Thoughts on this year’s Photovoltaics Report from Fraunhofer ISE

This years Photovoltaics Report has issued from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems. We read it in the context that “photovoltaic technology is heading towards becoming the main pillar of the future energy supply“.

Our notes on last years Photovoltaics Report focused mainly on module efficiency and solar panel manufacturers. These recommendations remain – the average crystalline silicon solar module currently offers efficiency slightly above > 20%. Manufacturers in this space include Suntech, LG, Longi, Trina and Canadian Solar. More are listed in the original report.

This year’s photovoltaics report offers a slightly different flavour and we want to draw out a couple of issues from this, vis-a-vis the market penetration of solar PV systems in Ireland vs Germany, and the Energy-pay-back-time (EPBT) for solar PV systems in Ireland and other European countries.

Market Penetration for solar PV in Ireland

The report mentions a figure of 2,000,000 grid-tied solar PV systems currently operating in Germany. The population there is around 84 million, which means one solar PV system for every ~ 42 persons in Germany. Renewable energy already accounts for over half the electricity market in Europe’s largest country.

In Ireland, by way of comparison, there are around 24,000 grid-tied solar PV systems in operation – per estimates. With a population of around 5 million, this indicates one solar PV system for every ~ 208 persons in Ireland.

There is a lot of work to be done for solar PV in Ireland, where we receive similar solar insolation to the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Poland, and most of northern Europe.

What about payback? EPBT

Energy Pay-Back Time of Solar PV Rooftop Systems.

The EPBT is a measure of the energy inputs required to manufacture a solar PV system versus the energy outputs the system produces year after year.

According to this year’s Photovoltaics Report, Ireland has an EPBT ~ 1.3 years, which is quite close to the Netherlands ~ 1.28 years. (Figures apply to modules manufactured in Asia. These figures are lower for modules produced in Europe as the energy required for transport is not included.)

The question must be asked ‘why‘ Ireland has such a low penetration of solar PV systems when the environmental conditions are so similar to other northern European countries.

Evidently there are policy differences, and difference in costs but not in terms of benefits. Irish consumers have the same opportunities for energy independence as our European counterparts.

We would be happy to outline the benefits for any household or business interested in a new solar PV system. Contact us today!