What is solar photovoltaic (PV) power?

The steady rise of solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation forms a vital part of this global energy transformation. In addition to fulfilling the Paris Agreement, renewables are crucial to reduce air pollution, improve health and well-being, and provide affordable energy access worldwide.

Is solar photovoltaics ready for the future?

Solar photovoltaics (PV) is a mature technology ready to contribute to this challenge. Throughout the last decade, a higher capacity of solar PV was installed globally than any other power-generation technology and cumulative capacity at the end of 2019 accounted for more than 600 GW.

Can solar PV achieve climate goals?

The analysis follows the REmap Case outlined in IRENA’s Global Energy Transformation roadmap, which highlights ways to step up the energy transformation over the next three decades in contrast to current plans. Specifically, the paper highlights the growth needed in solar PV to achieve climate goals.

What are the advantages of photovoltaic solar energy (PV) conversion?

An important strength of photovoltaic solar energy (PV) is that PV conversion can be realised with a multitude of materials and device designs and can be used for many different applications and markets.

What is PV technology development?

PV technology development does not follow the well-know “generations” path. PV technology development is so far characterized by an evolutionary process. Wafer-silicon and thin-film technologies merge to yield the next step in PV. Photovoltaic solar energy (PV) is expected to play a key role in the future global sustainable energy system.

Should we adopt a new approach to PV?

In this paper it is argued, however, that in view of actual developments in PV over the past few decades there are good reasons to adopt another approach, that does more justice to the role and potential of existing and new PV concepts and technologies. 1. Introduction