Enhancing the economics of photovoltaics through the use of advanced PV technologies and high value applications

Abstract

Summary form only given, as follows. There have been major improvements in the cost, efficiency and reliability of PV systems over the last two decades. Despite impressive progress, the cost of PV energy is still higher than traditional grid electricity (at grid accessible locations). Grid electricity typically costs between 5 and 15 cents per kilowatt-hour. Whereas, PV energy currently costs from about 20 to 50 cents per kilowatt-hour depending on the solar resource availability, the PV technology, and the system design features. For PV to be cost competitive with grid power requires continued improvement in PV technologies that further reduce the cost as well as the use of higher-value PV applications (such as building integrated PV products or local reliability enhancement) that take advantage of an ancillary benefit of onsite PV generation. This presentation discusses some of the emerging PV technologies and the use of higher-value ancillary service applications that can make a difference in the economic viability of PV.