Photovoltaic Power Generation: a 1987 Review

Abstract

Over the last few years photovoltaics has become a mature product. In all countries around the world, photovoltaic consumer products and remote power systems have been sold in increasing numbers representing a total of 100 MW. Generally speaking, photovoltaics is currently the cheapest power source up to an installed capacity of a few kW. Many rural needs for lighting, telecommunication, water and health care are in that power range. Therefore, applications and use of photovoltaic systems have a particular appeal for developing countries. But also in industrialised countries, photovoltaics is a key option for decentralised power generation.

In the long term photovoltaic technology will continue to become cheaper. Probably by the turn of the century photovoltaic power generation will become an option for centralised electricity generation as well.

KEY WORDS:

• photovaltaic power
• wind energy
• solar thermal power
• solar water pump

Notes

†Paper presented at UN Seminar on Solar Heating and Cooling and Other Alternative Energy Sources, 21-28 Sept. 1987, Moscow.