Solar Photovoltaic Power Generation Development

What is solar photovoltaic (PV)?

Introduction Solar photovoltaic (PV) plays an increasingly important role in many counties to replace fossil fuel energy with renewable energy (RE). By the end of 2019, the world's cumulative PV installation capacity reached 627 GW, accounting for 2.8% of the global gross electricity generation .

How will solar PV transform the global electricity sector?

Alongside wind energy, solar PV would lead the way in the transformation of the global electricity sector. Cumulative installed capacity of solar PV would rise to 8 519 GW by 2050 becoming the second prominent source (after wind) by 2050.

Will solar PV be a major power source by 2050?

By 2050 solar PV would represent the second-largest power generation source, just behind wind power and lead the way for the transformation of the global electricity sector. Solar PV would generate a quarter (25%) of total electricity needs globally, becoming one of prominent generations source by 2050.

How has the solar PV industry evolved in recent years?

The evolution of the solar PV industry so far has been remarkable, with several milestones achieved in recent years in terms of installations (including off-grid), cost reductions and technological advancements, as well as establishment of key solar energy associations (Figure 5).

Is solar PV a competitive source of new power generation capacity?

Solar PV is emerging as one of the most competitive sources of new power generation capacity after a decade of dramatic cost declines. A decline of 74% in total installed costs was observed between 2010 and 2018 (Figure 10).

Is solar photovoltaics ready to power a sustainable future?

Victoria, M. et al. Solar photovoltaics is ready to power a sustainable future. Joule 6, 1041–1056 (2021). Dunnett, S. et al. Harmonised global datasets of wind and solar farm locations and power. Sci. Data 7, 130 (2020). Helveston, J. P., He, G. & Davidson, M. R. Quantifying the cost savings of global solar photovoltaic supply chains.