The Photovoltaics 2008 Conference |
The sun is one of the prerequisites of life on Earth, providing light and maintaining the essential energy cycles. As a ubiquitous source of energy, sunlight can be used in electricity production as well. Solar cells or photovoltaics (PVs) are semiconductor devices that convert sunlight into electricity. Most photovoltaic cells available today are made from silicon. As the research on solar cells has progressed, several alternative cell solutions have been discovered. |
The objective of the PV Conference is that High-level representatives of renowned companies and prominent scientists will present the latest ‘break through' achievements and developments in the field of Photovoltaics.
The solar electricity market is booming. By the end of 2006, the cumulative installed capacity of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems around the world had reached more than 6,500 MWp. This compares with a figure of 1,200 MWp at the end of 2000. Installations of PV cells and modules around the world have been growing at an average annual rate of more than 35% since 1998. Such has been the growth in the solar electricity industry that it is now worth more than an annual Ð 9 billion.
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Competition among the major manufacturers has become increasingly intense, with new players entering the market as the potential for PV opens up. The worldwide photovoltaics industry, particularly in Europe, the USA, China and Japan, is investing heavily in new production facilities and technologies.
The advantages of PV technology:
- The fuel is free.
- There are no moving parts to wear out, break down or replace.
- Only minimal maintenance is required to keep the system running.
- The systems are modular and can be quickly installed anywhere.
- It produces no noise, harmful emissions or polluting gases.
