National RD&D programmes, utility investments in PV projects, industrial R&D and expansion of PV manufacturing capacity are examples of activities with a direct effect on the cost of PV systems and their application. International co-operation can indirectly contribute to cost reduction by undertaking or supporting activities such as: sharing objective information, creating networks and providing guidelines.

The strategies to reach objective 1 are:

• To collect, analyze and disseminate information on the technical performance and cost structure of PV systems and their applications.
• To share the knowledge and experience gained in monitoring selected national and international PV projects.
• To provide guidelines for improvement of the design, construction and operation of photovoltaic power systems and subsystems.
• To contribute to the development of improved photovoltaic systems and subsystems.

The deliverables for this objective are:

• Reliable information on the technical performance and cost structure of PV systems, in an accessible form.
• Recommended practices for improved design, construction and operation and maintenance of PV systems, in an accessible form.
• Technical guidelines for the interconnection to the grid of small dispersed systems as well as large and very large PV systems.
• Recommended practices for the main components of PV systems.

The main target groups of this objective are:

• Utility experts in planning, distribution and marketing;
• System designers and installers;
• Manufacturers of components and subsystems;
• Building designers;
• Research Laboratories (industry and public);
• Project developers.

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