The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) has released its Photovoltaic (PV) Technology Characterization Review.
The review provides an analysis of technical metrics across the commercialized PV materials, including manufacturing processes, efficiency and performance, market applications, and environmental characteristics.
During the past two decades, the PV market has changed from mainly
off-grid applications with 70% of the market in 1992, to grid
connected applications with 95% of the market in 2008. While
still a minor percentage of the global generation portfolio, PV
technology embodies a transformation from the traditional energy market.
Short and long term investments require an understanding of the
photovoltaic technologies from the manufacturing process through
deployment. “Utilities are increasingly interested in learning about
these new technologies and the direct and indirect trade-offs when
making technology choices and partnering with companies on projects,”
said SEPA President and CEO Julia Hamm.
“U.S. Photovoltaic economics are affected by wide ranging climatic,
policy and financial diversity. Utilities and their customers can use
technology characteristics to minimize risk and insure long-term
bankability,” said SEPA Technical Director, Christy Herig.
The Photovoltaic Technology report serves as a reference for comparison
and understanding and is free to members. Non-members may download the
Executive Summary or purchase the full report at the link below.
