Solar Sculpture of Thin-Film Amorphous Silicon - a Grid-Connected System
Abstract
Grid-connected Photovoltaic Systems have become a more viable option for de-centralised electrical generation, as demonstrated by proven high levels of growth, especially in the last five years: average annual rates of 60% in the five years from 2004 to 2009, and an increase of 53% in 2009 with 21 GW gridconnected PV installations, a six-fold increase in amounts since the end of 2004. This data does not include high-capacity systems (utility scale, capacity 200kWp), whose indices are around 102% and 44% for the aforementioned period. The current total of worldwide production is 24 GW of photovoltaic, of which 10.7 GW were produced in 2009, resulting in an annual increase of 55% from 2008 (6.9 GW), REN21, (2010). The binomial cost versus demand was a determining factor in this growth, based on various kinds of incentives. The cost of photovoltaic is somewhere in the US$1–$5/Wp range, depending on the quantity and type of technology of the cell. Crystalline silicon (mono or poly) cells are still the most predominant, however sales of thin-film cells increased by 14% in 2008 and 19% in 2009. In terms of panels, from 16 to 22%, REN21 (2010).