This paper presents an overview of the current status and future perspectives of solar energy (mainly photovoltaic) technology and the required conversion systems.
What is the development trend of solar energy utilization?
Through looking forward to the development trend of solar energy utilization from the aspects of improving efficiency, reducing cost, and diversifying utilization methods etc., we find that the utilization of solar energy resources has entered the fast track of development.
How has solar PV technology changed in 2022?
It is seen that the global weighted-average LCOE of solar PV technology reduced by about 89 % from 0.445 USD/kWh in 2010 to 0.049 USD/kWh in 2022. It is noticeable that the LCOE of PV technology has dropped into the range of fossil fuel electricity costs since 2014.
What is the technical potential of solar power?
For solar power (solar PV and CSP), we updated the technical potential as the sum of 71 (utility-scale solar) and 72 (rooftop solar). We did not include a technical potential 57 for application of solar power on water (“floatovoltaics”), as this technology is still in early stages of development.
Is solar PV a strategic renewable technology?
This report clearly points out that solar PV is one of the strategic renewable technologies needed to realise the global energy transformation in line with the Paris climate goals. The technology is available now, could be deployed quickly at a large scale and is cost-competitive.
Are photovoltaic technologies the future of energy?
Critical challenges, prospects and research priority pathways are highlighted. Photovoltaic (PV) technologies have achieved commercial acceptance, technological maturity and foresee a leading role in the current energy transition to combat the adverse environmental issues posed by fossil fuel-based power generation.
How has solar PV technology changed over the years?
Solar PV technology has advanced tremendously since its first generation appeared, and it is still advancing every day as new research and experiments are conducted in this field all around the globe, leading to a new generation of solar PV cells that is still mostly under research and development.