General Framework

5th Framework Programme (1998-2002)

The projects with an expected impact in the medium to long term can be divided into the following categories: PV cells and modules, PV systems, building-integrated PV and projects related to ERA networks and pre-standardization. This corresponds to more than 60 projects with over 65 MEUR EC contribution.

The main areas of medium to long term PV research funded by the European Union in the fifth Framework Programme (FP5) were:

• Low-cost and high-quality silicon feedstock;
• Optimization of crystalline silicon process technologies with particular emphasis on cost and efficiency of wafer cell production;
• Thin-film technologies: highly efficient mass production plus an understanding of material limitations, aimed at reducing costs;
• Innovative concepts for PV cells and modules which have a potential for large cost reductions (such as tandem and concentrator cells and systems, new materials).
• Research on reducing the cost of other new and innovative components and systems.

In the short to medium term timeframe, the research and demonstration projects supported by the EU under FP5 can be grouped under the following headings:

• Demonstrating the economies of scale;
• Technology innovation to integrate PV in the buildings;
• Large, grid-connected, demonstration plant;
• BOS & measurements;
• Education, dissemination, studies.

More than 40 projects have been launched in Europe for short to medium term actions, for a total cost of more than 150 MEUR and an EC contribution close to 45 MEUR.

The lion’s share of the resources (51 %) has been dedicated to demonstrate the economies of scale which are achievable by grid-connected PV systems for single family homes, when developers, utilities and building industry work together from the beginning of the project. Projects like SunCities, Hip-Hip, Mediterraneo, and PV Enlargement belong to this first category.

The second most important component (more than 19 %) has been for demonstrating innovative concepts for better integration of PV into buildings. Large, MW size grid connected plants, and balance of system developments absorbed almost 17 % and 9 %, respectively while supporting actions for education, dissemination and studies took almost 4 % of the EC contribution.
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6th Framework Programme (2003-2006)

• Short – Medium Term:
  
  • Innovative production concepts for high efficiency PV cells/modules to be integrated into larger scale (multi-MW) photovoltaic production facilities in order to lower the Wp cost; and including low cost integrated components or devices for grid connected or stand alone PV generators;
  • Support actions aimed at kick-starting Si-feedstock production by EU industries to secure a reliable and affordable supply for fostering PV cell cost reductions;
  • Transfer to industrial scale of a new generation of PV technologies / products to facilitate the integration of innovative solutions at lower costs;
  • Large area, low cost photovoltaic modules for building integrated PV (BIPV) and autonomous solar electricity generation systems in industrialized and developing countries;
  • Integration of photovoltaic installations in generation schemes to feed local distribution grids, closer to the point of use and development of new devices and systems to manage these installations.

• Medium – Long Term:
  • Innovative concepts and fundamental materials research for the next generation of PV technologies (e.g. organic or hybrid solar cells);
  • Thin film PV technology (development of cost-effective PV cells and modules based on new and improved technologies and materials);
  • PV processing and automated manufacturing technologies (to reduce the costs and improve materials usage in the manufacture of PV cells and modules);
  • PV components and systems - balance of systems (research into components and their integration into the overall system) and the
  • Research for innovative applications of PV in buildings and the built environment (to develop integrated PV module systems which are configured for ease of mounting on building roofs and facades, hybrid PV/heating systems).

We have already selected 10 PV projects from the first FP6 Call, for a total cost of 78 MEUR and an EC contribution of nearly 42 MEUR.
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