PV Status Report 2014

Photovoltaics is a solar power technology for generating electricity using semiconductor devices known as solar cells. A number of solar cells form a solar ‘module’ or ‘panel’, which can then be combined to solar power systems, ranging from a few watts of electricity output to multi-megawatt power stations. The unique format of the PV Status Report combines up-to-date international information on photovoltaics. These data are collected on a regular basis from public and commercial studies and cross-checked with personal communications. Regular fact-finding missions involving company visits, as well as meetings with officials from funding organisations and policy-makers, complete the picture. Growth in the solar photovoltaic sector has been robust. The Compound Annual Growth Rate over the last decade was over 50%, thus making photovoltaics one of the fastest growing industries at present. The PV Status Report provides comprehensive and relevant information on this dynamic sector for the interested public, as well as decision-makers in policy and industry.JRC.F.7-Renewables and Energy Efficienc