Search

This paper deals with the overview of the new worldwide actualities and developments on the field of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy use. Both, the solar cell and module technologies are to be discussed including their introduction possibilities and applications. The situation is mainly analyzed based on the recent development shown intensively at the Solar World Congresses organized by the International Solar Energy Society, and also by the ISES-Europe Unit. Moreover, the most recently published yearbooks in this topic served also a basic source to the overall statements. The most important standpoints of the PV manufacturing and applications are as: solar photovoltaic scenarios, PV industry characterization, new PV innovation segments, PV market issues and new PV applications areas. It includes increasing trend in energy mix, decreasing cell and module prices, cell efficiency increase, competition between different technologies, multi-Gigawatts applications, widening feed-in tariff system. At the same time, due to the growing market demand of solar photovoltaic applications, several new issues came to the light, transparency and extra size of modules, application of new technologies. In this paper examples are shown for photovoltaic application possibilities in the sense of mentioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]