In the year 2004, the ongoing work within the IEA Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme was characterized by a number of new initiatives and activities along the present strategic plan of IEA PVPS. Both on the Executive Committee level as well as on the Task level, the network was systematically extended towards new target groups, new members as well as new work items and accompanied by increased communication efforts.

After some years of absence from the Executive Committee, PVPS is pleased to have the renewed membership and support of Spain in the Programme. Similarly, Turkey has indicated an interest to revive its membership. Furthermore, China has been an observer at the 23rd PVPS Executive Committee Meeting and is presently exploring a membership within PVPS. Based on various contacts, interest in participation from a number of other countries can be observed. Finally, the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) has confirmed its willingness to join the PVPS Programme as a sponsor member. The PVPS Executive Committee welcomes this initiative and intends to further intensify the relationship and cooperation with the photovoltaic industry.

On the Task level, increased cooperation and communication can be noted as follows:

• Led by Australia, Task 1 held a successful industry workshop at the 19th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference in Paris;
• A new workplan was endorsed by the Executive Committee for Task 2 which thus entered into its third term. Task 2 was very successful in attracting new participation from 4 member countries and 1 observer. I am grateful to Germany which has accepted to continue leading this PVPS activity;
• Task 3 has accomplished its work programme with an impressive list of results and I am grateful to France which has led this activity since its very beginning;
• Task 8 is continuing its work under the leadership of Japan; a workshop on very large scale photovoltaic systems was held in Australia;
• Led by the United Kingdom, Task 9 is continuing its activities under the new name of “Photovoltaic Services for Developing Countries”; 4 events were organized by this Task in 2004;
• As the youngest of the PVPS activities, Task 10 started its work on urban scale photovoltaic applications in 2004. This activity is being led by the United States.

The following new activities are presently under discussion: As a follow-up of Task 3, a new Task on photovoltaic hybrid systems has received encouraging interest from a number of countries and their industry sectors. Another topic on the agenda is the subject of environmental issues related to photovoltaics. Due to the rapid global market expansion, it is felt that continuous analysis and communication on facts and figures is needed for this important subject.

The overall communication efforts were increased by different workshops, a new PVPS flyer, the dissemination of the PVPS newsletter PV Power and the PVPS website. Moreover, a booth at the industry exhibition of the 19th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference in Paris attracted a large number of visitors and interesting feedback on the programme activities.

With many new results from the various ongoing projects, 2004 was another productive year for PVPS. The detailed results are given in the Task reports of this annual report and all publications can be found at the PVPS website, publications' section. I would like to congratulate all Tasks on their remarkable progress and achievements. The current status of photovoltaics in the PVPS member countries is described within the country section of this annual report.

A number of Executive Committee members and Operating Agents have left us during the year, heading for new responsibilities or horizons. In this respect, my particular thanks go to Harry Schaap who has always supported me and the Executive Committee as the Deputy Chairman over the past years. I will certainly miss Harry's always objective, concise and constructive proposals. With this, I take the opportunity to thank all Executive Committee members, Operating Agents and Task Experts who by their dedicated effort contribute to the collaborative work and success of PVPS.

Stefan Nowak
Chairman
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