Photovoltaic power generation on the Science and Technology Innovation Board

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.

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.

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).

What is solar photovoltaic (PV)?

Solar photovoltaic (PV) is an increasingly important source of clean energy and is currently the third-largest renewable energy source after hydropower and wind, accounting for 3.6% of global energy production 1, 2.

Can advancing photovoltaic technologies counteract global solar potential?

Communications Earth & Environment 5, Article number: 586 (2024) Cite this article Future changes in solar radiation and rising temperatures will likely reduce global solar photovoltaic potential, but advancing photovoltaic technologies could counteract these effects.

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).