Worldwide systems and applications (PV power systems)

Abstract

Worldwide photovoltaics (PV) sales are expected to increase at an annual rate of over 20% in 1991 despite a lull in growth during 1990. Faster growth can be attributed to increase in demand by traditional remote power market customers and newer customers such as electric utilities, as well as increased sensitivity to environmental degradation; the availability of improved products and broader product lines; better product delivery networks; and improved economics. The Department of Energy, in partnership with the U.S. PV industry, major customer groups, and regulatory bodies has embarked on an aggressive program of market conditioning and project development that supplements its traditional R&D role. This program, SOLAR 2000, has set a goal of achieving a worldwide installation of 1,500 MW of U.S. PV systems by the year 2000.