller study of PV/T meteorological
CdS/CdTe Cell semi-transparent PV collector variables
CdCl2 Treatment prediction
Indoline-based dye for DSSC
U N I V E R S I T Y O F M A L AYA ( U M )
PV Cell BOS
SEPIC converter for MPPT

6-phase induction motor drive
Nanostructured TiO2-Ge thin film Active power filter for harmonic compensation
Multilayer Si/Ge thin-film Transformerless inverter/converter
Multilever inverter/converter
Temperature sensor for PV inverter
U N I V E R S I T Y O F S C I E N C E , M A L AY S I A ( U S M )
PV Cell
Highly doped N-type porous Si

Nano-texturing of C-Si Cell
CdS/CIGS cell on PET substrate
ITO/ZnO and other thin film on PET substrate
Flexible substrate for electronic devices at low temperature of 70C and atmospheric temperature
U N I V E R S I T I T E K N O L O G I M A L AY S I A ( U T M )
BOS PV System
Selective harmonics elimination with PWM for inverter PV system simulator/MPPT/ Energy
Bidirectional inverter/converter recovery scheme during partial shading
condition
U N I V E R S I T I P U T R A M A L AY S I A ( U P M )
PV Cell BOS Others
CIS thin film Cascade voltage doubler for voltage multiplication Solar radiation prediction
SnSe thin film
MALAYSIA 81
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA (UITM)

PV System
Grid-connected/stand-alone PV system sizing optimization

GCPV system output prediction
T E C H N I C A L U N I V E R S I T Y O F M A L AY S I A ( U T E M )
PV System
Energy recovery scheme during partial shading condition

U N I V E R S I T I M A L AY S I A P E R L I S ( U N I M A P )
PV Cell
Natural anthocyanins compound as photovoltaic sensitizer

MULTIMEDIA UNIVERSITY (MMU)
PV System
Performance analysis of PV/T system

UNIVERSITI TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN (UTAR)
PV Cell BOS
Non-imaging concentrator Sun tracking system

Non-imaging focusing technology Polymer electrolyte for lithium rechargeable battery
Synthesis of TiO2 for DSSC
U N I V E R S I T I M A L AY S I A P A H A N G ( U M P )
PV Cell PV System
TiO2 nanostructure Estimation of solar radiation

Electrospinning of TiO2 and SnO2 nanoflowers/nanowires
Perovskite solar cells
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI PETRONAS (UTP)
PV Cell PV System
Optimization/Synthesis of TiO2 aggregates Estimation of solar radiation

Flexible DSC
SIRIM BERHAD
Others
Fabrication of solar simulator

MIMOS BERHAD
PV Cell BOS
PV Device Solar tracking apparatus
Fig. 3 - Main Solar PV Researches by Local Universities and Research Institute (Source: Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology).
MEXICO
PV TECHNOLOGY: STATUS AND PROSPECTS IN MEXICO
JAIME AGREDANO, JORGE M. HUACUZ
ELECTRICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE

The legislative process for the Constitutional Energy Reform in Mexico
was concluded in December of 2015, with the approval by Congress
of the Law for Energy Transition (LET). This is one of the nine new
laws enacted since the Mexican energy reform process began in 2013.
Jointly with the also new Law for the Electricity Industry (LEI), the
LET sets the legal framework for the massive deployment in Mexico
of PV, along with other renewables. This legal framework includes,
among other things, the implementation of a system of Clean Energy
Certificates to be issued by the Energy Regulatory Commission
(CRE) as a means of certifying the amount of electricity produced
from clean energy sources by the electric companies established in
Mexico after the unbundling of the state electricity monopoly, CFE.
Also included in the legal framework is a mechanism for long-term Fig. 1 - 70 kW PV System in a Fruit Packing Plant, Colima MX (Photo: Conermex).
auctions of clean electricity, clean power and clean energy certificates.
Strategy and planning instruments, such as the Transition Strategy
to promote the use of cleaner technologies and fuels, the National Financing, historically one of the main barriers for the introduction
Program for Sustainable Energy Use, and the Special Program for of renewable energy in Mexico, is now slowly appearing. FIDE, a
Energy Transition, have been established with the purpose of assuring not-for-profit electricity savings organization focusing on electricity
that the national goal previously set in the General Law for Climate consumers of the domestic, and small and micro enterprises sectors,
Change, of reaching 35 percent of electricity produced from clean reports having financed close to 1 000 roof top PV projects for a total
energy by 2024, will be met. close to 12 MUSD. These are small projects of less than 4 KW each
for domestic users and less than 8 kW each for enterprises. Estimates
NATIONAL PROGRAMME of the National Solar Energy Society (ANES), Mexican Chapter of the
Albeit no specific national PV program has been instrumented in International Solar Energy Society (ISES) indicated that 103 MW were
this country, an increasing number of utility-scale PV projects have installed during 2015. The market segmentation shows that between
been permitted and are at different stages of development. To date, 8 000 and 10 000 rooftop PV systems, with a total capacity of
CRE has awarded generation permits for grid-connected PV totaling 50 MW, were installed in 2015; with 1 MW for street lighting, 3 MW
7,285 MW in capacity. According to the recently released National for SHS and water pumping and 49 MW in centralized PV parks. In
Electric System Development Program, which derives from the early 2016, a 22 MW PV plant is going to be put on line. This plant is
Electricity Reform Act of 2013, solar energy will reach 2,103 MW by part of a project for installing 400 MW to be completed in the coming
the year 2029. It is assumed that all this capacity will be reached with years. According to CRE data, close to 3 GW of utility scale
photovoltaic systems, as no indications of concentrating solar power PV projects already permitted are at different stages of development;
projects for Mexico could be found in the projections. 600 MW are expected to come on line during 2016. The down side
of the developing Mexican PV market is that a 15 % import duty has
R&D, D been imposed on PV modules, which is currently been fought against
It is still too early to report progress made by the team of universities, on legal grounds by a number of project developers.
private firms and research centers clustered in the recently created
Center of Innovation for Solar Energy (CEMIE-SOL). Current PV projects
approved within this initiative are mostly in their initial stages.

The installation of PV-powered micro-grids in remote rural
communities continues as part of the governments rural electrification
programs. The total number of installations, mostly of 50 kWp capacity
each, has reached 2,5 MW.
Local PV module assembly capacity has grown to around 1 GW with

the recent inauguration of a 500 MWp facility near Mexico City. Other
smaller manufacturing facilities have been installed in central and
south Mexico to supply PV modules for the national markets, while
other companies previously installed near the Mexico-US border
continue their production for the export market.
THE NETHERLANDS 83
THE NETHERLANDS
PV TECHNOLOGY STATUS AND PROSPECTS 2015
OTTO BERNSEN, RVO, ENERGY INNOVATION
a viable alternative for saving money and the mandatory energy label
(EPC) for houses on the market. The Netherlands offer an innovative
domestic market with many niche markets and specialised products.
The international consolidation in the solar industry also continues

with new players entering and old ones adjusting. The core group
of equipment manufactures led by Tempress, Eurotron, Levitech
and VDL maintained their position while chemical multinational
DSM continues to be a worldwide market leader, specifically in
encapsulation of solar cells.
The national effort is led by the Top Consortium for Knowledge and
Fig. 1 - TU-e family car Stella winning the category cruiser car in the Solar Innovation (TKI) for Solar which in 2016 has merged together with
World Challenge in Australia for the second consecutive year (Photo: news TU-e). the TKIs for smart grids and the built environment under the flag of
Urban Energy (see http://topsectorenergie.nl/urban-energy/). The TKI
Urban Energy is a public private partnership and its goal is to further
GENERAL FRAMEWORK accelerate the development and application of solar power in the
The Dutch PV market shows a sturdy yearly growth and there are Netherlands and to ensure that the added value to the Dutch economy
early indicators that especially the rooftop market will exceed the is maximized.
nearly 300 MW installed capacity in 2014 to approx. 450 MW in 2015.
However, the Dutch market has not yet reached its full potential for NATIONAL PROGRAMMES
acceleration in the larger systems segments. After breaching the 1 GW At a national level, there are government programs for market
number of total installed capacity last year, the sunny expectations introduction such as the DEN (Sustainable Energy Netherlands)
have been tempered by the inability to reach a breakthrough in larger program which is not exclusively for solar and is accompanied by
applications (up to and over15 kWp) supported by the SDE plus various tax incentives, the SDE plus scheme (which is a feed-in subsidy
scheme. Some larger systems have been realised but since renewable for larger solar systems up and above 15 kWp) and the net metering
energy sources have to compete in the Netherlands with each other scheme for households and smaller systems. A tax reduction scheme
on price in the SDE plus scheme, solar has been largely pushed out exists for local energy cooperatives with members living nearby and
by other cheaper alternatives. The National Action Plan Solar (NAZ) similar postal codes, the so-called postcoderoos. Apart from these
however foresees a growth of installed capacity in 2023 of 10 GW instruments, the so-called Green Deals can still be closed concerning
instead of the earlier projected 4 GW in 2020. This amounts to public-private partnerships that contribute to the 2020 energy goals.
approximately 15 % of the total renewable energy production and 7 % The innovation is driven by the TKI Urban Energy (Top consortium
of the total electricity demand in 2030. For now, the domestic markets for Knowledge and Innovation) and fundamental research is mainly
relies on the several hundred Megawatts installed each year while the executed by NWO (the Dutch National Science Foundation) and their
market is gradually diversifying into different sizes, different types of institutes, such as DIFFER, which focuses specifically on fusion and
panels and different applications. solar fuels.
The definition of the traditional category of PV as a device generating A new instrument was introduced in 2015, the renewable energy
only electricity might need some revision in the future. The main R&D instrument (http://www.rvo.nl/subsidies-regelingen/topsector-
reason for this is that after the initial pioneering phase of PV energieregelingen-tse/subsidieregelingen/hernieuwbare-energie). Its
technologies it is now not only widely accepted as a viable alternative main goal is to reach the climate goal of 16 % renewable energy in
but also increasingly integrated and seen as part of an energy system. 2023 in a cost effective way by means of innovative projects that lead
This can be in combination with the different functions of an energy to cheaper renewable energy production with new products.
system such as storage, as in the case of artificial photosynthesis
which converts sunlight into fuels, or with the additional functions These national programmes are complemented by many regional
of BIPV, such as active cooling/heating, insulation, shading, waterproof programmes executed by provinces and cities targeting also specific
and aesthetics. Artificial photosynthesis and luminescent solar niches, such as schools, sport clubs or the replacement of asbestos
concentrator (LSC) are in the early stages of development. roofs with solar. An example is the largest solar park of 6 MWp in the
Netherlands on the island of Ameland for which construction started
The major drivers of the domestic rooftop market stay the same in in 2015.
2015 for the Netherlands; lower prices, the net metering scheme
which is guaranteed until 2020, the various tax reduction schemes, the
quality of the installation, the low interest rates which turn solar into
The manufacturing industry of machinery led by Tempress,

Eurotron, Levitech and VDL has maintained their market position
notwithstanding the continuing international consolidation in
the industry. From the chemical industry multinational DSM is a
worldwide market leader specifically in encapsulation of solar
cells with dedicated antireflective coating.
Fig. 2 - Tulipps Solar lightweight thin-film BIPV with founder and CEO Paul Stassen
(Photo: RVO.nl). Worthwhile mentioning are also four very specific niche markets in
the Netherlands apart from the solar crystalline solar cells that are still
dominant in the solar market, namely: the high quality solar cells for
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES the European space programs ESA and CPV applications, the innovative
In 2015, approximately 26 MEUR public funding for solar was allocated experiments by TNO with solar cells in pavement called Solar Road,
to R&D projects. More data is gathered from all Dutch research efforts the combination of LED lighting and PV in green houses and last but
and shall be presented later this year. not least the combination of amorphous solar cells on industrial foils
covering large surfaces; for example, waste dumps.
The solar program lines of the TKI IDEEGO (now Urban Energy) on
applied research consisted of: The installation of solar has led to the creation of 10 000 jobs in the
Solar technologies (PV) building and installation sector (source: Nationaal Solar Trendrapport
Multifunctional building parts containing PV (BIPV). 2015).
The key research partnerships in these two focus areas are: In Figure 3, an overview is given of the module prices since 2013.
SEAC (Solar Energy Application Centre; an initiative of ECN, TU-e, It seems to stabilize on an average price of 1,06 EUR/Wp. About
TNO and University of Utrecht) for systems & applications; 50 % of the panels are imported from Asia. Over 90 % of this market
Silicon Competence Centre (ECN, FOM-Amolf, TUD-Dimes and consists of roof top systems.
Tempress, Levitech en Eurotron ) for wafer-based silicon
PV technologies;
Solliance (TNO, ECN, TU/e, Holst Centre, IMEC and FZ Jlich and
DSM, VDL, DyeSol, Rexroth, Nano-C, SolarTek) for thin-film 3,2
Stichting Monitoring Zonnestroom
technologies. 3,0
2,8
Gemiddelde moduleprijs (/Wp)
Several academies have bachelor and master courses on solar 2,6

technologies. A test site is based at the expertise centre NEBER of 2,4
Hogeschool Zuyd for large scale applications and especially renovation 2,2
projects http://international.zuyd.nl/research/centres-of-expertise/ 2,0 - 53,7 %
neber. 1,8
1,6
Scientific research into solar technologies, production and applications 1,4
is regionally dispersed in the Netherlands over various universities 1,2
including Utrecht, Leiden, Amsterdam, Delft, Nijmegen, Groningen,
1,0
Eindhoven and at AMOLF in various groups like Nanoscale Solar Cells,
0,8
Photonic Materials and Hybrid solar Cells, see their website http:// 2011 2012 2012 2013 2013 2014
0,6
www.amolf.nl/research/nanoscale-solar-cells/. Sept Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar

INDUSTRY STATUS
In 2015, only a few companies have been producing solar cells or Fig. 3 - Average module prices on the Dutch solar market (Source: Stichting
modules in the Netherlands. Trina Solar has taken over Solland Monitoring Zonnestroom).
Solar with a capacity of 200 MWp a year and Hyet Solar produces
amorphous silicon cells for demonstration and is developing niche
markets. There are however new innovative initiatives, such as Orange
Solar producing tailor made modules, Solarus in Venlo producing solar
collectors and Exasun in Rijswijk which produces the first back contact All parties in the Dutch Solar sector can be found for match-making
solar cells (15 Mwp per year) with plans for expansion. Tulipps Solar is activities on the mobile App Dutch solar sector. The App is available for
ready for the production of lightweight panels (see Figure 2). IOS (iPhone and iPad), see http://sectorapp.tkisolarenergy.nl/.
THE NETHERLANDS 85
There is a specific report for the SDE plus scheme containing larger
systems but the main message here is that there exists a large
discrepancy between the solar systems expected and realized (see
figure 13 in Report on Renewable Energy 2014. http://english.rvo.
Fig. 4 - Design LSC in solar screen SONOB along highway by Heijmans (Source: nl/sites/default/files/2015/09/Renewable%20energy%20report%20
Heijmans Bv. http://www.heijmans.nl/nl/solar-noise-barriers-sonob/ ). 2014_0.pdf
As mentioned before, in previous years the registration of roof

DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS mounted solar panels in the Netherlands is not complete and the
The phase of demonstration projects of PV modules is still very much installation of smart meters is only at its initial stage. Therefore, the
alive in the Netherlands and covers new markets segments like estimation of the total amount installed capacity each year is not
infrastructure, green houses, floating systems, BIPV and more efficient accurate and there might exist an error margin of 10 % and probably
thin film and crystalline cells. A good example is the field test for more. The official figures are published by the CBS in May after which
Luminescent Solar Concentrators (LSC) in noise barriers along highways adjustments can still be made. Given this situation and the positive
by a consortium led by Heijmans (Sonob-project, See Figure 4). early indicators in the sector (with thanks to Solar Solutions, Solar
Magazine and Polder PV) for the rooftop segment and some large scale
IMPLEMENTATION AND MARKET DEVELOPMENT systems realised on industrial roofs, a first estimation of 450 MW is
An important incentive for households is net metering for own given here and the official figures over the year 2015 will be presented
consumption. This net metering scheme is guaranteed until 2020 but in May 2015 by the CBS. To reach the set goals however, the domestic
there is much public debate on the prolongation of this incentive Dutch market will have to speed up to a growth of around 1 GW a year.
and the socialization of external costs. The amount of installations is
rising fast and also an argument exists that net metering obstructs a
business case for local storage systems.
Dutch Installed capacity yearly and accumulated MWp
1600
Installed capacity yearly and accumulated
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Sum
Fig. 5 - Preliminary estimation for installed capacity in 2015 MWp. (Source: CBS Statline
contains only figures until year 2014. 2015 is not published yet).
NORWAY
BJRN THORUD, THE RESEARCH COUNCIL OF NORWAY
Fig. 1 - 127 kWp of screen-printed glass with integrated PV cells installed in 2015 at Solsmaragden, in Drammen, Norway
(Photo: Fusen AS).
GENERAL FRAMEWORK
Hydropower is the main source of electricity generation in Norway, in the form of saved, converted, or generated clean energy can be
covering more than 99% of the Norwegian demand. Since the annual achieved. Since the introduction of the el-certificate market Enova
precipitation varies from year to year, and thereby also the power only supports new power generation technologies, i.e. demonstration
production, the Norwegian electricity system is highly integrated in projects including immature technologies or technologies new to the
the Nordic power market. Despite a net population increase in recent Norwegian market. Renewable power generation from wind, hydro,
years, power consumption is relatively stable, due to energy efficiency PV, etc. will receive support from the el-certificate market.
measures and reduced activity in the metal industry. Focus on
environmental issues, security of supply etc., has lead to an increased NATIONAL PROGRAMME
interest in renewable electricity production, such as wind and small Currently, Norway has no defined goals when it comes to
hydro, but also in bioenergy and heat pumps as substitutes to electric implementation of PV technology. The el-certificate market is
space heating. technology neutral and thus the intention is to support all new types
renewable power generation. The entrance fee for the participation
2015 was the fourth year of operation of the common Swedish- in the el-certificate market is minimum NOK 15 000 NOK, and this
Norwegian electricity certificate market. The el-certificate market amount is generally too high for owners of small PV systems. Larger
is a technology neutral, market-based support scheme for power PV systems could benefit from the el-certificate market, but the
generation from renewable energy sources. The market is designed to regulations for PV in this market has yet to come in place. In a hearing,
increase power generation from renewable energy sources in the two NVE suggested that PV could be included in the el-certificate market if
countries with 28,4 TWh/year before 2020. The total power production the PV plant was set up as the same way as an ordinary power station.
in Norway in 2014 was 144,8 TWh, whereas only 128,6 TWh was Thus, one would have to apply for a concession for electricity sales
consumed in Norway. By the end of Q4 2015, 570 GWh of new power and pay for grid services to the TSO. Self-consumption would not be
production was installed and approved for the electricity certificate eligible for el-certificates. However, during the negotiations for the
market. state budget at the end of 2015, the Parliament asked the Government
to revise the regulations so that self-consumption would be eligible for
Enova SF, a public agency owned by the Ministry of Petroleum and el-certificates. As of the beginning of 2016, there are no regulations
Energy, was established in 2001 as an instrument to improve energy in place and therefore el-certificates have not been credited to any
system efficiency and increase renewable energy production. Enova PV-plant.
offers support schemes in the areas in which the greatest effect
NORWAY 87
Since the el-certificate market has proven to be unsuited for small The Norwegian Research Centre for Solar Cell Technology has
scale power generation, such as PV, Enova has made an exception completed its sixth year of operation (www.solarunited.no). Leading
for privately owned PV systems below 15 kWp. These systems are national research groups and industrial partners in PV technology
eligible for a support of 10 000 NOK plus 1 250 NOK/kWp. This support participate in the centre. The research activities are grouped into
scheme was introduced in January 2015 and during the first year of seven work packages, six of which involve research, development
operation a total of support of 1,18 MNOK has been given, resulting in and competence building: mono- and multi-crystalline silicon,
76 systems with an accumulated output of 319 kWp. A large portion of next-generation modeling tools for crystallizing silicon, solar cell and
these systems were installed on the islands of Hvaler in the south east solar panel technology, new materials for next-generation solar cells,
of Norway where they are an integral part of the Smart-Grid Hvaler new characterization methods and silicon production. The seventh is
demonstration site. a value-chain project that applies the findings of the other six work
packages to produce working solar cell prototypes. The total Centre
Another support program at Enova is the program for Buildings budget is ~350 MNOK over the duration of the Centre (20092017).
with High-Energy Performance. This program can offer financial
support to buildings where the energy performance goes beyond the The governmental support for the Norwegian Research Centre for
normal technical norms. Near Zero Energy Buildings (nZEB), Zero Solar Cell Technology comes to an end in 2017. An application for
Energy Buildings (ZEB) and Plus Energy Buildings are examples a new centre in solar cell technology including the partners from the
of building categories that are eligible for support through this current centre, as well as several new entrants, has been submitted.
program. Throughout 2015, a total of 4 buildings supported by this If successful, the new centre will be awarded funding from 2017.
program included PV as part of the energy concept. However, neither The new centre will continue to build on its strong knowledge in
the amount of support towards PV, nor the installed capacity was the up-stream activities, but it will also include research related to
registered by Enova. innovation and industrial development, as well as PV systems.
In December 2014, the municipality of Oslo launched a support There are six main R&D groups in the universities and research
scheme for PV systems on residential buildings in Oslo. The institute sector of Norway:
municipality will give a financial support limited to 40 % of the IFE (Institute for Energy Technology): Focuses on polysilicon
investment cost for systems on buildings with less than four production, silicon solar cell design, production, characterization,
apartments. The budget of the program was limited to 4 MNOK. and investigations of the effect of material quality upon solar
cell performance. A solar cell laboratory at IFE contains a
77 homes were granted support through the scheme in 2015, with the dedicated line for producing silicon-based solar cells. Additionally,
budget capacity reached in November. Only a quarter of the fund has a characterization laboratory and a polysilicon production
been paid out however, since it is payable as a reimbursement after the lab, featuring three different furnace technologies has been
investment on the PV system is made. The scheme has been extended established.
for 2016 to 6 MNOK. Successful applicants have two years to realize University of Oslo (UiO), Faculty of Mathematics and Natural
the implementation of the system to secure reimbursement. Sciences: The Centre for Materials Science and Nanotechology
(SMN) is coordinating the activities within materials science,
PV continues to be an important topic for government funded micro- and nanotechnology.
research and development, and it is one out of six research areas NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology)
that are emphasized by the Norwegian National Research Strategy, Trondheim: Focuses on production and characterization of solar
Energi21. The main focus of this strategy is on the PV industry and grade silicon. There are some activities on PV systems at the
export. There is very little focus on domestic use of PV, although FME-centre ZEB (Zero Emmission Buildings)
the interest among researches seem to be increasing. SINTEF Trondheim and Oslo: Focus on silicon feedstock, refining,
crystallisation, sawing and material characterisation.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT NMBU (Norwegian Univiersity of Life Sciences): Focus on
The Norwegian Research Council (NRC) funds industry oriented fundamental studies of materials for PV applications and
research, basic research and socio-economic research within the assessment of PV performance in high-latitude environments.
energy field, including renewable energy sources. Agder University (UiA): Research on silicon feedstock with Elkem.
Renewable Energy demonstration facility with PV-systems, solar
The total NRC funds for PV related R&D projects was approximately heat collectors, heat pump, heat storage and electrolyser for
67 MNOK (7 MEURO) for 2015. Most of the R&D projects are focused research on hybrid systems.
on the silicon chain from feedstock to solar cells research, but also Norut (Northern Research Institute Narvik): Development of
related to fundamental material research and production processes. silicon based solar cells and includes the whole production chain
A growing supply business is also filling out the portfolio of projects. from casting of silicon to solar cell modules. Testing of PV systems
under arctic conditions.
Crystals is mono crystalline silicon blocks for the international market,

but they also deliver high efficiency modules.
Scatec Solar is a provider of utility scale solar (PV) power plants and
an independent solar power producer (IPP). The company develops,
builds, owns and operates solar power plants and delivers power from
383 MW in the Czech Republic, South Africa, Rwanda, Honduras and
the United States, with 43 MW under construction in Jordan. The
Fig. 2 - Omsorgsbygg Oslo installed a 130 kWp system at kern Sykehjem (a home Company has its head office in Oslo, but operates in the international
for elderly people). The power from the system is for self-consumption market. In 2014, Scatec Solar went public and is now noted on the
(Photo: Fusen AS). Norwegian Stock Exchange.
Steuler Solar Technology AS is part of the German Steuler Group

INDUSTRY AND MARKET DEVELOPMENT who has developed and patented a new generation of crucibles for
The Norwegian PV industry is still going strong, despite the tough producing wafers for the PV industry. In 2012, its subsidiary in Norway
period it has gone through. Several companies scaled down their established a pilot production of crucibles in the Herya Industrial
activities during this period, but in 2014, they started to ramp up Park. The crucibles can be reused which can yield cost savings in the
the production. The ramp up has continued through 2015 and several industry, and provide better purity of wafers and control over the
of the actors in the Norwegian PV industry have stated that 2015 was crystallization process. Throughout 2015, a pilot production has been
one of the best years theyve had for a long time. operating in parts of the former REC factory at Herya, and Steuler
Solar is considering to ramp up.
REC-Silicon is still noted on the Oslo stock exchange but the
headquarters are no longer in Norway. There is no production left IMPLEMENTATION
in Norway. The company was split into two companies in 2013 REC; Until 2014 the Norwegian PV market was mostly driven by off-grid
REC Silicon and REC Solar. The production facility of REC Silicon is in applications, primarily the leisure market (cabins, leisure boats) and to
the USA, while REC Solar has its factory in Singapore and main office a more limited extent, the professional market (mostly lighthouses/
for the systems division in Mnich. In 2014 Elkem Solar offered to lanterns along the coast and telecommunication systems). However,
purchase REC Solar, and this was approved by the general assembly in the market for grid connected PV systems experienced a nearly
January 2015. REC Solar is no longer noted on the Oslo stock exchange. 10-fold increase in the number of kWp installed from 2013 to 2014.
Uncertainty relating to regulatory framework meant that the increase
Elkem Solars technology is based on the so-called metallurgical in grid connected systems in 2015 was a modest increase of 1, 5 MWp
route; Elkem Solar has invested in a silicon production plant in compared with 1,4 MWp in 2014. 2015 saw a decrease in commercial
Kristiansand in southern Norway. With a design capacity of 6 000 tons business installations, but this was offset with the growth coming
of solar grade silicon per year. Following a standstill during 2012 and from household systems. Overall, the market remains small with a total
2013, Elkem Solar started up its production of solar grade silicon in installed capacity of approximately 15 MWp, an increase of 20 % on
2014. Through the year the production was ramped up and it now runs 2014. The off-grid market showed stable growth at 0,8 MWp installed
on 100 % of the capacity. Furthermore, Elkem Solar is pursuing plans in 2015. The market for grid-connected systems is mainly driven by
to expand the capacity to 7 500 t/y, and they are currently evaluating players seeking high energy performance of their buildings or high
a capacity expansion in two of the four the former REC-facilities at rankings in environmental classification systems such as BREEAM-NOR.
Herya in Porsgrunn. The energy classification of buildings, which is administrated by the
Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate, also serves as a
NorSun AS manufactures high performance monocrystalline silicon motivation.
ingots and wafers at its plant in rdal in western Norway. Annual
production capacity at the companys facility in Norway exceeds Several of the systems that were installed in 2015 received attention
350 MW. In 2015, market conditions improved and the factory from the media. Among them were the Solar Emerald in Drammen
was running at full capacity while a number of cost reduction with over 1 200 square meters totaling over 127 kWp of green
improvements were implemented. They currently employ almost 200 PV panels integrated into the faade as well as over 67 kWp on
employees. the roof. The investment support from the municipality of Oslo for
private households was well received in the media, after initial issues
Norwegian Crystals was established in the former REC Wafer regarding the application process and building codes.
production facility for mono crystals in Glomfjord. The capacity of
the factory is approximately 200 MW/y. At end of the year, they
were running at 100 % capacity, and there are plans to expand the
production capacity to 350 MW. The main product of Norwegian
PORTUGAL 89
PORTUGAL
PEDRO VALVERDE AND PEDRO SASSETTI PAES, EDP
Fig. 1 New EDP Headquarters in Lisbon - 84 kW PV self-consumption.
GENERAL FRAMEWORK AND IMPLEMENTATION NATIONAL PROGRAMME

The Portuguese National Renewable Energy Action Plan (Plano With the publishing of decree-law 215-B/2012, FiT for large scale
Nacional de Ao para as Energias Renovveis), in accordance with renewable power plants was terminated. New RES-E projects have no
the Directive 2009/28/EC on the promotion of the use of energy from incentive mechanisms; they were integrated into the regular energy
renewable sources, was prepared in accordance with the template market. The RES plants with FiT will gradually be transferred to the
published by the Commission, and provides detailed roadmaps of how market regime from 2018 and there is still no clear strategy how this
each Member State expects to reach its legally binding 2020 target for will occur.
the share of renewable energy in their final energy consumption.
The PNAER objectives for 2015 in terms of installed capacity for solar By October of 2014, the new self-consumption and FiT regime
power were: regulation for small units was published (decree-law 153/2014), which
383 MW for Solar Photovoltaic; and repeals the old FiT scheme (micro and minigeneration). It defines rules
34 MW for Concentrated solar power for self-consumption systems with grid-connection, which had no
regulation before, and new rules for the FiT scheme (systems under
By the end of 2015, according to the monthly analysis of the 250 kW). The regulation is fully operational.
Directorate General for Energy and Geology (DGEG), the installed
capacity for solar power was: On January 1, 2015, the Green Tax Reform was implemented. It was
101 MW for Microgeneration (Solar PV Residential); established that a new value for the maximum tax depreciation of
73 MW for Mini-generation (Commercial rooftop PV); and solar was set at 8 %, which represents twelve and a half years. The
282 MW for Utility-scale ground mounted PV power plants; proposal of reducing 50 % of the Municipal Real Estate tax (IMI) for
RES power producing buildings was accepted and will be carried out
which means that in 2015, about 63 MW of PV were added, taking within five years.
total PV capacity to about 455 MW.
The Ordinance n. 133/2015 introduced on May 15, 2015, allows
the change of the technology for the installed power plants or the
licensed power plants.
INDUSTRY AND MARKET DEVELOPMENT 120

Mini-Generation
The PV sector in Portugal has benefited from the programs launched
100 Micro-Generation
by the Portuguese government, in particular EPC companies and
Power capacity (MW)

Independent Power Producer
small installers. Since 2005 PV cumulative capacity has registered a 80 Off-grid
compound annual growth rate of 58 %.
60
This years installed capacity (63 MW) was lower than the capacity
installed in the previous year in Portugal. Most of this capacity 40
concerns large scale projects.
20
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Year
Fig. 2 New PV power capacity installed yearly in Portugal (2005-2015).
TABLE 1 CUMULATIVE PV POWER CAPACITY INSTALLED IN PORTUGAL (2005-2015)*
GRID-TIED [MW]
OFF-GRID INDEPENDENT
YEAR TOTAL
[MW] POWER MICRO-GENERATION MINI-GENERATION
PRODUCER
2005 2 0 0 0 3
2006 3 1 0 0 3
2007 3 12 0 0 15
2008 3 51 2 0 56
2009 3 82 14 0 99
2010 3 99 33 0 136
2011 3 103 63 0 169
2012 3 123 81 21 229
2013 4 144 90 46 284
2014 5 233 93 61 392
2015 n.a. 282 101 72 455
*Remark: Data for off-grid installations is estimated.
SOLARPOWER EUROPE 91
SOLARPOWER EUROPE
SOLARPOWER EUROPES ACTIVITIES
IOANNIS-THOMAS THEOLOGITIS, SENIOR ADVISER, SOLARPOWER EUROPE
THOMAS DOERING, POLICY ANALYST ON TECHNOLOGY AND MARKET TRENDS, SOLARPOWER EUROPE
Fig. 1 SolarPower Europe at Intersolar Europe 2015.
The new SolarPower Europe, formerly known as EPIA (European The 2030 framework for the development of Renewable Energy
Photovoltaic Industry Association), is a member-led association Sources in Europe;
representing organisations active along the whole value chain. Over The debate on market design which are the right questions to
the last year, there has been much change in the association, its focus address and how solar can provide solutions and services;
and strategy placing it in a stronger and more powerful position than The European Commission guidance on self-consumption which
in the past. will be further helpful for on-going debates at national level.
A transition to a more service oriented and customer focused In addition to the above-mentioned highlights, SolarPower Europe
association with a clear vision, a re-purposed corporate identity and worked intensively on sensitive and important topics such as the trade
a business plan for the future shields the association and ensures that case and the investment protection, supporting the emergence of a
SolarPower Europe is relevant for todays European solar sector. This new instrument to better protect investors in Europe.
transition was underpinned by the re-branding of the association after
30 successful years of EPIA which was overwhelmingly supported SolarPower Europes members have actively participated in the
by the Board and its members. SolarPower Europe is a name which is definition of its position on these key subjects mainly through
accessible and transparent, that everyone can understand and explains involvement in our working groups and ad-hoc tasks forces. During
what the association represents. 2015 there have been seven Task Forces (TF) active: the Operations and
Maintenance (O&M) TF, the Eco-design TF, the Environmental Footprint
SolarPower Europes aim is to shape the regulatory environment and TF, the Tendering TF, the BIPV TF, the Trade TF and the National
enhance business opportunities for solar power in Europe. It visions Association TF.
a future where solar energy is the leading contributor to the Europes
energy system and to ensure that, in 2015, the association pursued its SolarPower Europe has also been active outside of Brussels and
objective of successfully positioning solar-based energy solutions with has created opportunities for its members through supporting or
policymakers at the European and national level. representing them at the best business development platforms
in Europe and beyond. In 2015, SolarPower Europe successfully
The association has been engaged in various debates during the contributed to:
last year, to achieve this objective. The SolarPower Europe team Intersolar Europe and Intersolar Worldwide, by presenting
advocated the cause of solar power through regular meetings with updated information about Global solar PV market developments
Members of the European Parliament, the political and service levels and organizing an event on Solar Bankability.
of the European Commission, and of course national representatives EU PVSEC 2015, by presenting results in the field of research and
both in Brussels and - in cooperation with our members from hosting an event on PV System Performance and Reliability.
national associations. To enhance its voice, SolarPower Europe has The Solar Energy UK, by hosting a tendering session and
built coalitions with utilities, system operators, sectoral industry presenting the relevant impactful policies.
associations, NGOs and other relevant stakeholders. Some of the The Solar Power Generation (SPG) Europe, by organising the O&M
highlights of its participation in key discussions were: work stream and presenting first outcomes of the best practices
guidelines that are being drafted by the respective O&M Task
Force members of SolarPower Europe.
Fig. 2 - SolarPower Europe hosting an event at EU PVSEC 2015.
SolarPower Europes policy and business objectives were again

supported in 2015 by thought-leading research in fields such as solar
PV market forecasts, industrial development, solar PV grid integration
and electricity market design. Notably, the SolarPower Europe team
published and/or contributed to:
The Global Market Outlook 2015-2019, describing European and
global solar PV market trends until 2019.
The European PV Financing and Solar Bankability projects, which
aim at analysing the risks associated with solar PV investments,
establishing a common practice for professional risk assessment
based on technical and commercial due diligence and identifying,
in selected countries, the most promising business models and
financing schemes for solar PV Systems.
The European Market4RES projects, which investigate the
potential evolution of the Target Model (TM) for the integration
of EU electricity markets that will enable a sustainable,
functioning and secure power system with large amounts of
renewables.
The European Cheetah project, 100 which aims at developing
new concepts and technologies for wafer-based crystalline
silicon solar PV (modules with ultrathin cells), thin-film solar PV
(advanced light management) and organic solar PV (very low-cost
barriers), resulting in (strongly) reduced cost of environmentally
benign/abundant/non-toxic materials and increased module
performance. In addition an enhanced network of experts has
been created for proper knowledge exchange and transfer.
As a member of the IEA PVPS, SolarPower Europe also supported

the work of the PVPS Tasks 1, 13 and 14. SolarPower Europe
will continue to support, contribute and also learn from the IEA PVPS
activities in 2016.
SPAIN 93
SPAIN
ANA ROSA LAGUNAS ALONSO, CENTRO NACIONAL DE ENERGAS RENOVABLES, CENER
GENERAL FRAMEWORK
During the year 2015 there was not any new net PV power added to The analysis of contribution from different renewable technologies
the Spanish electrical grid. Some self-consumption installations have (Hydraulic, Wind, Solar Photovoltaic, Solar Thermoelectric, Renewable
been made, but without grid connection, so it is quite difficult to give Thermal and other low carbon sources) shows a clear decline of
a reasonable number of new additions of power. Hydroelectric energy (from 16 % to 11,9 %) and a noticeable lower
coverage from wind (from 19,3 % to 18,4 %). As no new capacity
With the actual price of PV components and the irradiation conditions has been added on wind power in Spain, it seems that the lower
in Spain, grid parity is easily achieved in all Spanish geography, contribution on those energies might have been due to the climatic
however, self-consumption grid connected out of PV is not a good causes. However, while wind electricity coverage had been increasing
business in Spain, as taxes applied to the producer of electricity by together with an increase in power installed, hydro, with a stable
PV means and not feed-in-tariff at all make the final price of capacity seems to move historically in a cyclic way. Solar technologies
electricity much less attractive than standard supply. Under these have slightly increased demand coverage (solar thermal approaching
circumstances, the tax regulation about self-consumption is now 2,0 % from 1,9 % and PV close to 3,14 %); the same as other
in court and further development of the PV business will be heavily renewable thermal.
influenced by results of trials or political decision.
In summary, PV has contributed to electricity demand coverage
Nevertheless, in this turbulent situation concerning PV and self- with 8 264 GWh, a 3,14 %, slightly higher value than previous years
consumption, there have been positive announcements. Specifically, allowing to position it third in the ranking of RREE producers, while
Iberdrola, the Spanish electricity company, offers to the customers wind energy still leads the contribution of RREE to the electricity
the study, construction and financing of turnkey self-consumption generation with 48 380 GWh, a 18,4 % of total. Figure 2 shows the
installations as a standard product. There is no news about the success evolution of electricity generation for the various sources in Spain
of such an initiative, but it might be the origin of future similar new since 2007.
proposals.
Concerning the general framework of renewable energies and GWh

photovoltaic solar energy in particular, 2015 has experienced a net 100 000
decrease in demand coverage of electricity produced by RREE for the
first time in the last 10 years. Electricity demand coverage has been 80 000
37,3 % for 2015 (42 % in 2014). Figure 1 shows the evolution of that
parameter since 2008 and, apart from a stabilization in 2010-2011, 60 000
2015 is a real step back with respect to the previous tendency.
40 000
20 000
45,0 %
40,0 % 0
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
35,0 %
-20 000
30,0 % Hydraulic Fuel/Gas Hydraulic RE
Nuclear Combined Cycle Solar FV
25,0 % Coal Wind Solar Thermal
20,0 %
15,0 % Fig. 2 - Evolution of electricity production in Spain (all energies).
10,0 %
5,0 %
In the case of the absolute values, the renewable side in 2015 has
0,0 % clearly gone down on the part of the majority technologies. Wind and
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
hydro usually leading the contribution have been surpassed this year
by Coal and Combined cycle. Contribution from PV (far away) remains
Renewable Thermal Solar PV Hydraulic almost constant as not having much new capacity added and, on the
Solar Thermal Wind Energy
upper side, nuclear remains quite stable. Nevertheless, in this scenario,
it should also be mentioned that, the total electricity demand during
Fig. 1 Spains evolution of percentage of demand coverage from renewable 2015 in Spain was reduced to 263 094 GWh; 1,41 % less with respect
energies (2008, 2009 data out of CNE, 2010 -2015 REE ) to the number in 2014.
Figure 3 shows the evolution of installed PV capacity, and Values for 2015 are obtained from preliminary data reported by grid
corresponding absolute electricity generation due to PV. The plot operator REE (Red Elctrica de Espaa) as of December 2015 for both
shows the almost non evolution for the last 3 years due mostly to peninsular and extra-peninsular territories. Final information for the
the non-new PV power added (at least to the grid connected activity). year will appear in the July 2016 timeframe.
However, UNEF (photovoltaic association in Spain) has estimated
capacity added, due to self-consumption close to 40 MW. NATIONAL PROGRAMME
The 37,3 % electricity demand coverage by Renewable Energies
obtained in 2015 put Spain again in the trail for achieving the goal
Evolution of Installed PV of 38,1 % established in the PER (Plan de Energas Renovables) for
Annual Energy Accumulated electricity demand coverage in 2020. In previous years that value was
(GWh) Power (MW)
clearly surpassed, which was not the case in 2015. Specific climatic
9.000 5.000
8.000 4.500 conditions and not any new incorporation of capacity in RREE have
7.000 4.000
3.500
been the cause for this.
6.000
5.000 3.000
2.500
4.000
2.000 The study of the situation concerning PV is more complicated though,
3.000 1.500 since 2011, when estimated accumulated power (values to achieve the
2.000 1.000
1.000 500 2020 goal at a reasonable ramp) was mostly coincident with the real
0 0 accumulated power, the rate of installation has been much lower than
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2105
what was required, so, to be in track with the plan again, the installed
Fig. 3 - Evolution of yearly electricity generation and accumulated installed PV as of 2015 should be 5,41 GW while it is still at 4,67 GW. The gap is
power for PV technology (Source: UNEF-CNMC; production 2012 - 2015 approaching 1 GW and will achieve an increase if actions are not taken
REE-preliminary data). concerning PV installation in Spain.
Figure 5 shows the evolution of real values of yearly PV installation

Another point of interest concerning electricity produced by PV and accumulated power installed until 2015, compared with the
means is the monthly demand coverage. In Figure 4, the parameter originally estimated ones based on PER in order to achieve the 2020
is presented since 2010. The usual maximum in demand coverage by goals. Clear actions must be taken for PV to be again on track.
PV during the summer timeframe and corresponding to the higher
irradiation months is not the case for 2015. The very hot summer of
2015 had a premium demand and the contribution from PV to cover Evolution of Annual and Planned Accumulated PV Power
that demand for the months of July and August went down to values
Planned Accumulated Power (MW)
Miles < Real Estimated > Miles

in the range of 3,7 % which usually, since 2011, were within the 8,0 7,250 0,5
7,0 0,410 6,410 6,810
4 - 4,5 % range. 5,716 6,047 0,440 0,4
Annual Power (MW)

6,0 0,400
5,0 4,252 4,529 4,651 4,672 4,667 0,364 0,3
0,330
4,0 0,2
0,277 0,300
3,0 0,1
2,0 0,122
5,0 % 1,0 0,0
0,021 -0,005
4,5 % 0,0 -0,1

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
4,0 % Planned Accumulated Power Annual Power
3,5 %
Fig. 5 Planned Accumulated and Annual installed PV. Real values up 2015,
3,0 %
PER 2011-2020 from 2016 on.
2,5 %
2,0 %
R&D, D
1,5 %
The R&D activity in Spain concerning PV technology has two main
1,0 % areas: on one side the very basic research devoted mostly to the last
0,5 % generation and novel materials (organic PV, perovskites, Graphene
based materials) or III-V compounds for full spectrum absorption
0,0 %
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec schemes, and on the other side more technological aspects concerning
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
materials applicable on final products or the final products themselves
(modules, inverters, trackers, etc.) and applications (BIPV, mega-plants,
Fig. 4 - Monthly electricity demand coverage in Spain by PV. self-consumption, etc.).
SPAIN 95
The fact that research should be driven by industry makes it difficult capacity added can be easily done. Figure 6 presents the evolution of
for research institutions in Spain to have partners, as most of the PV power installed in Spain since 2000.
PV specific industrial companies have closed activities, and the ones
still alive share the PV world with other activities for subsistence. In
this situation, companies do not have the capacity to invest themselves Evolution of Installed PV
for the new products and R&D activity is mostly driven by institutional
calls, National and European. Annual Installed
Accumulated
capacity (MW) 4 672 Power (MW)
4 651
3 000 4 529 4 667
In Spain, there are different calls that could be used for R&D on 2 707 4 252 5 000
2 500 3 398 3 842
PV. Some of them are with higher TRL (Technology Readiness Level) 2 000 3 415 4 000
orientation and the need of industrial companies in the consortium 1 500 3 000
(RETOS) and some others are with focus on the side of low TRL results 1 000 544 2 000
691 427 410
and basic research, usually with Universities and Public research 500 86
17
277 122
2 4 5 7 10 23 21 -5 1 000
organizations leading the projects (Plan Nacional I+D). 0 12 16 21 28 38 61 147
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
- 500 0
Concerning European H2020 calls for the case of PV, the large
amount of proposals and low rate of success are the situation as of Fig. 6 Evolution of PV power installed in Spain (Source: REE, preliminary data
today, as well as the subjects going from pure basic research to more as of December 2015).
technological concepts and components in order to support the
development of big electricity generation plants. The real objective As it is happening in most of the countries that had a feed-in-tariff
of the whole process remains to pave the way for lower cost of kWh scheme for promoting PV originally, at the beginning, the installation
produced by PV means. In that sense, a specific call has appeared, was clearly driven for the economic reasons (2004 2008). Later
having as its goal the interest of recovering manufacturing capacity Spain has been with reduction of feed-in-tariffs since 2008 and no
for Europe on PV products. feed-in-tariff at all since 2012. In this circumstance, and even when
grid parity is clearly achieved in the country and big PV plants could
Among the recently awarded H2020 projects lead by Spanish be a clear business scheme, the long-time announced big installations
institutions, the project MASLOWATEN (MArket uptake of an innovative of that type seem not to have materialized. Maybe, promoters wait for
irrigation Solution based on LOW WATer-ENergy consumption) under a clearer legal framework for it.
the coordination of IES-UPM (Solar Energy Institute of Politechnical
University of Madrid) should be mentioned, which is dedicated to Figure 7 shows the evolution of feed-in-tariff values with the
the development of PV pumping systems for productive agricultural percentage of reductions per year. Comparison is done with respect to
irrigation and consuming zero conventional electricity and 30 % less the average price EURcents/kWh paid for electricity generated (pool
water, and PVSITES coordinated by TECNALIA (Technological center in price) as of 2015. There has been no feed-in tariff since 2012.
Basque country), for the development of BIPV products.
Spanish groups working on R&D on PV technology are also active on Evolution of PV Tariff
the European institutions such as EERA (European Energy Research
50
Alliance) for PV or in the EUPVTP (European PV Technology Platform). 44,03 Type I. 2
45
Also having mirror organizations at local levels are assets, such as 44,03 Type I.1
the FOTOPLAT (Spanish Technology Platform) that work to motivate 40 Type II
34,00 34,00
activity in all aspects of PV and allow the interaction among 35 37,00
companies, R&D institutions and the PV customer in the real world. 32,00 32,19
32,00
30
Those groups are not isolated anymore and due to specificities of 28,68 27,38
-90 %
29,08
CC/kWh
PV technology, a relationship with similar actors on the subject of 25 25,86 19,32

-87 %
smart grids or smart cities is a must when thinking on the final 20

-86 %
12,50
-84 %
application of the PV products. Therefore, BIPV activity continues to 15

-66 %
be important in Spain and the contribution of those products to the

-29 %
-5 %
10
energy efficiency in buildings goals, are part of the challenge.
5 5,94 5,03
4,42 4,20
IMPLEMENTATION 0
The year 2015, does not appear to have a net added PV capacity. In
11
6
07
08
09
12
13
14
15
1
0
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
fact, on the preliminary results out of grid operator REE (Red Elctrica

4-

00
Years
2
de Espaa), the number seems to have decreased by 5 MW, so consider

that the value is constant for 2015. No consideration of real isolated Fig. 7 PV tariff evolution in Spain (Source: UNEF).
Values of electricity used to calculate the evolution in Figure 7s graph Also depending on the activity in every region, the percentage of
are yearly average. The monthly average spot price is not a constant local demand coverage by PV has wide variation so it is interesting to
and depends on many facts (mix of generation technologies, fuel see Figure 10 with percentage demand coverage. Good irradiation is
price, renewable resource, demand, etc.). 2015 values are represented not the only reason for PV installation in Spain as seen on capacity
in Figure 8. Average value (5,03 EURcents) is bigger than 2014 (4,20 installed throughout the country.
EURcents).
Monthly average spot price 2015 %

30,0%
2010 2012
70 2011 2013
2014
25,0%
60
50 20,0%
40 15,0%
/MWh
30 10,0%
20 5,0%
10 0,0%
A
AS
ES
AS
A
HA
ID
IA
O
NA
IA
C
RI
ILL
UR
OJ
RR
SC
E
LIC
RC
DR
AR
RI
RI
NC
LU
IA
AG
LU
AB
RI
VA
EL
VA
YL
AD
TU
NA
MU
MA
NC
GA
LE
TA
MA
DA
AR
NT
YM
LA
NA
AS
EM
BA
S
CA
CA
LE
CA
AN
ILL
PA
LA
VA
TR
TA
ST
EX
A
EU
D
y
ry
ril
ay
ne
ly
st
CA
ILL
DA
be
be
be
be
ar
ar
C
Ju
gu
ua
Ap
ST
M
Ju
NI
M
nu
em
to
CA
Au
br
MU
ve
ce
Oc
Ja
pt
Fe
CO
De
No
Se
Fig. 10 - Evolution of percentage demand coverage by PV per autonomous

Fig. 8 Monthly average spot price (Source: UNEF). community.
With these values of spot price (same all around Spain) and depending INDUSTRY STATUS
upon the irradiation conditions of different areas, it is clear that some During 2015, the photovoltaic industry in Spain has been still on
regions are going to have advantages when applying for PV and that the slow side. The internal market is also in the same situation and
is the main reason for the non-uniform growth. Figure 9 shows the the summary is that almost no PV power was added during the
electricity generated by PV in the different autonomous regions in year. However, there are significant exceptions that continue with
Spain (not segregated data for 2015 yet). good activity. Examples of this on the components side are the BIPV
company ONYX SOLAR (www.onyxsolar.com) that continues a wide
activity on new BIPV designs fabrication and installation worldwide,
the module manufacturer ATERSA (www.atersa.com) or the inverter
GWh manufacturer INGETEAM (www.ingeteam.com). For materials, it is
2010 2012
2 000
2011 2013
worth mentioning the activity of Silicio Ferrosolar (www.ferroatlantica.
1 800 2014 es/index.php/en/ferrosolar-home) concerning UMG-Silicon or EVASA
1 600 for encapsulant material manufacturing (www.evasa.net). Finally,
1 400 and driven by the installations on heavily irradiated regions, a new
1 200 generation and variety of products for solar tracking with flat modules
1 000 (not necessarily CPV) are contributing to develop activity in Spain.
800 However, the most successful activity of the Spanish companies on
600 the PV market during 2015 seems to be on the side of the big PV
400 plants construction. TSK, FRW (prior FOTOWATIO), ACCIONA, ISOLUX,
200 GESTAMP (future part of X-HELIO) are among those that have been
0
responsible for the most recent and biggest plant constructions
worldwide.
A
AS
ES
AS
A
HA
IA
A
EM NA
ID
IA
O
C
RI
ILL
UR
OJ
RR
SC
E
LIC
RC
DR
AR
RI
RI
NC
IA
AG
LU
AB
RI
VA
EL
VA
YL
AD
L
TU
NA
MU
MA
EX ENC
GA
LE
TA
MA
DA
AR
NT
YM
LA
NA
AS
BA
S
CA
CA
CA
AN
L
ILL
PA
LA
VA
TR
A
ST
UT
A
D
CA
ILL
CE
DA
ST
NI
CA
MU
CO
Fig. 9 - Evolution of electricity generated by PV per autonomous community.

SPAIN 97
Fig. 11 - BIPV installations made from ONYX solar.
MARKET DEVELOPMENT
Market development in Spain has been very low in 2015. In fact
power connected to the grid has decreased as far as grid operator
Red Elctrica de Espaa (www.ree.es) preliminary report information.
However, good irradiation conditions in the country and price of
components make grid parity a reality in the country and all types
of PV deployment a good option, therefore, sooner or later, big PV
plants that are grid-connected with no feed-in-tariff or generation for
self-consumption will start to be a reality in Spain again.
In that direction, all aspects related to BIPV or self-consumption

PV-kits have a clear path in the market. As sign of this, during the
last edition of Spanish fair for Renewable Energies, GENERA (February
2015), the biggest success among the side-conferences was on the
self-consumption initiatives and products, and the interest has been
continuing for the time being.
FUTURE OUTLOOK
The future outlook for PV in Spain must be clearly driven by the need
to get on track again to the path for achieving the goal of installed
PV power by 2020. As seen in Figure 5, the actual capacity installed
and generation values are clearly lower than what should be installed
as of 2015 by PER 2011-2020 (Plan de Energas Renovables).
In that sense, big PV plants that are grid-connected and with self-
consumption are the clearest alternative. Not technical nor economic
reasons can be an obstacle to this. On the political side, after the last
elections in the country most of parties have among their goals to
promote Renewable Energies and specifically, self-consumption. That
might be the sense of change in the direction of PV deployment in the
country.
After that, and keeping in mind that the knowledge and innovation
capacity on the R&D+I groups and know-how to re-initiate industrial
activities in the country do exist, the trend towards 2016 seems
optimistic for PV deployment.
SWEDEN
TOBIAS WALLA, SWEDISH ENERGY AGENCY
PIERRE-JEAN RIGOLE, SWEDISH ENERGY AGENCY
Fig. 2 - Sunflowers and part of the 1 MW PV installation outside of Vsters. A recently

Fig. 1 - 62 kW photovoltaics on barn roof in Bromma Grd, outside of Stockholm published monitoring project has compared the output from fixed, 1-axis and 2-axis
(Photo: Solkompaniet). tracking systems, with and without power optimizers (Photo: Bengt Stridh).
GENERAL FRAMEWORK AND IMPLEMENTATION NATIONAL PROGRAMME

The vision of Swedish energy policy is social, economic and ecological The Swedish Energy Agency is the governmental authority responsible
long-term sustainability of the energy system, while maintaining for most energy-related issues. In 2012, a new strategy for energy
security of supply. This is to be achieved via an active energy policy, research was formulated. It states that PV research in Sweden should
incentives and research funding. Already today, CO2-emissions related continue to cover several different subjects. It has been suggested that
to electricity production are relatively low, since hydro, nuclear, bio 2 TWh should be produced from PV in Sweden in 2020; however this
and wind energy are the main contributors. figure is not a confirmed national target.
Since a capital subsidy was introduced in 2009, the number of grid In 2014 a government-initiated testing program started, with the
connected installations has increased rapidly. The original subsidy ambition of disseminating information on the quality of modules and
covered up to 60 % of the costs of a PV system, but following inverters to the public.
decreasing prices this level has been lowered to between 20 and
30 % in 2014. The subsidy has been successful and the volume of The Swedish Energy Agency is responsible for the national energy
applications is much greater than the available funds. The cumulative research programme. In 2012 a new research programme was
installed grid-connected power has grown from only 250 kW in launched, covering PV, concentrated solar power, and solar fuels.
2005 to 70 MW in 2014. However PV still accounts less than 0,05 % The budget for the entire programme period (2013-2016) is about
of the Swedish electricity production. 15 MEUR. Three different calls have been performed. The first one
focused on outstanding research, and the last two calls on more
In December 2014 a new tax deduction scheme on small-scale applied research and product development. In Autumn 2016, a new
electricity production was settled, which will apply from 2015 and on. program is planned to be launched.
The scheme entitles the owner of a PV system to a tax deduction of
0,06 EUR per kWh of electricity fed into the grid, as long as you are a In 2015, a third call was opened in the SolEl-programmet; an applied
net electricity consumer. The tax deduction will apply on the income research program in cooperation with the industry. Eight projects, all
tax, and has a cap of 1 900 EUR per year. of them relevant to the current PV deployment in Sweden, have been
approved.
The main incentive for renewables in Sweden is the electricity
certificate scheme. It is a market-based support scheme, in cooperation The Swedish Energy Agency funds solar cell research via its main
with Norway, which is designed to increase power generation from energy research program, and a yearly total budget of about 4,5 MEUR
renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, waves and biomass. are channelled to PV related research. Additional resources to PV
research come from several research councils, universities and private
There is solid public support for PV technology in Sweden, and about institutions. Sweden is also a member in the newly formed SolarERA
80 % of the population thinks that efforts towards implementation NET, where a second call was held in 2013.
should increase.
SWEDEN 99
RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND DEMONSTRATION

There are strong academic environments performing research on
a variety of PV technologies, such as CIGS thin film, dye sensitized
solar cells, polymer solar cells, nanowire solar cells and more. There
is also research on enhancement techniques for conventional silicon
cells. Comprehensive research in CIGS and CZTS thin film solar cells
is performed at the ngstrm Solar Center at Uppsala University. The
objectives of the group are to achieve high performing cells while
utilizing processes and materials that minimize the production cost
and the impact on the environment. The Center collaborates with the
spin-off company Solibro Research AB (a company of Hanergy), and Fig. 3 - First stage on a planned 700 kW PV installation on roofs over a car parking,
Midsummer AB. at Skaraborg Hospital (Photo: Johan Paradis).
At Lund University, the division of Energy & Building Design studies

energy-efficient buildings and how to integrate PV and solar thermal sensitised solar cells for integration in glass windows, and during 2014
into those buildings. There is research at the same university on they completed a pilot plant. A few innovative companies exist that
multi-junction nanowire solar cells. The research is performed in develop balance-of-system equipment, e.g., inverters.
collaboration with the company Sol Voltaics AB. Sol Voltaics is using
nano-wires in order to enhance solar cell performance. They have A growing number of small to medium-sized enterprises exist,
developed a product called Solink in recent years which is designed that design, market and sell PV products and systems. Many of these
to be compatible with existing crystalline silicon or thin film companies depend almost exclusively on the Swedish market. The
production lines. capital subsidy programme has resulted in more activity among these
companies and since there has been a lot of interest from private
An ongoing collaboration between Linkping University, Chalmers households there are several companies that market products
University of Technology and Lund University, under the name Center specified for this market segment. Several utilities are selling turn-key
of Organic Electronics, carries out research on organic and polymer PV systems, often with assistance from PV installation companies.
solar cells. Different areas of use are being investigated, such as
sunshade curtains with integrated solar cell.
Research on dye-sensitized solar cells is carried out at the Center

of Molecular Devices, which is a collaboration between Uppsala
University, the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm and
the industrial research institute Swerea IVF. A scientific highlight is
the discovery and development of a new, effective electrolyte based
on cobalt.
Others which are involved in PV research are the Universities of

Chalmers, Dalarna, Karlstad and Mlardalen.

The installed capacity in Sweden in 2014 was 79,5 MW, with seven
times as much grid-connected installations compared to off-grid
installations. These 79,5 MW can produce about 72 GWh in a year,
which leaves a large potential for growth. It has been estimated that
the potential for electricity produced by roof-mounted solar cells in
Sweden amounts to several tens of TWh per year.
Today, the last active module producer in Sweden, namely SweModule

AB has gone into bankruptcy.
There are two companies exploring newer types of solar cells.

Midsummer AB inaugurated their factory in 2011, where they produce
thin-film CIGS cells to develop their manufacturing equipment,
which is their main product. Exeger AB is developing transparent dye
SWITZERLAND
STEFAN NOWAK, NET NOWAK ENERGY & TECHNOLOGY LTD.
AND STEFAN OBERHOLZER, SWISS FEDERAL OFFICE OF ENERGY (SFOE)
Fig. 1 - Solar Impulse on a test flight over Abu Dhabi, a few days before take-off for the world tour (Photo: Solar Impulse).

Photovoltaic power systems continue to form a key pillar of the have taken up their activities during 2014 and are now fully
long term strategy for the future Swiss electricity supply. In all operational. The goal of these centres is to build up new permanent
scenarios, the role of photovoltaics is acknowledged and expected research and innovation capacities and institutional networks in
to contribute in the order of at least 10 12 TWh to the national the different technology areas. In addition to the SCCERs, CSEM
electricity supply by 2050 (60 TWh for 2015). The recent deployment (Centre Suisse dlectronique et microtechnique) recently established
trends (1,15 TWh end of 2015) are presently above the long term a PV Technology Centre in Neuchtel with the mission to support
scenarios and underline that such contributions appear as feasible technology transfer and industrial development in the area of
and possibly well before 2050. photovoltaics. Two complementary national research programmes
NRP 70 energy turnaround (www.nfp70.ch) and NRP 71 Managing
In 2015, on the levels of Swiss policy and administration, work Energy Consumption (www.nfp71.ch) started their projects in 2015.
continued regarding the preparation of the various measures Alongside these structural measures, important additional financial
in conjunction with Switzerlands phase-out of nuclear energy means have been foreseen to support research activities in the
decided in 2011 in the framework of the new energy strategy different areas on the project level. Moreover, the financial means
2050. These measures will have impacts on all levels from research for pilot and demonstration projects have been further increased,
to implementation and use, as well as regarding legislative and aiming at speeding up the technology transfer from research into
normative issues. While the final form of the new energy strategy industrial processes, products and applications.
2050 and its set of policy measures continue to be defined and
shaped, a number of decisions have already been made by the The development of the photovoltaic sector in Switzerland builds
national parliament in view of this strategy. on a strong research and technology base, a diversified industrial
activity and, more recently, an acceleration of the market deployment
Among these, an action plan for an increased energy research efforts. A comprehensive research programme covers R&D in solar
activity throughout all relevant energy technologies has been cells, modules and system aspects. The Swiss energy research strategy
launched and implemented. Building on existing research activities, is defined by an energy RTD master plan updated every four years. The
eight new national competence centres for energy research (SCCERs) master plan developed by the Federal Commission for Energy Research
SWITZERLAND 101
Fig. 2 - Self-consumption 658 kW PV system on a MIGROS supermarket with bifacial Fig. 3 - Inauguration of the Flisom 15 MW flexible CIGS module pilot line in
glass-glass modules, Schnbhl (Photo: Genossenschaft Migros Aare). Niederhasli (Photo: Flisom AG).
(CORE) in cooperation with the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) (www.solar-era.net) is coordinated by Switzerland and continued
is based on strategic policy goals (energy & environment, science & in 2015 with a third joint call covering both PV and concentrated
education, industry & society) (www.energy-research.ch). solar power (CSP) which again had a high resonance in the research
community.
On the implementation level, three elements characterize the
national regulatory framework for photovoltaic power systems: a RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND DEMONSTRATION
onetime investment subsidy for systems up to 30 kW, a feed-in-tariff In 2015, more than 70 projects, supported by various national
scheme for systems above 10 kW and, since 2014, measures for and regional government agencies, the European Commission and
self-consumption. As the financial means for the different support the private sector, were conducted in the different areas of the
schemes have their origin in a fixed levy on the electricity bill, there photovoltaic energy system. Innovative solutions, cost reduction,
continues to be a cap on the total amounts available, resulting in a increased efficiency and reliability, industrial viability and transfer
particularly long waiting list for the feed-in-tariff for photovoltaic as well as adequate market orientation are the main objectives of
power systems. Therefore, self-consumption and new business models the research efforts. On the technical level, the topics of priority are
implemented by utilities and other commercial operators contribute silicon heterojunction cells, passivating contacts for high-efficiency
increasingly to the market deployment (Figure 2). crystalline silicon solar cells as well as different thin-film solar
cell technologies for building integration. New concepts such as
With a strong research base and leading activities in various perovskite solar cells and tandem cells with these are increasingly
PV technologies, an ongoing diversified industrial base along the being investigated. Further downstream, new approaches for building
entire value chain, an increasing market deployment activity and an and grid integration are being developed and tested in pilot and
overall favourable policy framework, the signs continue to be positive demonstration projects.
for an increased role of PV from research over industry all the way
to the market. Work at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) and the
CSEM PV Technology Centre in Neuchtel have focussed on
NATIONAL PROGRAMME heterojunction and passivating contacts for high-efficiency crystalline
Switzerland has a dedicated national photovoltaic RTD programme silicon solar cells. On the more fundamental R&D side, in a recent
which involves a broad range of stakeholders in a strongly coordinated project on perovskite tandem structures, a perovskite silicon tandem
approach (www.photovoltaic.ch). The SFOE research programme solar cell of 21 % efficiency was presented. Another highlight of
Photovoltaics focuses on R&D,D in a system and market oriented the photovoltaic research at CSEM in Neuchtel was achieved in
approach, from basic research, over applied research, product collaboration with NREL in the United States: A dual junction gallium
development, pilot and demonstration projects all the way to indium phosphide / crystalline silicon solar cell achieved a record
accompanying measures for market stimulation. The programme efficiency of 29,8 %. The Neuchtel PV group extended its cooperation
is organised along the entire value chain and addresses the critical with PV and other industries.
gaps from research over technology to the market place. Thorough
component and system analysis, as well as testing, aim at increasing With regard to CIGS solar cells, the Swiss Federal Laboratories for
efficiency and performance. Accompanying measures to raise the Materials Testing and Research EMPA have continued their work
quality and reliability of photovoltaic power systems include work focussed on high efficiency flexible CIGS cells on plastic and metal
on standards and design tools. foils. As for silicon solar cell research, the efforts are directed both to
increased efficiency as well as industrial implementation. A new, more
The strategy to promote international co-operation on all levels fundamental project explores the route towards 25 % efficiency CIGS
continued, related to activities in the Horizon 2020 Programme of solar cells. On the way towards industrial implementation, cooperation
the European Union, the European PV Technology and Innovation continued with the Flisom company which has inaugurated a new
Platform, the European SOLAR-ERA.NET Network, the IEA PVPS 15 MW pilot production plant in 2015 (Figure 3).
programme and in technology co-operation projects. SOLAR-ERA.NET
Fig. 4 - New 70 kW PV faade at the CSEM building in Neuchtel (Photo: CSEM SA). Fig. 5 - PV rooftop and faade systems on an office building in Flums
(Photo: NET Ltd. / DanielForster.com).
For dye-sensitised solar cells, work continues at EPFL on new dyes term experience with the operation of photovoltaic power systems
and electrolytes as well as high temperature stability of the devices. is carefully tracked for a number of grid-connected systems, ranging
Further rapid progress has been achieved at the Laboratory of between 10 and more than 30 years of operation.
Photonics and Interfaces at EPFL concerning perovskite-sensitized
solar cells which have reached solar cell efficiency values of 21 % The solar powered airplane SolarImpulse (www.solarimpulse.com) by
(world record). Bertrand Piccard, Andr Borschberg and their team has undertaken the
attempt for their first round the world flight between March and June
Organic solar cells are the research subject at the Swiss Federal 2015. Taking off from Abu Dhabi (Figure 1), the plane has successfully
Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research EMPA, the University flown to India, China, Japan and Hawaii. The record flight from Japan
of Applied Sciences in Winterthur (ZHAW) as well as at CSEM in the to Hawaii was the longest and most challenging one, bringing the
Basel region. In 2015, the EU project TREASORES led by EMPA was technologies to their ultimate limits and covering a distance of more
concluded. The project concerned the cheaper production of large than 7 000 km in 118 hours of uninterrupted flight.
area organic electronics and focussed on developing materials and
processes compatible with roll-to-roll processing technology in INDUSTRY AND MARKET DEVELOPMENT
particular transparent electrodes, barrier foils and encapsulation layers. Swiss industrial PV products cover the full PV value chain starting
from materials, production equipment and small scale manufacturing of
On the part of application oriented research, emphasis continues to solar cells and modules, over diverse components and products all the
be given to building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), both for new way to system planning and implementation. After the consolidation
solutions involving different solar cells as well as for new mounting period related to the global PV industry development of the past years,
systems and structures for sloped roofs and facades. Using new the signs increase that the Swiss PV industry is overcoming this difficult
approaches and designs for surface appearance and coloured PV period, based on new competitive technologies and products which
modules, a number of new pilot projects have started to test these very much relate to recent technology innovations.
new technologies.
The largest equipment supplier for complete PV module manufacturing
As a recent topic rapidly gaining relevance in some countries and lines and advanced PV module technologies continues to be Meyer
regions, grid integration has continued to generate interest and Burger. The company increased its efforts in advanced solar cell
innovative projects have extensively analysed the implications of PV technology (silicon heterojunction, smart wire, glass-glass modules)
on the distribution grid. Methods to considerably increase the share and further developed a silicon heterojunction solar cell pilot
of PV in distribution grids have been identified based on detailed production line together with CSEM. The pilot line has a production
modelling work. Based on these more theoretical studies, new pilot capacity of 600 kilowatts from which heterojunction manufactured
projects have started investigating different approaches and cells are built into modules and tested in both the laboratory and
experiences with high penetration PV in various grid configurations. in the field (Figure 4). The target upon further process optimisation is
High levels of PV penetration in distribution grids are thus no longer to reach a PV module efficiency of 21 % with a production cost below
considered as insurmountable barriers. 0,6 CHF/Wp. After commissioning of the pilot line, first promising
results have been achieved. Measuring equipment for PV module
With the ongoing market development, quality assurance and manufacturers is produced by Pasan (a part of Meyer Burger Group).
reliability of products and systems, as well as standardisation,
continue to be of high priority. The Swiss centres of competence at Another company in the PV industry supply area is Evatec which is
the Universities of Applied Sciences of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) active in thin film technology, namely PVD systems for antireflection
and Bern (www.pvtest.ch) carefully evaluate products such as PV coatings and back side metallization of crystalline silicon solar cells.
modules, inverters and new systems. A number of further Universities Moreover, solar plugging systems are offered by Multicontact as well
of Applied Sciences (e.g. ZHAW Winterthur, Rapperswil, Wdenswil) as Huber & Suhner.
have strengthened their PV system infrastructure and analysis. Long
SWITZERLAND 103
Flisom, a young company active in CIGS thin film technology, locations, over small domestic grid-connected systems to medium
has inaugurated its facilities for a 15 MW pilot production of flexible and large size grid-connected systems in various types of advanced
CIGS modules in Switzerland. The targets of the pilot line are certified building integration (Figure 5). System sizes have increased over
1 m wide flexible CIGS modules with 12 % efficiency. Flisom continues the past years with up to 5 MW systems being installed on building
to work closely with the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials complexes.
Testing and Research EMPA. Further companies are active in the
manufacturing of coloured PV modules (swissinso) and dye-sensitized There has been a strong development in the framework of the different
solar cells (glass 2 energy, Solaronix). support schemes in recent years which were formerly mostly driven by
utilities own green power marketing schemes. Depending on size and
Based on the US company Power One, ABB has strengthened its type of the PV system, different support conditions apply. Moreover,
business in the inverter market and is a leading worldwide inverter in order to compensate for the long waiting list for the feed-in-tariff,
supplier. ABB is further active in the technologies for PV grid intermediate support schemes by regional governments and utilities
integration. Studer Innotec continues as a leading producer of have diversified the possible market support. The combination of the
stand-alone and grid-tied inverters, increasingly combined with various support schemes and the increased cost-competitiveness of
storage units for self-consumption. PV systems have led to an annual market volume for grid-connected
systems estimated to at least 300 MWp, which represents about
Alongside an increasing PV capacity being installed in Switzerland, the same market size as for 2014. The total installed capacity by
a clear growth of the number of companies as well as that of existing the end of 2015 has risen to above 1,3 GW (Figure 6) corresponding
businesses involved in planning and installing PV systems can be to about 160 W/capita. With this installed capacity, more than 2 % of
observed. Considerable know-how is available amongst engineering the annual national electricity consumption can now be covered by
companies for the design, construction and operation of a large photovoltaics in Switzerland which ranks PV number two in renewable
variety of different applications, ranging from small scale, stand-alone electricity sources in Switzerland after hydro power.
systems for non-domestic, professional applications and remote
1 500.00
1 400.00
Total [MWp]
1 300.00
grid-connected [MWp]
1 200.00
1 100.00
1 000.00
900.00
800.00
MWp
700.00
600.00
500.00
400.00
300.00
200.00
100.00
0.00
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Fig. 6 30 years of PV in Switzerland: Evolution of the installed photovoltaic capacity in Switzerland between 1984 and 2015 (total and grid-connected, estimated
values for 2015).
THAILAND
MR. THAMMAYOT SRICHUAI, DIRECTOR GENERAL, DEPARTMENT OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT AND EFFICIENCY
MR. KUSON CHIVAGON,DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL, DEPARTMENT OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT AND EFFICIENCY
MS. KULWAREE BURANASAJJAWARAPORN, DIRECTOR OF SOLAR ENERGY DEVELOPMENT BUREAU, BUREAU OF SOLAR ENERGY
DEVELOPMENT, DEPARTMENT OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT AND EFFICIENCY
GENERAL FRAMEWORK AND IMPLEMENTATION Table 1 summarizes the fixed FiT for the three solar PV supporting
In 2015, Thailand approved the new long-term Energy Master Plan of programs.
the country which integrated all energy plans: the Alternative Energy
Development Plan (AEDP), Energy Efficiency Development Plan (EEDP), TABLE 1 THE FEED-IN TARIFF FOR SOLAR POWER
Power Development Plan (PDP) and Oil and Gas Development Plan. FOR 2014 -2015
The Master Plan is planned for 20 years (2015-2036), which will raise
the share of renewable energy in the form of electricity, heat and INSTALLED FIT RATE FOR 2014-2015
biofuels to 30 % in 2036 to reduce gas consumption. These integrated CAPACITY FIT RATE FIT RATE SUPPORT
plans will enable Thailand to have a good management to secure the (MWp) (THB/kWh) (USD/kWh) PERIOD
countrys energy supply, fair energy pricing and energy conservation in
long run. PV Ground Mount
90 MWp 5,66 0,16 25 Years
In this AEDP, the country is escalating the target of solar power to PV Rooftop (Household)
6,000 MWp by the end of 2036. 10 kWp 6,85 0,21 25 Years
PV Rooftop (Commercial/Factory)
NATIONAL PROGRAM
The country has continued the fixed feed-in tariff (FiT) measure > 10
6,40 0,19 25 Years
that was started in September 2013. The FiT will be applied to new 250 kWp
PV system installations both for ground-mounted installations and > 250
6,01 0,17 25 Years
for rooftop systems installations. 1,000 kWp
PV Ground Mount (Government Site and Agriculture
In 2015, the solar power projects have been advanced into operation Cooperative)
by the National Energy Policy Committee (NEPC).
5 MW 5,66 0,16 25 Years
1) Ground-mounted PV power plants with installed capacity
up to 90 MWp which have been submitted the application of *Exchange Rate 1 USD=36,28 THB
selling electricity before the June 2010, and have not received
acceptance from utilities, will be back in process of acceptance. Thailands new solar power installed capacity at the end of October
The project should accept the new FiT rate of 5,66 THB/kWh 2015 was 31,15 MWp with the cumulative capacity for both PV on grid
for supporting a period of 25 years. The status of this program and off grid of 1 329,65 MWp. Cumulative and annual Installation
has already approved PPA 170 projects with 983,05 MWp. and PV capacities from 2005-2015 are show in Table 2 and Fig. 1.
planned to COD by December 2015.
2) The Solar Rooftop for residential scale with installed capacity TABLE 2 DEVELOPMENT OF PV APPLICATIONS
up to 10 kWp for phase 2 will get the new rate which has been BETWEEN 2005 AND 2015 (MWP/YEAR)
adjusted to 6,85 THB/kWh. The target is set to complete 100 MWp
and COD by December 2015. CUMULATIVE ANNUAL
YEAR
3) The Solar Program for governmental agencies and agricultural INSTALLATION INSTALLATION
cooperatives for ground-mounted systems with the target of On-grid Off-grid Total On-grid Off-grid Total
800 MWp and the FiT rate have been set at 5,66 THB/kWh for
2005 1,77 22,11 23,88 0,01 13,04 13,05
a supporting period of 25 years and have been postponed COD
2006 1,86 28,66 30,52 0,09 6,55 6,64
for phase 1 with the target of 600 MWp by September 2016;
and phase 2 with the target of 200 MWp COD by June 2018. In 2007 3,61 28,90 32,51 1,74 0,24 1,98
addition, phase 1 has already openly applied the application since 2008 4,06 29,34 33,39 0,45 0,44 0,89
November 2015. 2009 13,67 29,49 43,17 9,62 0,16 9,77
2010 19,57 29,65 49,22 5,89 0,16 6,05
2011 212,80 29,88 242,68 193,23 0,23 193,46
2012 357,38 30,19 387,57 144,89 0,15 145,04
2013 793,73 29,73 823,46 435,89 -0,45* 435,44
2014 1 268,77 29,73 1 298,51 474,71 0 474,71
2015** 1 299,622 30,028 1 329,65 30,852 0,298 31,15
*Some of the off-grid systems were dismantled.

**Preliminary data at the end of October 2015
THAILAND 105
1 400 1 329,65
1 298,51
1 200 Annual Inst. (MWp)
Cumulative Inst. (MWp)
1 000
823,46
800
600
435,44 474,71
400 387,57
242,68
200 193,46
145,04
31,15
0

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Fig. 1 - Cumulative Installation of PV Power Generation in Thailand as of

October 2015.
Additionally, in the near future after the cessation of the feed-in tariff
program for rooftop solar, a possible support scheme for rooftop solar
power in Thailand is the Quick Win program, which is a net-metering
program designed to support residential and commercial-scale rooftop
solar systems.
RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT AND DEMONSTRATION

ACTIVITIES
Presently, the priority research topics are still the long term monitoring Fig. 2 500 kWp PV Rooftop of the Smart Grid System at the University of Phayao
and system evaluation. Several collaborations from universities, (Photos: University of Phayao).
research institutes and the private sector in Thailand are working
towards long-term monitoring of PV power plant systems such as
KMUTT, SERT, NASTDA. In 2015, DEDE also has established a study of
monitoring and system evaluation for PV rooftop systems specifically Finally, at the end of 2015, DEDE approved and started to study
and the result of this study will be completed soon. the management of PV modules waste from Solar Power projects
in order to manage and treat PV modules waste properly, with no
After the PV roadmap research by DEDE and ERI of CU last year, ERI environmental impact in the future. This study aims to support
has been continuing to conduct the policy research Business Model sustainability of Solar Power Generation in Thailand. The project has
and Financing Structures for a Rapid Scale-up of Rooftop Solar Power obtained cooperation from many organizations through the efforts of
Systems in Thailand in 2015. This study captures the dynamics of a working group.
the rooftop solar market through its in-depth review of the emerging
models and financial analysis of business models. The result of this INDUSTRY AND MARKET DEVELOPMENT
study will be an advantage for the Quick Win Program in the future. In 2015, Thailand has still been attractive for investment in solar
power thanks to direct policy support with the feed-in tariff scheme,
Furthermore, many research development and demonstration activities indirect policy support, especially the support from BOI where
of solar power have been undertaken by the universities, research renewable energy is still almost the top priority to support. The
institutes and utilities. For example, EGAT joined with MUT have been supports from BOI are available in different categories: Solar power
initiating a project to study the safety standard and best practice for plant, Solar PV cell manufacturing and raw material for solar PV cell
the installation of floating PV power plants. DEDE with PTECH have manufacturing, solar module and BOS manufacturing and support for
started a project on the solar PV rooftop standard for quality and the use of solar PV as tool to improve production efficiency.
safety for installations and systems. SERT of NU conducted the solar
PV water pumping for agriculture application, which is supported In addition, 6 projects of solar PV cell manufacturing and raw material
by DEDE. NSTDA is focusing on the development of solar cells with for solar PV cell manufacturing, solar module and BOS manufacturing
low temperature coefficient which are suitable for using in high have been approved by BOI with the total amount of investment of
temperature regions. NSTDA is also trying to develop wide band gap 45 913 MTHB and 161 solar power plant projects for both solar power
thin film silicon solar cells, high efficiency silicon hetero-junction solar plants and solar rooftops have been approved with the total amount
cells, perovskite solar cells, etc. of investment of 66 617 MTHB.
Fig. 3 - The Biggest SPP Project in 2015. This project has achieved COD since February 2015 in Lampang province. Total installed capacity 126,396 MWp
with Poly Crystalline Solar Cell, Solar Tracking System (Photos: Energy Absolute Public Company Limited).
The average prices of PV systems in Thailand were approximately REFERENCES

60-100 THB/Wp (1,65-2,75 USD/Wp*) for residential scale (<10 kWp), http://www.dede.go.th/download/state_58/sit_57_58/re-2oct_calendar.pdf
50-55 THB/Wp (1,38-1,52 USD/Wp) for commercial and industrial scale http://www3.egat.co.th/research/
(>10-1 MWp) and 30-50 THB/Wp (0,83-1,38 USD/Wp) for power plant http://www.nstda.or.th/index.php
scale (>1 MWp). The variable of price depends on system warranties http://www.ces.kmutt.ac.th/
and maintenance services. http://www.eri.chula.ac.th/eri-main/?page_id=9&lang=TH
http://www.sert.nu.ac.th/research_eng.htm
ABBREVIATIONS http://www.boi.go.th/upload/Stat_20160121_83597.pdf
AEDP Alternative Energy Development Plan
COD Commercial Operation Date
FiT Feed-in Tariff
PDP Thailand Power Development Plan
PPA Power Purchasing Agreement
RE Renewable Energy
SPP Small Power Producer (>10 - 90 MWp)
VSPP Very Small Power Producer ( 10 MWp)
ACRONYMS
BOI Board of Investment
CU Chulalongkorn University
DEDE Department of Alternative Energy Development and
Efficiency
EGAT Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand
ERI Energy Research Institute
KMUTT King Mongkuts University of Technology Thonburi
MUT Mahanakorn University of Technology
NED Natural Energy Development Co., Ltd
NEPC National Energy Policy Committee
NSTDA National Science and Technology Development Agency
NU Naresuan University
PTEC Electrical and Electronic Product Testing Center
SERT School of Renewable Energy Technology
TURKEY 107
TURKEY
AHMET YILANCI, EGE UNIVERSITY SOLAR ENERGY INSTITUTE, IZMIR, TURKEY
GENERAL FRAMEWORK AND IMPLEMENTATION year and 4,2 kWh/m2 per day. The total yearly solar radiation period is
Turkey, with a population of around 79 million [1], is one of the approximately 2 738 hours per year and 7,5 hours per day. The energy
fastest growing energy markets in the world. Additionally, one of yield potential for a PV plant is 1 300-1 600 kWh/kWp [7].
the big advantages of Turkey is her operating as an energy hub
between Europe and the Middle East. Economic expansion, rising per Turkeys current national energy regulation is articulated in the
capita income, positive demographic trends and the rapid pace of following laws with secondary regulations for renewable energy [4]:
urbanization have been the main drivers of energy demand, which is New Electricity Market Law (Law No. 6446)
estimated to increase by around 6 percent per annum until 2023. The Law on the Utilization of Renewable Energy Resources for the
73,15 GW installed capacity of electricity by the end of 2015 is Purpose of Generating Electrical Energy (Law No: 5346)
expected to reach 125 GW by 2023 to satisfy the increasing demand Law Amending the Law on the Utilization of Renewable Energy
in the country. Now, the total installed capacity of electricity broken Resources in Electricity Generation (Law No: 6094)
down by resources is 57,3 % thermic (natural gas, coals, liquid fuels Energy Efficiency Law (Law No: 5627)
etc.), 35,4 % hydro, 6,1 % wind and other renewables. The total Environmental Law (Law No: 2872)
electricity consumption of Turkey resulted in 264,137 GWh where the
total electricity production resulted as 259,691 GWh by 2015 [2]. The Laws 6446 and 6094 are the two main laws directly related
to utilization of solar energy. The Law 6446 introduces some
Turkeys power distribution network is completely in private sector important changes in the current electricity market system, including
hands, while the privatization of power generation assets is set to be amendments to license types, framing its provisions around each
completed within the next few years has given the countrys energy type of market activity, specific provisions for certain license types
sector a highly competitive structure and new horizons for growth. (generation, transmission, distribution, wholesale, retail, auto-producer
The privatization of energy generation assets, coupled with a strategy and auto-producer group), the introduction of a preliminary licensing
to clear the way for more private investments, has resulted in an mechanism and investment incentives, such as extended deadlines
increased share of private entities in the electricity generation sector, and grace periods for environmental compliance. In reference to the
from 32 % in 2002 to 75 % in 2015 [3]. renewable energy sector, it establishes:
The maximum installed capacity for a renewable energy plant
Turkey pays millions of dollars to its energy imports every year. The to operate without a license has been raised from 500 kW to
solar energy has the potential to reduce this cost in outstanding 1 MW, with the ease of increasing up to 5 times (5 MW) by a
size in medium and long term. Opportunities for renewable forms of decree of the Council of Ministers without a change in the Law.
energy production hydro, wind, solar, geothermal and others are Furthermore, with the new Law, there is no limit for renewable
abundant in Turkey, and encouraging policies backed by favourable energy facilities that serve for self-consumption without
feed-in tariffs are expected to increase their share in the national grid feeding into the grid.
in the coming years. Turkey is now aiming to get at least 30 % of its Renewable generation facilities that extend over more than one
electricity requirements via renewable energy sources by the year 2023. premise can be considered one single generation entity provided
The specific goals for the country are: 34 GW of hydroelectric, 20 GW that they are connected to the system from the same point.
of wind energy, 1 GW of geothermal, 1 GW of biomass (this is not The Law reasserts the exemptions and discounts in land use rights
yet included in the official documents), and 5 GW of solar electricity as described in the Renewable Energy Law.
(photovoltaic and concentrated solar power) [4]. Energy and Natural The pre-licensing step is defined in the licensing process and all
Resources Ministry (ETKB) has updated its Strategy Plan (2015-2019) M&A activities at this stage are restricted.
and declared to the public on December 3rd, 2014 [4]. According to this For wind and solar power plants that would compete for the
plan, it is aimed to reach 3,000 MW by the end of 2019 [5]. grid access rights, the tendering process has been modified to
reduce the 20 year payment period of contribution fees to the
The total amount of investments to be made to meet the energy Transmission System Operator to 3 years. The contribution fee
demand in Turkey until 2023 is estimated around 110 BUSD [3]. In that was paid according to generated kWh was modified to be
the face of increase in energy consumption and the need for national paid for unit installed capacity (per MW).
energy security and reducing carbon emissions, it is widely recognized
that it is imperative for Turkey to increase the contribution of The Law 6094 law introduces significant amendments to improve the
renewable energy resources rapidly. incentive mechanism under the Renewable Energy Law and encourage
renewable energy investment opportunities. According to the Law
NATIONAL PROGRAMME 6094,
Solar Energy is the most important alternative clean energy Each supplier who sells electrical energy to consumers has an
resource which is still untapped in Turkey with a potential of min. obligation to pay a renewable energy fee proportional to the
500 GW. Cumulative installed PV power in Turkey has reached about amount of electricity that the supplier has sold to its consumers
248,8 MW and increased rapidly compared to the previous years data, divided by the total electric energy that all suppliers have sold to
55 MW [6]. The yearly average solar radiation is 1 527 kWh/m2 per all consumers in the country. In other words, they are indirectly
obliged to purchase electricity that is generated from renewable
resources.
A new feed-in tariff plan, categorizing the different levels of Additionally, in the first license application round for a total of
feed-in tariff for different technologies is introduced. In addition, 600 MW projected PV projects larger than 1 MW has been completed
the local equipment bonus is to be added to the feed-in tariff by exceeding the proposed capacity by 15 times with 496 applications
plan. made to Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK) reaching 8,9 GW
The scope of time for the support mechanism of 5-years is in total. For the license applications, the presentation of at least
extended for facilities that are commissioned before December 31, 6 months of on-site measurement data to Energy Market Regulatory
2020, by a Board Decision in 2013. Authority (EPDK) is obligatory. Large-scale PV power projects of
Feed-in tariffs are based on the USD (United States Dollar) and 13 MW and 587 MW received their preliminary licenses in 2014 and
not subject to any escalation. 2015 respectively, following the competition process driven by Turkish
Land Usage Fee Incentives: Until 2020, a discount of 85 % for Electricity Transmission Company (TEA) which was given by Energy
permission, lease, easement rights and servitude right fees Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK). It is expected that the new
for generation facilities based on renewable energy resources capacity for licensed projects will be declared by 2017.
will be applicable for the first 10 years, including the period of
investment and operation. Another important circumstance in Turkish PV sector is that the new
notification, which is valid by December 19, 2015, was published by
According to the Law 6094, a purchase guarantee of 13,3 USDcents/ Turkeys Ministry of Economics. By this notification, PV module
kWh is given for solar electric energy production for ten years. The imports will be charged an import tax, based on weight specifically,
incentives are available for the PV power plants for 5-years which are $35/kg as of December 19. Manufacturers will also need to apply for
or will be in operation before December 31, 2020. Some supplementary a supervisory document for each module type from their production
subsidies for local equipment products for the first five years of sites [8]. An exemption from the tax exists by presenting Investment
operation are as follows: Incentive Certificate.
PV module installation and mechanical construction
(+0,8 USDcents/kWh) In 2015, the largest PV system in Turkey with the installed capacity of
PV modules (+1,3 USDcents/kWh) 18,5 MW was mounted on Kzren, Konya (expected 30,7 GWh annual
PV cells (+3,5 USDcents/kWh) electricity generation, but still pending approval for grid connection;
Inverter (+0,6 USDcents/kWh) see Figure 1). Also, Turkeys largest single axis tracking PV power plant
Material focusing solar energy on PV modules is installed in Korkuteli, Antalya. The plant, which is a combination
(+0,5 USDcents/kWh) of 5 unlicensed projects, is located on an area of 66,000 m2 with the
capacity of 4,6 MW. In comparison to fixed-angle mounting systems,
The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (ETKB) has updated its an additional power increase - from 22 % to 28 %- is targeted in
Strategy Plan (2015-2019) and declared to the public on December 3rd, the plant. According to data from December, it is mentioned that
2014 [5]. According to this plan, it is aimed to reach 5000 MW by the the current tracking system is 22 % more efficient than fixed-angle
end of 2023 (Table 1). systems. In addition, Antalya Arena Stadium will be the first stadium in
Turkey powered by PV panels with the capacity of 1,4 MW [9].
TABLE 1 - THE PROJECTED SOLAR ENERGY CAPACITY
BY ETKB [5].
2015 2017 2019 2023
PV Power
300 1 800 3 000 5 000
Plant (MW)

The legislation defines the unlicensed electricity power limit as max.
1 MW. Up to now, only the unlicensed PV power plants were installed
in Turkey. Some investors preferred to setup MW scaled PV power
plants in total by covering a few unlicensed plants. 362 of 2 750 small-
scale PV power projects (up to 1 MW) are already installed with
248,8 MW in total in 2015 while the rest of projects with a capacity Fig.1 - The largest PV system in Turkey with the installed capacity of 18,5 MW
of 2 096,2 MW applied to the Turkish Electricity Distribution Company (expected 30,7 GWh annual electricity generation) in Konya (still pending approval
(TEDA) are already received the approval. By the end of 2015, there for grid connection) [10].
are 362 PV power plants in operation, which are all in the unlicensed
segment. Although the installed capacity is only 248,8 MW up to now,
it proves an acceleration since the cumulative grid-connected installed
PV power was about 2,5 MW, 6 MW and 55 MW at the end of 2012,
2013 and 2014, respectively.
TURKEY 109
Regarding PV manufacturing activities, currently there is not any

manufacturer on feedstock, ingots and wafers in Turkey. Currently,
there are 20 PV module manufacturers in Turkey with a production
capacity of more than 1 500 MW annually. There are also a few
PV module constituents (glass, frame etc.) manufacturers in Turkey.
REFERENCES
[1] The Results of Address Based Population Registration System, 2013", Turkish
Statistical Institute, 2015.
[2] Statistics on Turkeys Electricity, TEA (Turkish Electricity Transmission
Company), http://www.teias.gov.tr/TurkiyeElektrikIstatistikleri.aspx.
[3] Invest in Turkey, The Republic of Turkey Prime Ministry, Investment Support and
Promotion Agency, http://www.invest.gov.tr/en-US/sectors/Pages/Energy.aspx.
[4] National Renewable Energy Action Plan for Turkey, Republic of Turkey Energy
and Natural Resources Ministry, December 2014.
[5] Republic of Turkey Energy and Natural Resources Ministry Strategic Plan
(2015 2019), www.enerji.gov.tr
[6] Data on Unlicensed Electricity Production, TEDAS (Turkish Electricity
Distribution Company), http://www.tedas.gov.tr/#!tedas_lisanssizelektrikuretimi
[7] Solar Energy in Turkey, The Republic of Turkey Energy and Natural Resources
Ministry - General Directorate of Renewable Energy, http://www.eie.gov.tr/
eie-web/english/solar/solarTurkey_e.html
[8] Notification on the implementation of surveillance in importing solar cells
and modules, No: 2015/9, Official Gazette, November 2015.
[9] Worlds largest solar PV stadium project, GUNDERGI, January-March 2015
www.gunder.org.tr
[10] Konya'da Trkiye'nin en byk GES'i kuruldu, http://www.dunya.com/sirketler/
konyada-turkiyenin-en-buyuk-gesi-kuruldu-285351h.htm
[11] www.gunder.org.tr
For More Information:

Tel: +90 312 4181887
E-mail: info@gunder.org.tr
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

DANIEL BOFF, ENERGY ANALYST, MANTECH CORPORATION, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
DAVID FELDMAN, SENIOR FINANCIAL ANALYST, NATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY LABORATORY
GENERAL FRAMEWORK AND IMPLEMENTATION NATIONAL PROGRAM

The United States (U.S.) photovoltaic (PV) market development is The U.S. supports the domestic installation and manufacturing of
supported by both national and state level financial incentives, yet state PV generating assets for domestic consumption. Financial incentives
and local policies in support of increased solar deployment are more for U.S. solar projects are provided by the national government,
varied than national policies. In 2015, the U.S. Environmental Protection state and local governments, and some local utilities. Historically,
Agency (EPA), which regulates power plant carbon emissions, issued national incentives have been provided primarily through the U.S.
final rules for carbon emissions reductions of 30 % (from 2005 levels) tax code, in the form of a 30 % Investment Tax Credit (ITC) (which
by a state-by-state approach to be implemented between 2020 and applies to residential, commercial, and utility-scale installations) and
2030. Additionally, in 2015, EPA expanded their draft rules to include accelerated 5-year tax depreciation (which applies to all commercial
a Clean Energy Incentive Program (CEIP) to encourage states to meet and utility-scale installations and to third-party owned residential,
carbon reduction goals through wind, solar and energy efficiency. government, or non-profit installations). Though the ITC was set
Under this arrangement, states can utilize solar projects installed before to expire in 2016, the 30 % credit was recently extended to 2020.
the carbon rules take effect to meet Federal emissions requirements Beginning in 2020, the credits will step down gradually until they
for 2020-2029. This program provides substantial incentive for reach 10 % in 2022 for commercial entities and expire for individuals.
states to accelerate the deployment of solar and wind technologies
in the short term. To date, a national level mandate has not been State incentives in the U.S. have been driven in large part due to
implemented, however there have been individual state mandates the passage of Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). An RPS, also
successfully executed. Despite the lack of a unified national framework, called a renewable electricity standard (RES), requires electricity
existing policy at the national and state level has enabled PV to suppliers to purchase or generate a targeted amount of renewable
continue growing rapidly in the U.S. as a result of local and state energy by a certain date. Although design details can vary considerably,
initiatives, with the U.S. adding 7,3 GW of PV capacity in 2015, bringing RPS policies typically enforce compliance through penalties, and many
the cumulative installed capacity in the US up to 25,6 GW. [1]. include the trading of renewable energy certificates (RECs).
A clean energy standard (CES) is similar to an RPS, but allows a broader
Several policy and financing mechanisms are emerging that have range of electricity generation resources to qualify for the target. As of
the potential to incite further solar market expansion through the October 2015, twenty-nine states and Washington D.C. had RPS policies
establishment of widespread local and utility programs. Such policies with specific solar or customer-sited provisions. [2] Many states also
include low-cost loan programs, as well, as time of use rate structures. require utilities to offer net metering, a billing mechanism which credits
Third-party ownership continues to be a popular option for financing electricity produced by a solar energy system fed back to the grid. In
the installation of PV systems, particularly in the residential sector. 2015, 42 states had laws crediting customers for exported electricity,
Loans have also emerged as an effective financial mechanism for typically through a net metering arrangement. Additionally, several
residential systems, due to the declining cost of solar, and new loan states expanded their net metering caps or modified the process by
products entering the market. Loans are even beginning to rival which customers can sell energy back to the grid. Furthermore, analysts
third-party ownership in some residential markets. Companies have have estimated that in 2015, 4,1 GW of PV was procured outside of
also issued innovative financing mechanisms to raise cheaper sources RPS obligations, based on solars competitiveness with other sources of
of capital through public markets. generation. [3]
The U.S. government also supports PV manufacturing and deployment

through its work at the Department of Energys SunShot Initiative,
U.S. Annual PV Installations discussed in the Research and Development section below.
8 7,3
7
RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT & DEMONSTRATION
U.S. Annual PV Installations (GWDC )
6,2
6
The DOE is one of the primary bodies that support research,
5 4,8
development, and demonstration (RD&D) of solar energy technologies.
4 3,4 In February 2011, the Secretary of Energy launched the SunShot
3 Initiative, a program focused on driving innovation to make solar
2 1,9 energy systems cost-competitive with other forms of energy. To
1 0,9 accomplish this goal, the DOE is supporting efforts by private
0,2 0,3 0,4
0,1 companies, academia, and national laboratories to drive down the cost
0

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 of utility-scale solar electricity to about 6 USDcents per kilowatt-hour,
and distributed solar electricity to be at or below retail rates. This
Fig. 1 - U.S. Annual PV Installations. Source: GTM/SEIA, U.S. Solar Market Insight in turn could enable solar-generated power to account for 14 % of
Report Q4 2015. March 2016.
1] GTM Research/ SEIA, Q4 2015: U.S. Solar Market Insight. March 2016 [2] North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center. Renewable Portfolio Standard
Policies. Accessed January 20, 2016. http://www.dsireusa.org/resources/
detailed-summary-maps/
[3] GTM Research/ SEIA, Q4 2015: U.S. Solar Market Insight. March 2016.
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 111
Fig. 2 - A photovoltaic system in New York City.
America's electricity generation by 2030 (assuming other systemic Examples of SETO funded research and development activities in 2015
issues are addressed as well). [4] By funding selective RD&D concepts, include:
the SunShot Initiative promotes a genuine transformation in the ways Working with small businesses to eliminate market barriers,
the U.S. generates, stores, and utilizes solar energy. reduce non-hardware costs, and to encourage technology
innovation to support SunShot goals.
DOEs Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO), Office of Science, Working with industry, national laboratories, and university
and Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E) collaborate researchers to enable the development and demonstration of
to accomplish the goals of the SunShot Initiative. The majority of integrated, scalable, and cost-effective technologies for solar
RD&D funding under the initiative is provided by SETO, thus this that incorporates energy storage and works seamlessly to meet
summary focuses on the RD&D funded by SETO. The initiative focuses both consumer needs and the needs of the electricity grid, enable
on removing the critical barriers for the system as a whole, including widespread sustainable deployment of low-cost, flexible, and
technical and non-technical barriers to installing and integrating reliable PV generation, and provide for successful integration of
solar energy into the electricity grid. In addition to investing PV power plants with the electric grid.
in improvements in solar technologies and manufacturing, the Working with researchers in physics, chemistry, and advanced data
department focuses on integrating solar generated energy systems analysis to gain a better understanding of how and why solar
into the electricity grid and reducing installation and permitting costs. PV modules degrade to enable evaluation of module reliability and
The DOE focuses on innovative technology and manufacturing process improved prediction of performance over time.
concepts as applied to PV. It also supports PV systems integration, by
developing radically new approaches to reduce the cost and improve
the reliability and functionality of power electronics; by supporting TABLE 1- BREAKDOWN OF SOLAR ENERGY
industry development through test and evaluation standards; and by TECHNOLOGIES OFFICE FY 15 R&D ACTIVITIES
developing tools for understanding grid integration issues. Emphasis is
also placed on market transformation areas to quantitatively address RESEARCH MUSD 50
non-hardware related balance-of-system costs including streamlined DEVELOPMENT MUSD 63
permitting, inspection, and interconnection as well as performing key
analyses of policy options and their impact on the rapid deployment DEMONSTRATION MUSD 42
of solar technologies. D E P L OY M E N T MUSD 78
TOTAL MUSD 233
[4] U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). (2012). SunShot Vision Study. DOE/
GO-102012-3037. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Energy.Accessed 2013:
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/pdfs/47927.pdf
Fig. 3 - A ground mounted PV system in Southwestern Colorado, USA.
It has been estimated that the RD&D funding provided by SETO, U.S. PV manufacturing, which contracted in 2011-13 after having
as shown in Table 1, accounts for approximately 50 % of all public shipment growth of 10 times from 2003-2010, continued to recover in
RD&D for PV technology development in the U.S. In addition, U.S. 2015. Module production has increased 28 % from Q3 14 to Q3 15, and
RD&D funding has also come from the Department of Energys Office growth is expected to continue in 2016. [8]
of Science and ARPA-E, as well as the National Science Foundation,
the Department of Defense, the National Aeronautics and Space Additionally, U.S. manufacturing has a significant presence in other
Administration, and states such as California, New York, Florida, and parts of the PV value chain, including polysilicon, encapsulants, wiring,
Hawaii. and fasteners. In 2015, the U.S. solar manufacturing sector employed
30 282 people, a 6,8 % decrease since 2014. However, the sector is
INDUSTRY AND MARKET DEVELOPMENT expected to recoup those losses and expand in 2016, with an expected
In 2015, the U.S market is expected to have increased its annual job growth of 12,7 %. [9] Additionally, manufactured hardware is only
installations by approximately 1 GW, from roughly 6,2 GW in 2014 to a portion of the total solar value chain. Industry-wide, approximately
7,3 GW in 2015. [5] U.S. annual installations have been growing rapidly 115 000 jobs relating to solar were added from 2010 to 2015, growing
during the past five years, from 0,9 MW in 2010 to 7,3 MW in 2015. to a total of nearly 209 000 employees (35 000 of which were added
Much of the recent growth came from utility-scale installations, in 2015 alone). The growth rate from 2014 to 2015 of 20 % was twelve
though the residential market has also increased in size. PV capacity times faster than what the overall U. S. economy experienced during
continues to be concentrated in a small number of states, such as that same time period. [10]
California, Arizona, Nevada, North Carolina, and New Jersey, which
comprise roughly two-thirds of the market. However, this trend is
changing slowly as 28 states currently have 50 MW or more of PV
capacity and 17 states each installed more than 50 MW in 2015 alone.
[6] With more than 18 GW of contracted utility scale PV projects in
the pipeline as of October, total installations in 2016 are expected to
increase yet again. [7] Though some incentive programs in the U.S. have
expired or been reduced, many projects currently under construction
have already qualified to receive an award. In addition, due to the
continued reduction in system pricing as well as the availability of
new loan products and third-party ownership arrangement with lower
financing costs, a significant portion of PV systems have recently been
installed without any state incentives. Finally, state RPS targets require
a larger amount of renewable energy additions in 2016 than in previous
years, encouraging more growth within the market.
[5] GTM Research/ SEIA, Q4 2015: U.S. Solar Market Insight. March 2016 [8] Ibid.
[6] GTM Research/ SEIA, Q3 2015: U.S. Solar Market Insight. December 2015. [9] Solar Foundation. (2016). National Solar Jobs Census 2015. Washington, DC:
[7] Ibid. The Solar Foundation.
[10] Ibid.
COMPLETED TASKS 113
COMPLETED TASKS
TASK 2 - PERFORMANCE, RELIABILITY AND ANALYSIS
OF PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS
OVERALL OBJECTIVE SUBTASK 3: MEASURING AND MONITORING

The objective of Task 2 was to provide technical information on APPROACHES (FROM 1995 TO 1999)
PV operational performance, long-term reliability and costs of PV Participants worked on a handbook covering PV system monitoring
systems, which is very important for an emerging technology. This techniques, normalised analysis of PV systems and national monitoring
service was given to a diverse target audience including PV industry, procedures in the IEA member countries. This document covered
research laboratories, utilities and manufacturers, system designers, measuring and monitoring in the context of PV systems and expanded
installers, standardisation organisations and the educational in breadth and details the issue of monitoring. It helped orientating
sector. Task2 aimed to provide performance data for both general and relating technical explanations and details of existing experiences
assessments of PV system technologies and improvements of system and guidelines. Available documentation on measuring and monitoring
design and operation. approaches was brought together and assessed for their scope and
contents.
MEANS
Task 2 work was structured into seven subtasks in order to achieve the SUBTASK 4: IMPROVING PV SYSTEMS
objectives. PERFORMANCE (FROM 1999 TO 2004)
These were achieved through the development and continuous update Participants worked on recommendations on sizing of PV power
of the PV Performance Database, an international database containing systems and suggested improvements for better PV system
information on the technical performance, reliability and costs of PV performance. Participants identified tools to process and analyse
power systems and subsystems. Task 2 also analysed performance and data for performance prediction and sizing purposes. Applied energy
reliability data for PV systems and components in their respective management schemes were analyzed from the energy and operating
countries. Activities included the work on the availability of irradiation cost points of view. Participants took account of the work performed
data, performance prediction for PV systems, shading effects and in other Subtasks and worked in collaboration with Task 3.
temperature effects as well as long-term performance and reliability
analysis, monitoring techniques, normalised evaluation of PV systems, SUBTASK 5: TECHNICAL ASSESSMENTS AND
users awareness and quality aspects of PV system performance. TECHNOLOGY TRENDS OF PV SYSTEMS
Participants analysed and validated expertise and performance
Subtasks 1, 5, 6 and 7 were terminated at the end of 2007, while results from grid-connected (GCS), stand-alone (SAS) and PV-based
Subtask 3 was concluded in 1999 and Subtasks 2 and 4 were hybrid systems. The aims of this subtask were to demonstrate
terminated in 2004. Task 2 was officially concluded in 2007. up-to-date performance validation criteria for a qualitative ranking
of PV grid-connected, stand-alone and PV-based hybrid systems.
SUBTASK 1: PV PERFORMANCE DATABASE It also identified high performance products, technologies and
Participants worked on the development and update of a design methodology in order to foster the development of maximum
PV Performance Database, an international database containing conversion efficiency and optimum integration of PV. Activities
information on the technical performance, reliability and costs of included evaluating PV performance over time and failure statistics,
PV systems and subsystems located worldwide. The information analysing the end-users consciousness on PV system performance and
was gathered and presented by means of standard data collection the use of satellite images for PV performance prediction.
formats and definitions. The database allows the comparison of
components quality, long-term operational results, analysis of SUBTASK 6: PV SYSTEM COST OVER TIME
performance and yields, long-term operational results, analytical Task 2 identified and evaluated the important elements, which are
calculations, yield prediction and checking of design programmes. responsible for the life cycle economic performance of PV systems
A collection of such a variety of high quality operational data presents by investigating economic data for all key components of PV systems
a unique tool for PV system performance analysis. The performance and by gathering information about real life costs of maintenance
data are available at the IEA PVPS website: of PV systems. Participants worked on national case studies on
www.iea-pvps.org. In addition, the complete database programme can performance and costs in their countries to provide a good insight
be downloaded from the same website. of performance and cost trends of PV systems for a 10-year-period.
S U BTA S K 2 : A N A LY S I S O F P V P O W E R S Y S T E M S SUBTASK 7: DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES

(FROM 1999 TO 2004) Task 2 put enhanced efforts to disseminate Task 2 results &
Participants analysed performance and maintenance data for PV deliverables to target audiences on the national and international
power systems and components in their respective countries, both level using websites, workshops & symposia as well as presentations
in order to ensure the quality and comparability of data entered in at conferences and seminars. Task 2 deliverables range from the PV
the database under Subtask 1 and to develop analytical reports on Performance Database to technical reports and conference papers.
key issues such as operational performance, reliability and sizing of The public PVPS and Task websites enabled downloads and technical
PV systems. Participants also compared existing data on operational information to be provided quickly and cost-effectively to the users.
reliability and developed recommendations on maintenance aspects. The Task 2 website is available in eight different languages spoken
by the Task delegates. For gaining information on the user profile and
PARTICIPANTS
customers of Task 2 deliverables, monthly download statistics were Thirteen countries supported Task 2 activities:
prepared on a regular, biannual basis. Austria, Canada, European Union, EPIA, France, Germany, Italy, Japan,
Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States.
Activities included seminar presentations, training courses for system
designers and installers (Italy), European master course and university Participants represented the following sectors: research &
seminars to advanced students (France, Germany), conference development, system engineering, PV industry and utility.
contributions for national and international audiences
as well as presentations and distributions of the Performance Database CONTACT INFORMATION
programme and other Task 2 deliverables. For information, contact the former Task 2 Operating Agent or visit the
PVPS website:
Task 2 developed a web based educational tool in close cooperation
with Task 10. This tool represented a detailed, practical source of Ms Ulrike JAHN
information on building integrated PV from the idea to the long-term Senior Scientist
operation of PV systems. Renewable Energies
TV Rheinland Energie und Umwelt GmbH
TASK 2 REPORTS AND DATABASE Test Centre for Energy Technologies
Task 2 produced the following technical reports, workshop proceedings Am Grauen Stein, D-51105 Kln, Germany
and database programme from 1997 to 2007: Tel: +49 221 806 2232, fax: +49 221 806 1350
Email: ulrike.jahn@de.tuv.com
Database
IEA PVPS Database Task 2, T2-02:2001
Task 2 Technical Reports

1. Analysis of Photovoltaic Systems, T2-01:2000, April 2000
2. Operational Performance, Reliability and Promotion
of Photovoltaic Systems, T2-03:2002, May 2002
3. The Availability of Irradiation Data, T2-04:2004, April 2004
4. Country Reports on PV System Performance, T2-05:2008,
December 2004
5. Cost and Performance Trends in Grid-Connected Photovoltaic
Systems and Case Studies, T2-06:2007, December 2007
6. Performance Prediction of Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems
Using Remote Sensing, T2-07:2008, March 2008
Task 2 Internal Reports

1. Handbook on Monitoring and Monitoring Approaches,
ECN, Netherlands, November 1998
2. Proceedings of Workshop PV System Performance,
Technology, Reliability and Economical Factors of the
PV Industry, ISFH, Germany, October 2005
3. Report on Users Awareness of PV System Performance,
AIST, Japan, September 2007.
DELIVERABLES WHERE TO GET THEM?

All technical reports are available for download at the IEA PVPS
website: http://www.iea-pvps.org
COMPLETED TASKS 115
COMPLETED TASKS
TASK 3 - USE OF PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SYSTEMS
IN STAND-ALONE AND ISLAND APPLICATIONS
OVERALL OBJECTIVE
Task 3 was established in 1993 to stimulate collaboration between To contribute to cost reduction through standardisation and modularity
IEA countries in order to improve the technical quality and in order to facilitate large scale dissemination of PV hybrid systems.
cost-effectiveness of photovoltaic systems in stand-alone and island
applications. Activity 22: Storage Function
When the first programme (1993-1999) was approved, the To provide recommendations to decrease the cost of storage in
stand-alone photovoltaic sector was largely comprised of solar PV and PV hybrid systems.
home systems for rural electrification, remote off-grid homes in
industrialised countries and PV consumer goods. PV hybrid systems Activity 23: Load/Appliances : Load Management and
and niche off grid applications such as PV powered bus shelters were New Applications
also being introduced in certain countries. To provide a technical contribution to cost reduction by showing
As part of this programme, a number of documents were published the cost efficiencies associated with effective load management and
as information about installed stand-alone PV systems worldwide. efficient appliance selection.
These included a lessons learned book featuring case studies from
each country, as well as a survey of PV programmes in developing Collaborative activities had to develop knowledge based on project
countries. implementations, technological improvements from the equipment
manufacturers, R&D programmes results, and feed-back coming
Task 3s second programme (1999-2004) was initiated against from the field.
this background with the following overall objectives:
PUBLICATIONS
Considering all types of stand-alone photovoltaic systems, ranging Task 3 publications can be downloaded from the IEA PVPS website www.
from small PV kits to power stations supplying micro-grids, the main iea-pvps.org and are listed below:
objective of Task 3 is to improve the technical quality and cost-
effectiveness of PV systems in stand-alone and island applications. TECHNICAL REPORTS PUBLISHED BY TASK 3 DURING
THE PERIOD 1999-2004
Task 3 Aimed:
To collect, analyse and disseminate information on SCOPE FOR FUTURE ACTIVITIES
the technical performance and cost structure of PV systems
TITLE REFERENCE NUMBER
in these applications
To share the knowledge and experience gained in monitoring Survey of National and International Standards,
selected national and international projects Guidelines and Quality Assurance Procedures IEA-PVPS T3-07:2000
for Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems
To provide guidelines for improvement of the design, construction
and operation of photovoltaic power systems and subsystems Recommended Practices for Charge
IEA-PVPS T3-08:2000
To contribute to the development of improved photovoltaic Controllers
systems and subsystems
Use of Appliances in Stand-Alone Photovoltaic
IEA-PVPS T3-09:2002
Systems: Problems and Solutions
The main target audience of Task 3 activities were technical groups
such as project developers, system designers, industrial manufacturers, Management of Lead-Acid Batteries used in
IEA-PVPS T3-10:2002
installers, utilities, Quality organisations, training providers, end users. Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Power Systems
Testing of Lead-Acid Batteries used in Stand-Alone

IEA-PVPS T3-11:2002
The 1999-2004 work programme included the following subtasks Photovoltaic Power Systems - Guidelines
and activities:
Selecting Stand-Alone
IEA-PVPS T3-12:2002
Photovoltaic Systems - Guidelines
SUBTASK 1: QUALITY ASSURANCE
Activity 11: Critical Review of Implementation of Quality Monitoring Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems:
Methodology and Equipment - IEA-PVPS T3-13:2003
Assurance Schemes
Recommended Practices
To develop quality assurance schemes that will lead to a warranty
Protection Against the Effects of Lightning
for all system installations at reasonable cost.
on Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems - IEA-PVPS T3-14:2003
Common Practices
Activity 12: Technical Aspects of Performance Assessment on
Managing the Quality of Stand-Alone Photovoltaic
Field - Quality Management IEA-PVPS T3-15:2003
Systems - Recommended Practices
To identify and establish practical performance assessment
guidelines. Demand Side Management for Stand-Alone
IEA-PVPS T3-16:2003
Photovoltaic Systems
SUBTASK 2: TECHNICAL ISSUES Selecting Lead-Acid Batteries Used in Stand-Alone
Activity 21: Hybrid Systems IEA-PVPS T3-17:2004
Photovoltaic Power Systems - Guidelines
Alternative to Lead-Acid Batteries in Stand-Alone

IEA-PVPS T3-18:2004
Photovoltaic Systems
A proposal was introduced at the 23rd IEA PVPS Executive Committee

Meeting in Espoo, Finland, in May 2004.
The newly proposed programme objective has lead to the initiation

of the new Task 11, PV Hybrid Systems within Mini-Grids;
which received approval for its Workplan at the 26th IEA PVPS
ExCo Meeting, October 2005.
DELIVERABLES - WHERE TO GET THEM?

All Task 3 reports are available for download
at the IEA PVPS website:
www.iea-pvps.org
PARTICIPANTS
Thirteen countries supported Task 3 activities:
Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Portugal,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, United Kingdom.
The Netherlands and Spain, due to national decisions during this

period, halted their participation; respectively in 2001 and 2002.
CONTACT INFORMATION
For information, contact the former Task 3 Operating Agent or visit the
IEA PVPS website.
Former Task 3 Operating Agent:

Mr. Philippe JACQUIN
PHK Consultants
17 bis, Rue Jean Marie Vianney
FR-69130 Ecully
Tel.: 33-(0) 4 78 33 3614
Fax: 33-(0) 4 78 33 3808
Email: philippe. jacquin@phkconsultants.com
COMPLETED TASKS 117
COMPLETED TASKS
TASK 5 - GRID INTERCONNECTION OF BUILDING INTEGRATED AND OTHER
DISPERSED PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS
OVERALL OBJECTIVE
The objective of Task 5 was to develop and verify technical 6. International guideline for the certification of photovoltaic
requirements, which served as the technical guidelines for grid system components and grid-connected systems, IEA-PVPS
interconnection with building-integrated and other dispersed T5-06: 2002, February 2002
PV systems. The development of these technical requirements included 7. Probability of islanding in utility networks due to grid connected
safety and reliable linkage to the electric grid at the lowest possible photovoltaic power systems, IEA-PVPS T5-07: 2002, September
cost. The systems to be considered were those connected with a 2002
low-voltage grid, which was typically of a size between one and fifty 8. Risk analysis of islanding of photovoltaic power systems within
pea kilowatts. Task 5 was officially concluded in 2003. low voltage distribution networks, IEA-PVPS T5-08: 2002, March
2002
MEANS 9. Evaluation of islanding detection methods for photovoltaic
Participants carried out five subtasks; Subtasks 10,20,30,40 and utility-interactive power systems, IEA-PVPS T5-09: 2002,
50 in order to achieve these objectives. The objectives of each March 2002
subtask were as follows: 10. Impacts of power penetration from photovoltaic power systems
in distribution networks, IEA-PVPS T5-10: 2002, February 2002
SUBTASK 10: Review of Previously Installed PV Experiences 11. Grid-connected photovoltaic power systems: Power value and
(From 1993 to 1998) capacity value of PV systems, IEA-PVPS T5-11: 2002, February
To review existing technical guidelines, local regulations and 2002
operational results of grid interconnection with building- integrated
and other dispersed PV systems to aid Subtask 20 in defining existing Task 5 Internal Reports (Open to Public)
guidelines and producing concepts for new requirements and devices. 1. Grid-connected photovoltaic power systems: Status of existing
guidelines and regulations in selected IEA member countries
SUBTASK 20: Definition of Guidelines to be Demonstrated (Revised Version), IEA-PVPS V-1-03, March 1998
(From 1993 to 1998) 2. Information on electrical distribution systems in related IEA
Utilizing the results of Subtask 10 and a questionnaire, existing countries (Revised Version), IEA-PVPS V-1-04, March 1998
technical guidelines and requirements to be demonstrated will
be defined, and concepts for new requirements and devices will Proceedings of Final Task 5 Workshop
be developed; with safety, reliability, and cost reduction taken into 1. Introduction and table of contents
consideration. 2. Flyer of the workshop
3. List of participants of the workshop
SUBTASK 30: Demonstration Test Using Rokko Island and/or 4. Final programme of the workshop
Other Test Facilities (From 1993 to 1998) 5. Key note speech
To evaluate, by demonstration tests, the performance of existing 6. Islanding detection methods
and new technical requirements and devices defined in Subtask 20. 7. Probability of islanding in power networks
8. Risk analysis of islanding
SUBTASK 40: Summarizing Results (From 1993 to 2001) 9. Conclusions of task V islanding studies
To summarize the results of Task 5 and to produce a general report for 10. Recapitulation of first day
all participating countries of Task 5, as well as for the ExCo members. 11. Overview of (inter)national interconnection guidelines for
PV-systems
SUBTASK 50: Study on Highly Concentrated Penetration of Grid 12. State of the art inverter technology and grid interconnection
Interconnected PV Systems (From 1999 to 2001) 13. Impacts of PV penetration in distribution networks
To assess the net impact of highly concentrated PV systems on 14. Power value and capacity of PV systems
electricity distribution systems and to establish recommendations
for both distribution and PV inverter systems in order to enable DELIVERABLES - Where to get them?
widespread deployment of solar energy. All reports are available for download at the IEA PVPS website: http://
www.iea-pvps.org
TASK 5 REPORTS AND WORKSHOP PROCEEDINGS: A Task 5 CD-ROM including all the reports was published for
Task 5 produced the following reports and workshop proceedings: distribution. This can be ordered at the contact address below.
Task 5 Reports
1. Utility aspects of grid interconnected PV systems, IEA-PVPS CONTACT INFORMATION
T5-01: 1998, December 1998 For information, contact the former Task 5 Chairman or visit the PVPS
2. Demonstration tests of grid connected photovoltaic power website:
systems, IEA-PVPS T5-02: 1999, March 1999 For the Task 5 Chairman:
3. Grid-connected photovoltaic power systems: Summary of Task V Mr Tadao ISHIKAWA
activities from 1993 to 1998, IEA-PVPS T5-03: 1999, CRIEPI
March 1999 2-11-1 Iwato-kita Komea-shi
4. PV system installation and grid-interconnection guideline in JPN - 2018511, Tokyo
selected IEA countries, IEA-PVPS T5-04: 2001, November 2001 Email: ishikawa@criepi.denken.or.jp
5. Grid-connected photovoltaic power systems: Survey of inverter
and related protection equipments, IEA-PVPS T5-05: 2002,
December 2002
COMPLETED TASKS
TASK 6 - DESIGN AND OPERATION OF MODULAR PHOTOVOLTAIC PLANTS
FOR LARGE SCALE POWER GENERATION
OVERALL OBJECTIVE TASK 6 REPORTS AND WORKSHOP PROCEEDINGS

Task 6 officially completed its activities in May 1998. The main Task 6 produced the following reports and workshop proceedings from
objective of this Task was to further develop large-scale modular 1993 to 1998:
photovoltaic plants for peaking and long-term baseload power 1. The Proceedings of the Paestrum Workshop.
generation in connection with the medium-voltage grid. 2. A PV Plant Comparison of 15 plants.
3. The State of the Art of: High Efficiency, High Voltage, Easily
MEANS Installed Modules for the Japanese Market.
The Task 6 work was performed by structural engineers and PV 4. A document on Criteria and Recommendations for Acceptance
industry experts. The work was structured into four subtasks, for Test.
a total of fifteen activities. 5. A paper entitled: Methods to Reduce Mismatch Losses.
6. Report of questionnaires in the form of a small book containing
SUBTASK 10: Review of Design and Construction Experiences organized information collected through questionnaires integrated
of Large-Scale PV Plants with statistical data of the main system parameters and of the
To perform, on the basis of the Paestum Workshop results, an in-depth main performance indices.
review of existing large-scale PV plants aimed both to identify the 7. The Guidebook for Practical Design of Large Scale Power
remarkable technical solutions adopted in such plants and the main Generation Plant, edited by the Japanese expert.
common criteria applied for their design, installation, operation, 8. The Review of Medium to Large Scale Modular PV Plants
monitoring, and to perform a detailed cost analysis of the plants taken Worldwide.
into account. 9. Proceedings of the Madrid Workshop.
SUBTASK 20: Review of Operational Experiences in Large-Scale DELIVERABLES - Where to get them?
PV Plants All reports are available for download at the IEA PVPS website:
To perform, also utilising the work in progress of Subtask 10 and on http://www.iea-pvps.org
the basis of the Paestum Workshop results, an in-depth review of
operational experiences in existing large-scale PV plants. The analysis CONTACT INFORMATION
of the acquired data was focused on the comparison between the For information contact the former Operating Agent of Task 6 of visit
expected and actual results, both technical and economical; the the IEA PVPS website:
information flow was continuously updated through acquisition of Mr Alberto Iliceto
data from all the plants in operation. CESI S.p.A.- SFR/ERI
Via Rubattino, 54
SUBTASK 30: Development of Improved System Design and 20134 Milano
Operational Strategies for Large-Scale PV Plants Italy
Based on the work of Subtasks 10 and 20, the evaluation work, Fax: +39 (0)2 2125.5626
together with the information gathering activity, let the assessment of Email: iliceto@cesi.it
most appropriate, innovative technical options for modular design of Web: http://www.cesi.it
large-scale PV plants. Both PV and BOS components were dealt with,
taking into account: performances improvement, costs
reduction, and realisation simplification.
The co-operation among utilities and industries of many countries

offered the opportunity to review in detail the performance data and
the technical aspects which determined the design approach of the
largest PV plants in the world, and to develop improved system design,
and operational strategies for such plants.
SUBTASK 40: Outlook of Perspectives of Large-Scale PV Plants

Based on the assumption that large grid connected PV power plants
have proven their applicability under the technical point of view, the
Subtask was aimed at identifying the path in order to let such plants
become a substantial option and play an increasing role in a future
oriented energy concept in OECD countries, as well as in developing
countries.
COMPLETED TASKS 119
COMPLETED TASKS
TASK 8 - STUDY ON VERY LARGE SCALE PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER GENERATION SYSTEM
OVERALL OBJECTIVES SUBTASK 4: Practical Project Proposals of VLS-PV Systems

The work on very large scale photovoltaic power generation (VLS-PV) Taking into account of the mid- and long term scenario studies
systems first began under the umbrella of the IEA PVPS Task 6 in 1998. proposed in the Subtask 3 and the guidelines discussed in the
After that, the new Task 8 Study on Very Large Scale Photovoltaic Subtask 5, Subtask 4 developed practical proposals for initial stage
Power Generation (VLS-PV) Systems was established in 1999 and of VLS-PV systems, which would enable sustainable growth of
concluded in 2014. VLS-PV systems for some desert.
The objective of Task 8 was to examine and evaluate the potential and SUBTASK 5: General Instruction for Practical Project Proposals
feasibility of Very Large Scale Photovoltaic Power Generation (VLS-PV) to Realise VLS-PV Systems in the Future
systems, having a capacity ranging from over multi-megawatt to Detailed practical instructions for the development of practical project
gigawatt, to develop practical project proposals toward implementing proposals to enable to implement VLS-PV systems in a sustainable
VLS-PV projects in the future, and to accelerate and implement real manner were discussed. Employing the results developed under the
VLS-PV projects. Subtask 4, financial and institutional scenarios were discussed further,
and instructions for practical project proposals were discussed. Based
Issues covered reflected the many facets of VLS-PV for target groups on the discussions, implementing strategies and engineering designs
from political and governmental organisations as well as for institutes for accomplishing VLS-PV projects were discussed and proposed.
worldwide to provide a better understanding of these issues.
SUBTASK 6: Future Technical Options for Realising VLS-PV
Task 8 has recognised that states/governments all over the world Systems
consider solar power plants as a viable option for their electrical Subtask 6 proposed and analysed various technical options for
energy supply. Decision-makers should be informed in an appropriate implementing VLS-PV systems, including scenarios for storage and
manner on the feasibility of such projects for accelerating and for reliable integration of VLS-PV systems into the existing electrical
implementing real VLS-PV projects and results of Task 8 can contribute grid networks. From the viewpoint of future electrical grid stability,
to achieving this vision. a global renewable energy system utilizing globally dispersed VLS-PV
systems as the primary electrical energy source were discussed. To clarify
MEANS requirements for VLS-PV system to integrate with energy network in the
During the activity period from 1999-2014, Task 8 consisted of seven near-term and mid- & long-term, combination with other renewable
Subtasks. energy technology or energy source were discussed as well.
SUBTASK 1: Conceptual Study of the VLS-PV System SUBTASK 7: VLS-PV Vision, Strategy and Communication
Subtask 1 conducted development of the conceptual configuration Based on the results of other subtasks and changing market
of VLS-PV systems by extracting the dominant parameters of the environment, Subtask7 performed active dissemination and
conditions in which the systems were technically and economically communication with stakeholders to develop VLS-PV vision and
feasible from a life-cycle viewpoint. The criteria for selecting regions strategy. As well, possible approach and enabler to achieve the
suitable for case studies of the installation of VLS-PV were identified vision and implement the strategy were developed and identified.
and then the regions for the case studies were nominated.
KEY DELIVERABLES
SUBTASK 2: Case Studies for Selected Regions for Installation Internal Publications
of VLS-PV Systems on Deserts Report: A Preliminary Analysis of Very Large Scale Photovoltaic Power
Employing the concepts of VLS-PV, as well as the criteria and other Generation (VLS-PV) Systems: Report IEA-PVPS VI-5 1999:1
results produced under the Subtask 1, Subtask 2 undertook case
studies on VLS-PV systems for the selected regions and evaluating the External Publications
resulting effects, benefits and environmental impact. Feasibility and Task 8 published extensive reports as a series of Energy from
potential of VLS-PV on deserts were evaluated from local, regional and the Desert, focusing on VLS-PV systems. The books showed that the
global viewpoints. As for the environmental aspects of VLS-PV systems, VLS-PV is not a simple dream but is becoming realistic, and have been
Task 8 carried out information exchange and collaborative work with well-known all over the world.
Task 12.
Book: Energy from the Desert: Feasibility of Very Large Scale
SUBTASK 3: Comprehensive Evaluation of the Feasibility Photovoltaic Power Generation (VLS-PV) Systems, James and James,
of VLS-PV 2003 (ISBN 1 902916 417)
Subtask 3 undertook joint assessment of the results of the case Report: Summary Energy from the Desert: Feasibility of Very Large
studies performed under Subtask 2, summarizing similarities and Scale Photovoltaic Power Generation (VLS-PV) Systems, 2003
differences in the impact of VLS-PV system installation in different Report: Summary Energy from the Desert: Practical Proposals for
areas, and proposed mid- and long-term scenario options, which Very Large Scale Photovoltaic Systems, 2006
enabled the feasibility of VLS-PV.
Book: Energy from the Desert: Practical Proposals for Very Large Scale
Photovoltaic Systems, Earthscan, 2007 (ISBN 978-1-84407-363-4)
Book: Energy from the Desert: Very Large Scale Photovoltaic Systems,
Socio-Economic, Financial, Technical and Environmental Aspects,
Earthscan, 2009 (ISBN 978-1-84407-794-6)
Report: Summary - Energy from the Desert: Very Large Scale
Photovoltaic Systems, Socio-Economic, Financial, Technical and
Environmental Aspects, 2009
Book: Energy from the Desert: Very Large Scale Photovoltaic Power
- State-of-the-Art and into the Future, Earthscan from Routledge,
2013 (ISBN 978-0-415-63982-8(hbk) /978-0-203-08140-2(cbk))
Report: Summary - Energy from the Desert: Very Large Scale
Photovoltaic Power - State-of-the-Art and into the Future, 2013
Report: Energy from the Desert: Very Large Scale PV Power
Plants for Shifting to Renewable Energy Future, 2015 (ISBN
978-3-906042-29-9)
Report: Summary - Energy from the Desert: Very Large Scale Fig. 1 - Energy from the Desert: Very Large
PV Power Plants for Shifting to Renewable Energy Future, 2015 Scale PV Power Plants for Shifting to Renewable
Brochure: Energy from the Desert: Fact sheets and the Summary Energy Future.
of the Research, 2015
TASK 8 PARTICIPANTS
In its final year of activity, the following countries participated in
Task 8: Canada, China, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, the
Netherlands, Spain (observer), USA (observer), Finland (observer) and
Mongolia (observer).
The management of the Task the Operating Agent was executed

by Japan.
CONTACT INFORMATION
For information, contact the former Task 8 Operating Agent or
Secretary, or visit the PVPS website:
Mr Keiichi KOMOTO
IEA PVPS Task 8 Operating Agent
Mizuho Information & Research Institute, Japan Fig. 2 - Brochure Energy from the Desert:
keiichi.komoto@mizuho-ir.co.jp Fact sheets and the Summary of the Research.
Mr Masanori ISHIMURA
IEA PVPS Task 8 Secretary
New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization
(NEDO), Japan
ishimuramsn@nedo.go.jp
COMPLETED TASKS 121
COMPLETED TASKS
TASK 10 - URBAN SCALE PV APPLICATIONS
OVERALL OBJECTIVE
The objective for Task 10 was to develop the tools, analysis and research The report Urban Photovoltaic Electricity Policies was also published in
required to mainstream PV in the urban environment. 2009. The report provides information and analysis on both direct and
The Task 10 products render the explosive market growth experiences indirect urban policies relating to PV.
from many countries into an array of relevant information for the
multiple stakeholders required to continue PV growth in the worlds SUBTASK 3: Technical Factors
energy portfolio. This subtask concentrated on technical development factors for
mainstream urban-scale PV. Large-scaled urban integration of BIPV
The definition for urban scale PV applications: systems face technical challenges related to synergetic use as building
Urban-scale applications include small, medium and large installations on material and for energy supply purposes. Other challenges involved
both existing and new buildings, homes, sites, and developments as well the potentially negative impact on the grid and obstacles posed by the
as point-of-use, targeted load solutions on a distributed basis throughout regulatory framework. The aim of this subtask was to demonstrate best
the high density urban environment. practices and to advocate overcoming those barriers associated with
extensive penetration of BIPV systems on urban scale. The deliverables
MEANS focused on the broad set of stakeholders required to achieve the
There were four Subtasks in Task 10. The total range of deliverables vision such as the building product industry, builders, utilities and PV
was designed comprehensively to include and meet the various needs industry.
of the stakeholders who have been identified as having value systems
which contribute to urban-scale PV. Through developing and producing An extensive body of work was finalised into a report on grid issues,
these deliverables, Task 10 contributed to achieving the vision of Overcoming PV Grid Issues in Urban Areas. The report documents
mainstreaming urban-scale PV. Targeted stakeholders were the: the issues and countermeasures relating to integrating PV on the grid.
Building Sector: builders and developers, urban planners, The report also provides three case studies of high penetration urban
architects, engineers, permit and code authorities; PV projects in Japan, France and Germany.
End-Users: residential and commercial building owners;
Government: supporting, regulatory and housing agencies; SUBTASK 4: Targeted Information Development and
Finance and Insurance Sector: Banks, insurance companies, Dissemination
loan for houses; This subtask focused on the information dissemination of all
PV Industry: system manufacturers, PV system supply chain, deliverables produced in Task 10. The range of activities in this task
retail sector; included workshops, educational tools, databases, and reports. An
Electricity Sector: network and retail utilities; and innovative deliverable involved holding two marketing competitions
Education Sector. for urban-scale PV designs and application targeted at urban solutions.
Both competitions were sponsored by industry.
SUBTASK 1: Economics and Institutional Factors
This subtask provided opportunities for stakeholders to look beyond TA S K 10 K E Y D E L I V E R A B L E S
a single-ownership scenario to the larger multiple stakeholder values Reports
of the PV technology. In this way, utility tariffs, community policy, and Analysis of PV Systems Values Beyond Energy -by country,
industry deployment strategy could be used to create scenarios which by stakeholder,
combined all stakeholder values to the PV system investor through Promotional Drivers for Grid Connected PV
sustained policy-related market drivers. Urban PV Electricity Policies
Municipal utility forward purchasing
SUBTASK 2: Urban Planning, Design and Development Residential Urban BIPV in the Mainstream Building Industry
This subtask focused on infrastructure planning and design issues Community Scale Solar Photovoltaics: Housing and Public
needed to achieve the vision of a significantly increased uptake of Development Examples Database
PV in the urban environment. The subtask worked to integrate PV with Overcoming PV Grid Issues in Urban Areas
standard community building, development and infrastructure planning Compared assessment of selected environmental indicators
practices. of photovoltaic electricity in OECD cities
Lisbon Ideas Challenge I
In 2009 the book, Photovoltaics in the Urban Environment: Lessons Lisbon Ideas Challenge II
learnt from Large Scale Projects, was published and launched at the
2009 EU - PV Solar Exposition and Conference in Hamburg, Germany. Book
The book contains case studies of 15 existing and 7 planned urban Photovoltaics in the Urban Environment: Lessons learnt from Large
PV communities, as well as information on regulatory framework and Scale Projects
financing and design guidelines.
Databases
Databases
Educational Tool of BIPV Applications from Idea to Operation.
Database of community and BIPV applications.
PowerPoint
Network Issues and Benefits Visual Tool
Workshops
2nd International Symposium - Electricity From the Sun, Feb. 11,
2004 Vienna, AUS
PV integration in urban areas, Oct.6, 2005, Florence, ITA
Photovoltaics in Buildings - Opportunities for Building Product
Differentiation, Mar.16, 2005, Lisbon, POR
Photovoltaic Solar Cities - From global to local, June 1, 2005,
Chambry, FRA
International Workshop: Photovoltaic in Cities, Sept 13, 2006,
Malm, SWE
Lisbon Ideas Challenge (LIC I) Final Ceremony, Nov. 23, 2006,
Lisbon, POR
PV in the Urban Planning Process, Oct 24, 2007, Madrid,
ESP (PV-UP-Scale)
PV international experiences towards new developments,
May 13, 2009 Rome ITA
DELIVERABLES - WHERE TO GET THEM?

All reports are available for download at the IEA PVPS website:
http://www.iea-pvps.org and the Task 10 website:
http://www.iea-pvps-task10.org
PARTICIPANTS
Fifteen PVPS members supported Task 10 activities:
Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, Japan, Korea,
Malaysia, European Union, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland and
the USA. Moreover, through PV-UP-Scale, Germany, The Netherlands,
Spain and the United Kingdom made contributions to Task 10 work.
CONTACT INFORMATION
For information, contact the former Task 10 Operating Agent or visit
the PVPS website:
Ms Christy HERIG
Segue Energy Consulting
17609 1st St. E
St. Petersburg, FL 33708 USA
Tel: 001 (0) 727 319 2405
cherig@tampbabay.rr.com
COMPLETED TASKS 123
COMPLETED TASKS
TASK 11 HYBRID SYSTEMS WITHIN MINI-GRIDS
INTRODUCTION SUBTASK 40: Sustainability Conditions

Task 11 was concerned with PV based hybrid electricity generation Subtask 40 addressed the social, political, economic, and environmental
and distribution systems that combine PV with other electricity generators factors necessary for successful implementation of PV hybrid power
and also energy storage systems. A particular focus was on mini-grid systems within mini-grids. It had the following three activities:
systems in which energy generators, storage systems and loads are Documentation of field experience and learning that demonstrate
interconnected by a stand-alone AC distribution network with relative the social and political framework for successful operation of PV
small rated power and limited geographical area. The mini-grid concept hybrid systems within mini-grids;
has potential applications that range from village electrification in less Evaluation of the financial aspects of PV hybrid power systems,
developed areas to power parks that offer ultra-reliable, high quality considering both first costs and operating costs, and determining the
electrical power to high tech industrial customers. These systems can conditions for economic sustainability;
be complex, combining multiple energy sources, multiple electricity Evaluation of the environmental impacts and benefits of PV hybrid
consumers, and operation in both island (stand-alone) and utility grid systems with focus on greenhouse gas emission mitigation and
connected modes. potential for recycling of system components.
TASK 11 STRATEGY AND ORGANIZATION TASK 11 KEY DELIVERABLES

In general, Task 11 followed a strategy, similar to previous PVPS Tasks, Task 11 completed the majority of its Workplan. The following deliverable
in which the current states of technology and design practice in the reports were published:
participating countries were first assessed and summarized. Further work 1 Worldwide Overview of Design and Simulation Tools for PV Hybrid
then focused on those areas where technology improvements or better Systems - T11-01:2011
design practices are needed. This may require new research or data, or 2 The Role of Energy Storage for Mini-Grid Stabilization - T11-02:2011
simply an expert consensus on best practices. 3 Sustainability Conditions for PV Hybrid Systems: Environmental
Considerations - T11-03:2011
Task 11s Workplan was divided into four subtasks and a number of detailed 4 COMMUNICATION BETWEEN COMPONENTS IN MINI-GRIDS:
work activities on key aspects of PV hybrid and mini-grid technology and Recommendations for communication system needs for PV hybrid
implementation. mini-grid systems - T11-04:2011
5 Social, Economic and Organizational Framework for Sustainable
SUBTASK 10: Design Issues Operation of PV Hybrid Systems within Mini-Grids - T11-05:2011
Subtask 10 addressed PV hybrid system design practices. Tradeoffs have to 6 Design and operational recommendations on grid connection of
be made between first cost, energy efficiency, and reliability. The correct PV hybrid mini-grids - T11-06:2011
choice of components and system architecture is critical. The subtask had 7 PV Hybrid Mini-Grids: Applicable Control Methods for Various
the following three activities: Situations - T11-07:2012
Review, analysis and documentation of current hybrid mini-grid 8 Overview of Supervisory Control Strategies Including a MATLAB
system architectures; Simulink Simulation - T11-08:2012
Evaluation and comparison of software based design tools for
PV hybrid systems and mini-grids; DELIVERABLES WHERE TO GET THEM?
Documentation of best practices for design, operation, and Task 11 deliverable reports have been published electronically on the
maintenance of PV hybrid projects. IEA PVPS website http://www.iea-pvps.org.
SUBTASK 20: Control Issues PARTICIPANTS

Subtask 20 addressed the need for new coordinating control mechanisms In the final year of the Work Plan, eleven IEA PVPS countries participated
in hybrid mini-grids to maintain grid stability and to optimize the in Task 1l: Australia, Austria, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan,
contribution of all generation sources. It had the following five activities: Malaysia, Spain, and the USA. The management of the Task - the Operating
Investigation of existing methods for stabilizing voltage and frequency Agent - was executed by Canada.
in mini-grids and recommendations for further development;
Investigation of data communication architectures and protocols SUBSEQUENT ACTIVITY
for mini-grids; PVPS Task 9 has taken on the dissemination and further development of
Evaluation of supervisory control parameters and strategies for several of the Task 11 results and activities.
mini-grids;
Evaluation of the role of energy storage technologies to stabilize CONTACT INFORMATION
mini-grid operation; For information, contact the former Task 11 Operating Agent or the Task 9
Investigation of technical issues associated with autonomous Operating Agent, or visit the PVPS website:
and interconnected operation of mini-grids and a main utility grid.
Mr Konrad MAUCH
Ms. Anjali SHANKER
SUBTASK 30: PV Penetration in Mini-Grids Task 11 Operating Agent
Task 9 Operating Agent
Subtask 30 addressed the goal of increasing the use of the PV resource in KM Technical Services
Directeur Gnral Dlgue
PV hybrid systems and displacing fossil fuel resources. It had the following 1358 Sea Lovers Lane
IED
two activities: CAN - Gabriola BC V0R 1X5
2, chemin de la Chauderaie
Development of performance assessment criteria for PV hybrid Tel: 1(0)25 0247 9577
FRA - 69340 Francheville (Lyon)
systems that allow objective comparison of different systems; konrad.mauch@ieee.org
Tel: 33 (0)4 72591320
Development of recommendations to increase the solar fraction in konrad.mauch@gmail.com
a.shanker@ied-sa.fr
hybrid systems through demand side management and optimization
of the battery energy storage system.
ANNEX A
IEA-PVPS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
AUSTRALIA All three of Belgiums regions represented by: COPPER ALLIANCE

Ms Renate EGAN Mr Fernando NUNO
Chair, APVI Mr Gregory NEUBOURG Project Manager
Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics Renewable Energy Analyst European Copper Institute
Tyree Energy Technologies Building, Room 124 APERe asbl Avenue de Tervueren 168 B 10
University of New South Wales Rue Royale 35 BEL - 1150 Brussels, Belgium
AUS - Sydney, Australia 2052 BEL -1000 Brussels Tel: 34 670 80 46 37
Cell: 61 408 223 653 Tel: 32 (0)2 209 04 04 fernando.nuno@copperalliance.es
chair@apvi.org.au gneubourg@apere.org
r.egan@unsw.edu.au Mr Hans De KEULENAER - Alternate
CANADA Director Energy & Electricity
Ms Muriel WATT - Alternate Mr John GORMAN European Copper Institute
IT Power Australia President & CEO Avenue de Tervueren 168 B 10
Unit 6, 9 McKay St CANSIA BEL - 1150 Brussels, Belgium
Turner Canadian Solar Industries Association Tel: 32(0)2 777 7084
AUS ACT 2612 150 Isabella Street, Suite 605 hans.dekeulenaer@copperalliance.eu
(or this address) CAN - Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1S 1v7
PO Box 6127 Tel: 1 613 736 9077 Ext. 223 DENMARK
OConnor Toll free: 1 866 522 6742 Ext. 223 Mr Flemming KRISTENSEN
AUS - ACT 2602 jgorman@cansia.ca EnergiMidt A/S
Tel: 61(0)2 6257 3511 Tietgensvej 2 - 4
Cell: 61(0)4 2772 7368 Ms Lisa DIGNARD-BAILEY - Alternate DEN 8600 Silkeborg
muriel.watt@itpau.com.au Director, Integration of Renewable and Tel: 45(0)7 658 1130
Distributed Energy Resources Program Cell: 45(0)2 086 9638
AUSTRIA Natural Resource Canada CanMET Energy fvk@energimidt.dk
Mr Hubert FECHNER Deputy Chair Government of Canada
Renewable Urban Energy Programme 1615, Lionel-Boulet Mr Peter AHM - Alternate
University of Applied Sciences CAN - Varennes, Qubec, Canada, J3X I56 Director, PA Energy A/S
Technikum Wien Tel: 1 450 652 5161 Snovdrupvej 16
Hchstdtplatz 6 Fax: 1 450 652 5177 DEN - 8340 Malling
AUT -1210 Vienna lisa.dignard@canada.ca Tel: 45(0)8 693 3333
Tel: 43(0)1 3334 0775 72 ahm@paenergy.dk
Cell: 43(0)6 6461 92572 Mr Wesley JOHNSTON - Alternate
hubert.fechner@technikum-wien.at Vice President EUROPEAN UNION
Canadian Solar Industries Association Mr Fabio BELLONI
BELGIUM 150 Isabella Street, Suite 605 European Commission
Mr Bart HEDEBOUW CAN - Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1S 1V7 Directorate-General for Research & Innovation
Vlaams Energieagentschap Tel: 1 613 736 9077 OFFICE: CDMA 0/081
Koning Albert II-laan 20 bus 17 wjohnston@cansia.ca Rue du Champ de Mars 21
BEL - 1000 Brussels BEL - 1049 Brussels, Belgium
Tel: 32(0)2 5534 627 CHINA Tel: 32(0)2 2952 472
Fax: 32(0)2 5534 601 Mr Xu HONGHUA Fax: 32(0)2 2994 991
bart.hedebouw@vea.be Researcher of the Electrical Engineering Institute Fabio.BELLONI@ec.europa.eu
Chinese Academy of Sciences
Ms Leen VAN LISHOUT No. 6 Bei-er-tiao Mr Pietro MENNA
Projectbeheerder, Directie Energie Zhongguancun European Commission
Leefmilieu Brussel BIM Haidian Dist. Directorate-General for Energy
Dpt. Duurzame gebouwen CHN - 100190 Beijing China Office: DM24 3/116
- begeleiding van professionelen Cell: 13 70 102 1351 BEL - 1049 Brussels, Belgium
Thurn & Taxis-site Tel: 86 10 825 47026 Tel: 32(0)2 2954 512
Havenlaan 86C/3000 Fax: 86 10 825 47028 Fax: 32(0)2 2966 221
BEL - 1000 Brussels hxu@mail.iee.ac.cn Pietro.MENNA@ec.europa.eu
Tel: 32(0)2 5634 297
Fax: 32(0)2 5634 326 Mr Wang SICHENG - Alternate FINLAND
lvanlishout@leefmilieu.irisnet.be Researcher Ms Karin WIKMAN
Energy Research Institute Programme Manager
Ms Laurence POLAIN National Development and Reform Commission TEKES, the Finnish Funding Agency
Attache, Research Team China for Innovation
Service Publique de Wallonie DGO4 No. 6 Bei-er-tiao P.O. Box 69
Direction de la Promotion de lnergie durable Zhongguancun FIN - 00101 Helsinki, Finland
Chausse de Lige, 140-142 Haidian Dist. karin.wikman@tekes.fi
BEL - 5100 Jambes CHN - 100190 Beijing China Tel: 358 50 5577 723
Tel: 32(0)8 1486 342 Cell: 13 90 138 8270
Fax: 32(0)8 1486 303 Tel: 86 10 825 47025 Mr Jero AHOLA - Alternate
laurence.polain@spw.wallonie.be Fax: 86 10 825 47028 Professor
jikewsch@163.com LUT, Lappeenranta University of Technology
P.O.Box 20
FIN - 53851 Lappeenranta, Finland
Tel: 358 40 5298 524
jero.ahola@lut.fi
ANNEX A 125
FRANCE Mr Salvatore GUASTELLA Mr Jorge M. HUACUZ VILLAMAR - Alternate

Mr Yvonnick DURAND RSE S.p.A. (Ricerca Sistema Energetico S.p.A.) Instituto de Investigaciones Electricas
PV R&D and Market Engineer via Rubattino, 54 Gerencia de Energias Renovables
ADEME Service Rseaux et ITA - 20134 Milano Reforma 113 Colonia Palmira
Energies Renouvelables Fax: 39(0)2 3992 5626 MEX - Cuernavaca, Morelos 62490
500 route des Lucioles salvatore.guastella@rse-web.it Tel: 52(0)7 77318 3811 ext. 7741
FRA - 06560 Valbonne, France Fax: 52(0)7 77318 3808
Tel: 33(0)4 9395 7911 JAPAN jhuacuz@iie.org.mx
yvonnick.durand@ademe.fr Mr Hiroyuki YAMADA Deputy Chair
Director NETHERLANDS
Mr Paul KAAIJK Alternate Solar Energy Systems Mr Bouke BUSSEMAKER
Engineer International Actions and Survey New Energy Technology Dept. Ministry of Economic Affairs
ADEME Renewable Energies Department New Energy and Industrial Technology P.O. Box 20401
500 route des Lucioles Development Organization (NEDO) NLD - 2500 EK Den Haag
FRA - 06560 Valbonne, France 18F Muza Kawasaki Building, 1310, Omiya-cho, Saiwai-ku Tel: 31 70 379 7849
Tel: 33(0)4 9395 7914 JPN - Kawasaki City Kanagawa 212-8554 Fax: 31 70 379 6872
paul.kaaijk@ademe.fr Cell: 81(0)8 0410 39831 B.H.Bussemaker@minez.nl
Tel: 81(0)4 4520 5277
GERMANY Fax: 81(0)4 4520 5276 Mr Otto BERNSEN - Alternate
Mr Christoph HNNEKES - Deputy Chair yamadahry@nedo.go.jp Netherlands Enterprise Agency RVO
Forschungszentrum Jlich GmbH Department: Energy Innovation
Projekttrger Jlich - EEN Mr Masanori ISHIMURA - Alternate Directorate, Energy & Climate
DEU - 52425 Jlich Technical Researcher Prinses Beatrixlaan 2
Tel: 49(0)2 4616 12227 Solar energy Systems NLD - 2595 AL Den Haag
Fax: 49(0)2 4616 12840 New Energy Technology Dept. Tel: 31(0)7 0373 5650
ch.huennekes@fz-juelich.de New Energy and Industrial Fax: 31(0)8 8602 9023
Technology Development Organization (NEDO) otto.bernsen@rvo.nl
Mr Klaus PRUME Alternate 18F Muza Kawasaki Building, 1310, Omiya-cho, Saiwai-ku
Forschungszentrum Jlich GmbH JPN - Kawasaki City Kanagawa 212-8554 NORWAY
Projekttrger Jlich - EEN Cell: 81(0)8 0410 39756 Mr Bjorn THORUD
DEU - 52425 Jlich Tel: 81(0)4 4520 5277 Multiconsult
Tel: 49(0)2 4616 19174 Fax: 81(0)4 4520 5276 P.O. Box 265
Fax: 49(0)2 4616 12840 ishimuramsn@nedo.go.ip Skoyen
k.prume@fz-juelich.de NOR 0213 Oslo
KOREA Tel: 47(0)2 1585 528
ISRAEL Mr Donggun LIM Cell: 47(0)4 8181 266
Ms Rona SARFATY Korea National University of Transportation bjorn.thorud@multiconsult.no
Manager Research & Development Programs 50 Daehak-ro, Chungju-si
Ministry of National Infrastructure, KOR Chungbuk 380-702, Korea Ms Lisa HENDEN GROTH - Alternate
Energy & Water Resources Tel: 82(0)43 841 5172 Senior Consultant
Office of the Chief Scientist Fax: 82(0)43 841 5160 Middelthunsgate 29
14 Hartom St., P.O.B. 36148 dglim@ut.ac.kr P.O. Box 5091 Majorstua
ISR - 9136002 Jerusalem NOR - 0301 Oslo
Tel: 972-2-5316139 MALAYSIA Tel: 47 9771 5939
Cell: 972-50-6206-341 Dato' Dr Nadzri bin YAHAYA Fax: 47 2295 9000
ronas@energy.gov.il Deputy Secretary General (Energy Sector) lhg@nve.no
Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water
Mr Gideon FRIEDMANN - Alternate Block E 4/5, Parcel E PORTUGAL
Technologies & Renewable Energy Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan Mr Pedro VALVERDE
Section Manager MYS - 62668 Putrajaya EDP INOVAO
Ministry of National Infrastructure, Malaysia Cleaner Energy
Energy & Water Resources Tel: 603 8883 6111 Av. 24 de Julho, N 12
Office of the Chief Scientist Fax: 603 8889 1335 Torre Poente N 2 Piso
14 Hartom St., P.O.B. 36148 nadzri@kettha.gov.my PRT - 1249-300 Lisboa
ISR - 9136002 Jerusalem Tel: 351 21 001 89 55
Tel: 972 2 5316 020 Ms Catherine RIDU Alternate Cell: 351 93 560 60 27
Cell: 972 5 8533 7565 Chief Executive Officer pedro.valverde@edp.pt
Fax: 972 2 5316 017 Sustainable Energy Development Authority Malaysia
gideonf@energy.gov.il Galeria PjH, Aras 9, Jalan P4W, Persiaran Perdana, Presint 4 Mr Pedro SASSETTI PAES - Alternate
MYS - 62100 Putrajaya, Malaysia EDP Energias de Portugal S.A.
ITALY Tel: 603 8870 5800 Sustainability Office
Mr Salvatore CASTELLO Fax: 603 8870 5900 Av. 24 de Julho, N 12
ENEA - Casaccia C.Ridu@seda.gov.my Torre Poente N 2 Piso
Via Anguillarese, 301 PRT - 1249-300 Lisboa
ITA - 00123 S.Maria di Galeria - RM MEXICO Tel: 351 210012173
Tel: 39(0)6 3048 4339 Mr Jaime AGREDANO DIAZ Fax: 351 210012220
Fax: 39(0)6 3048 6405 Instituto de Investigaciones Electricas Cell: 351 936281837
salvatore.castello@enea.it Gerencia de Energias Renovables pedro.paes@edp.pt
Reforma 113 Colonia Palmira
MEX - Cuernavaca, Morelos 62490
Tel: 52(0)7 77362 3830
Fax: 52(0)7 77362 3808
agredano@iie.org.mx
SEPA Mr Stefan NOWAK - Chairman TURKEY

Ms Julia HAMM NET - Ltd. Mr Ahmet YILANCI
President & CEO Waldweg 8 GUNDER
Solar Electric Power Association CHE - 1717 St. Ursen Bestekar Sok.
1220 19th Street, Suite 800 Tel: 41(0)2 6494 0030 Cimen Apt. No: 15/12
USA - Washington, DC 20036 USA Fax: 41(0)2 6494 0034 Kavaklidere
Tel: 1(0)2 0255 92025 stefan.nowak@netenergy.ch TUR - Ankara, Turkey
Fax: 1(0)2 0259 2035 Tel: 90 312 418 18 87
jhamm@solarelectricpower.org THAILAND Fax: 90 312 418 08 38
Mr Thammayot SRICHUAI ahmetyilanci@gmail.com
SEIA Director General info@gunder.org.tr
Mr Tom KIMBIS Department of Alternative Energy Development and
Vice President, External Affairs Efficiency Mr Fatih GOKKAYA - Alternate
and General Counsel 17 Kasatsuk Bridge, Rama 1 Road GUNDER
Solar Energy Industries Association SEIA Pathumwan District Bestekar Sok.
505 9th Street, NW, Suite 400 THA Bangkok 10330 Cimen Apt. No: 15/12
USA - Washington, DC 20004 thammayot@dede.go.th Kavaklidere
Tel: 1(0)2 0246 93737 TUR - Ankara, Turkey
Cell: 1(0)2 0271 43737 Mr Kuson CHIVAGON - Alternate Tel: 90 312 418 18 87
tkimbis@seia.org Deputy Director General Fax: 90 312 418 08 38
Department of Alternative Energy Development fatih.gokkaya@tedas.gov.tr
SOLARPOWER EUROPE and Efficiency info@gunder.org.tr
Mr Ioannis-Thomas THEOLOGITIS 17 Kasatsuk Bridge, Rama 1 Road
Senior Advisor Pathumwan District Mr Bulent YESILATA - Alternate
SolarPower Europe THA Bangkok 10330 Professor & Director
Rue dArlon 69-71 kuson_c@dede.go.th GAP Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
BEL - 1040 Brussels, Belgium Center
Tel: 32 2 709 55 40 / 32 2 709 55 20 Ms Kulwaree BURANASAJJAWARAPORN Harran University, Sanliurfa/Turkey
i.theologitis@solarpowereurope.org Alternate Cell: 90 536 736 0900
Director of Solar Energy Development Bureau Fax: 90 414 318 3799
Mr Thomas DRING - Alternate Department of Alternative Energy Development and byesilata@yahoo.com
Policy Analyst Technology and Markets Efficiency byesilata@harran.edu.tr
SolarPower Europe 17 Kasatsuk Bridge, Rama 1 Road info@gunder.org.tr
Rue dArlon 69-71 Pathumwan District
BEL - 1040 Brussels, Belgium THA Bangkok 10330 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Tel: 32 2 709 55 43 / 32 2 709 55 20 kulwaree_b@dede.go.th Mr Lenny TINKER
t.doering@solarpowereurope.org Solar Energy Technologies Office
Ms Patthamaporn POONKASEM - Alternate US Department of Energy
SPAIN Director of Innovation Group 1000 Independence Avenue, SW
Ms Ana Rosa LAGUNAS ALONSO Bureau of Solar Energy Development USA - Washington, DC 20585
Photovoltaic Department Director Department of Alternative Energy Development and Tel: 1 202 287-1534
CENER (National Renewable Energy Centre) Efficiency Fax: 1 202 287 1417
Ciudad de la Innovacin 7 17 Kasatsuk Bridge, Rama 1 Road Lenny.Tinker@ee.doe.gov
ESP - 31621 Sarriguren-Navarra Pathumwan District
Tel: 34 9 4825 2800 THA Bangkok 10330 EXCO SECRETARY
Fax: 34 9 4827 0774 poonkasem_energy@hotmail.com Mrs Mary BRUNISHOLZ
alagunas@cener.com IEA PVPS
Ms Thanyalak MEESAP Alternate NET - Ltd.
SWEDEN Professional Engineer, Innovation Group Waldweg 8
Mr Tobias WALLA Bureau of Solar energy Development CHE - 1717 St. Ursen
Swedish Energy Agency Department of Alternative Energy Development and Tel: 41(0)2 6494 0030
P.O. Box 310 Efficiency Fax: 41(0)2 6294 0034
SWE - 631 04 Eskilstuna 17 Kasatsuk Bridge, Rama 1 Road mary.brunisholz@netenergy.ch
Sweden Pathumwan District
Tel: 46 (0)16 544 20 54 THA Bangkok 10330 IEA DESK OFFICER
tobias.walla@energimyndigheten.se thanyalak_m@dede.go.th Mr Yasuhiro SAKUMA
Renewable Energy
Mr Pierre-Jean RIGOLE Ms Thidarat SAWAI Alternate TCPs Desk Officer
Swedish Energy Agency Professional Scientist, Innovation Group International Energy Agency
P.O. Box 310 Bureau of Solar energy Development 9, rue de la Fdration
SWE - 631 04 Eskilstuna Department of Alternative Energy Development FRA - 75739 Paris Cedex 15
Sweden and Efficiency Tel: 33(0)1 4057 6562
Tel: 46 (0)16 544 21 91 17 Kasatsuk Bridge, Rama 1 Road Yasuhiro.SAKUMA@iea.org
pierre-jean.rigole@energimyndigheten.se Pathumwan District
THA Bangkok 10330
SWITZERLAND thidarat_s@dede.go.th
Mr Stefan OBERHOLZER
Sektion Energieforschung
Bundesamt fr Energie
CHE - 3003 Bern
Tel: 41(0) 58 465 89 20
Cell: 41(0)7 9231 4850
stefan.oberholzer@bfe.admin.ch
ANNEX B 127
ANNEX B
IEA-PVPS OPERATING AGENTS
TASK 1 STRATEGIC ANALYSIS AND OUTREACH TASK 14 HIGH-PENETRATION OF PV SYSTEMS

Mr Gatan MASSON IN ELECTRICITY GRIDS
Becquerel Institute Mr Roland BRNDLINGER
69-71 Rue dArlon AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH
BEL - 1040 Brussels Giefinggasse 2
Belgium AUT - 1210 Vienna
Cell: 32 478 28 05 11 Tel: 43 50550 6351
g.masson@iea-pvps.org Fax: 43 50550 6390
roland.bruendlinger@ait.ac.at
TASK 9 DEPLOYING PV SERVICES
FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Mr Christoph MAYR
Ms Hedi FEIBEL AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH
Skat Consulting Ltd. Giefinggasse 2
Vadianstrasse 42 AUT - 1210 Vienna
CHE - 9000 St. Gallen Tel: 43 50550 6633
Switzerland Fax: 43 50550 6390
Tel: 41 71 228 54 54 christoph.mayr@ait.ac.at
Fax: 41 71 228 54 55
hedi.feibel@skat.ch TASK 15 ENABLING FRAMEWORK
FOR THE ACCELERATION OF BIPV
Mr Stefan KESSLER Mr Michiel RITZEN
INFRAS Nieuw Eyckholt 300
Binzstrasse 23 Postbus 550
CHE - 8045 Zrich NLD - 6400 AN Heerlen
Switzerland Tel: 31 (0)6 24460817
Tel: 41 44 205 95 95 michiel.ritzen@zuyd.nl
Fax: 41 44 205 95 99
stefan.kessler@infras.ch Ms Martje VAN HORRIK
Centre of Expertise NEBER
TASK 12 PV ENVIRONMENTAL, Nieuw Eyckholt 300
HEALTH AND SAFETY (E, H & S) ACTIVITIES 6419 DJ Heerlen
Mr Garvin HEATH P.O. Box 550
National Renewable Energy Laboratory NLD - 6400 AN Heerlen
15013 Denver West Parkway Tel: 31 (0)6 51353166
USA - Golden, CO 80401 martje.vanhorrik@zuyd.nl
Tel: 1(0)303 384 7460
garvin.heath@nrel.gov Mr Zeger VROON
Nieuw Eyckholt 300
Ms Carol OLSON (Deputy OA) Postbus 550
Energy Research Center of NLD - 6400 AN Heerlen
The Netherlands (ECN) Tel: 31 (0)45 400 6515
Westerduinweg 3 zeger.vroon@zuyd.nl
NLD - 1755 LE Petten
Tel: 31 88 515 48 56
olson@ecn.nl
TASK 13 PERFORMANCE AND

RELIABILITY OF PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS
Ms Ulrike JAHN
TV Rheinland Energy GmbH
Am Grauen Stein
DEU - 51105 Kln, Germany
Tel: 49(0)2 2180 62232
Fax: 49(0)2 2180 61350
ulrike.jahn@de.tuv.com
Mr Nils REICH
Division Photovoltaic Modules, Systems and Reliability
Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
Heidenhofstrasse 2
DEU - 79110 Freiburg, Germany
Tel: 49 (0)761 4588 5826
Fax: 49 (0)761 4588 9826
Cell: 49 (0) 152 0905 8308
nils.reich@ise.fraunhofer.de
COLOPHON
Cover Photograph
R. Nicolas-Nelson / Arme de lAir
Task Status Reports
PVPS Operating Agents
National Status Reports
PVPS Executive Committee Members and Task 1 Experts
Editor
Mary Jo Brunisholz
Layout
Autrement Dit
Paper
Normaset Puro blanc naturel
Type set in
Rotis
Printed in 1000 copies by
Imprimerie St-Paul, Fribourg, Switzerland
ISBN
978-3-906042-41-1

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P H O T O V O L T A I C P O W E R S Y S T E M S P R O G R A M M E

The 7 000 m of monocrystalline custom made PV cells make it the single

PV installation planned and produced by:

Cover photo and above photo by: R. Nicolas-Nelson / Arme de lAir

PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SYSTEMS

IEA PVPS MISSION Contribute to the development of new standards, accreditation

IEA PVPS OBJECTIVES IEA PVPS aims:

46 th IEA PVPS ExCo Meeting, Daegu, Korea, November 2015.

IEA PVPS TASKS

TASK STATUS REPORTS

It aims at promoting and facilitating the exchange and dissemination

This cooperation takes places with:

SUMMARY OF TASK 1 ACTIVITIES AND

COUNTRY NAME ORGANIZATION COUNTRY NAME ORGANIZATION

Australia Warwick Johnston SUNWIZ Chinho Park Yeungnam University

France Yvonnick Durand ADEME Kulwaree

TASK 9 DEPLOYING PV SERVICES FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES W O R K P L A N 2 01 2 - 2 01 5

act if there are signs of unfavourable use or failures. The application

Participation of the new Task 9 Operating Agent, Hedi Feibel, at

THE FUTURE OF THE TASK 9

Fig. 6 Task 9 Publications: Innovative Business Models and Financing

COUNTRY PARTICIPANT ORGANISATION

TASK 12 - PV ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY ACTIVITIES

Fig. 1 - Task 12 Experts Meeting, Basel, Switzerland, September 2015.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF IEA PVPS TASK 12 SUBTASK 3: Safety in Facilities

TASK 13 PERFORMANCE AND RELIABILITY OF PV SYSTEMS

Power loss by module failures / Climate zones

Fig. 4 - IEA PVPS Task 13 flyer, version: September 2015.

In accordance with the Workplan, Subtask leader TV Rheinland has

COUNTRY ORGANIZATION COUNTRY ORGANIZATION

CAT Projects, Desert Knowledge National Institute of Advanced

TASK 14 HIGH PENETRATION PV IN ELECTRICITY GRIDS

Fig. 4 - Task 14 Technical Transformation Session at SolarCanada 2015

Platform; P.J. Alet et.al., significant contribution by Task 14 OA

TASK 15 ENABLING FRAMEWORK FOR THE ACCELERATION OF BIPV

Fig. 4 - Semi-transparent glass photovoltaic modules in the Korean Football

Fig. 3 - BIPV office faade in Spain with a combination

TABLE 1 CURRENT LIST OF TASK 15 PARTICIPANTS (INCLUDING OBSERVERS*)

COUNTRY PARTICIPANT ORGANISATION COUNTRY PARTICIPANT ORGANISATION

Valentine Moreau Cycleco SAS CIEMAT

Architekturbro David Larsson Solkompaniet

SETA Network Francesco Frontini SUPSI

Average System Size (kW)

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

GENERAL FRAMEWORK AND IMPLEMENTATION

INDUSTRY AND MARKET DEVELOPMENT

The growth in commercial PV and the contraction in residential

GENERAL FRAMEWORK AND NATIONAL

Storage systems will enable increased energy autonomy and might

Changing the energy infrastructure by adapting to fluctuating

PV research and development will be further concentrated on

Building integration is another main issue with some larger projects

Photovoltaic: Installed capacity in Belgium

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

GENERAL FRAMEWORK NATIONAL PROGRAMME

The NSERC Smart Net-Zero Energy Buildings Strategic Network

Jurisdictional Scan The balance of system technology manufacturing companies that

Fig. 1 - PV Integrated with Agriculture.

GENERAL FRAMEWORK NATIONAL PROGRAM