Solar Photovoltaic Industry in Korea: Current Status and Perspectives

Globally, interest in renewable energy and related industries are rapidly increasing in recent years. In solar power generation, almost unlimited energy resources can be supplied as long as the sun does not disappear, and carbon dioxide is not generated when looking at the power generation process itself. However, photovoltaic power generation faces several fundamental problems such as low economic feasibility, disposal of waste panels, environmental destruction due to installation, and generation of harmful substances in the production process. In this review, the current status of photovoltaic power generation is reviewed and, based on this, the direction for Korea's photovoltaic policy is suggested. 1) In order to overcome low economic feasibility, large-scale power generation projects should be promoted to achieve economies of scale. 2) Existing buildings or spaces must be utilized to prevent forest damage from photovoltaic power generation. 3) Active support and investment from the state and companies are needed to develop eco-friendly technologies for reducing hazardous substances and recycling waste panels. 4) An institutional system for information disclosure and management of harmful substances for solar energy projects should be established.