What should federal PV R&D focus on?

Federal PV R&D should focus on efficient, environmentally benign thin-film technologies that use Earth-abundant materials. The other major solar generation technology is concentrated solar power (CSP) or solar thermal generation.

What is a photovoltaic (PV) facility?

Photovoltaic (PV) facilities account for most solar electric generation in the US and globally. The dominant PV technology, used in about 90% of installed PV capacity, is wafer-based crystalline silicon.

Does the European solar PV industry need to start from scratch?

Although it is currently small, the European solar PV industry does not have to start entirely from scratch (Exhibit 3).

What policies support solar generation?

Policies to support solar deployment should reward generation, not investment; should not provide greater subsidies to residential generators than to utility-scale generators; and should avoid the use of tax credits. State renewable portfolio standard (RPS) programs provide important support for solar generation.

What is the IEA photovoltaic power systems programme?

The IEA Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (IEA PVPS) is one of the TCPs within the IEA and was established in 1993. The mission of the programme is to “enhance the international collaborative efforts which facilitate the role of photovoltaic solar energy as a cornerstone in the transition to sustainable energy systems.”

Should the Federal PV R&D program focus on new technologies?

The federal PV R&D program should focus on new technologies, not—as has been the trend in recent years—on near-term reductions in the cost of crystalline silicon. Today’s commercial thin-film technologies, which account for about 10% of the PV market, face severe scale-up constraints because they rely on scarce elements.