Small but perfectly formed may be the best way to describe the latest PVPS International Survey Report (ISR).

The fourth ISR - Trends in Photovoltaic Applications in Selected IEA Countries between 1992 and 1998 - represents a conscious decision by PVPS to move to shorter, but more timely presentation of the status of PV in the 20 member countries (PVPS-20). This fits better with the primary intention behind publication of the reports, namely to provide market status information to those responsible for developing the business strategies of PV companies, to aid the development of medium-term plans for energy service providers, and to give guidance to government officials responsible for energy policy development.

In common with previous reports, ISR #4 has four key chapters describing Implementation of PV systems, i.e. what broad types of systems have been installed, where, and how; Industry & Growth, covering national PV production levels and system prices; Framework for Deployment, which addresses new initiatives affecting the deployment of PV systems; and Summary of Trends, which updates trend information from previous ISRs. Once again PV applications are categorized under four key headings - off-grid domestic; off-grid non domestic; on-grid distributed; and grid-connected centralized. The report finds that installed capacity in PVPS-20 at the end of 1998 was 392 MWp, continuing the trend of annual increments exceeding 25% since 1992. Overall, off-grid capacity still outweighs on-grid (54% to 46%), but rapid growth of on-grid distributed systems was again the main factor behind the PV expansion.

Total budgets for market stimulation, demonstration and R&D increased by 30% from 1997 figures. In general, budget emphasises since 1994 has transferred from R&D towards market stimulation, which now accounts for 47% of total PV support budget. Japan's total budget of USD 225 million represents 50% of the PVPS-20 total, with USA, Germany and Netherlands also providing significant funding (14%, 12% and 8% of PVPS-20 total budget respectively). Overall module production rose by 43% over the 1997 figure to 142,7 MWp, the USA accounting for 38%, Japan 36%, Europe 19% and the remainder (mainly Australia) 7%. Crystalline silicon modules continue to account for more than 90% of total production.

A large number of new initiatives were reported, including an increasing number of green electricity schemes, net-metering, specific tariffs for PV and government grants for installations. Utilities in several countries are now involved in PV demonstration projects and large-scale implementation programmes.

Many countries have also implemented policies and set targets for electricity to be generated from renewables, partly in response to Kyoto climate change agreements. In addition, a number of countries are implementing or discussing CO2 and energy taxes for reinvestment into PV and other renewables.

Information
To obtain copies of the report IEA  PVPS-1-07:1999, contact your national Task 1 representative.

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