Lithuanian Photovoltaic Market between 2010 and 2020, European Background, Current State and Development Perspective
Abstract
The usage of the Solar Photovoltaic Systems (PV) in Lithuania was commenced during the last decade of the 20th century. They were applied in buildings, yachts, vacation homes, and other facilities to satisfy minor demands of electric power. The stagnation of the PV’s development until 2010 was caused by well-developed electric power distribution infrastructure and relatively large conventional electricity production. The significant increase of installed power from the PV systems and energy they produced was monitored in 2010 when the Government has introduced high rates of purchase of PV produced energy; that lasted till 2013 when high rates were cut down. A two-sided electric power metering system was launched in Lithuania in 2015 and within the next years the cost of PV systems decreased significantly, also the financial support from the state became available. All this gave new impetus to the development of PV systems. This study aims to review the PV market in Lithuania between 2010 and 2020, the current state and development perspectives.