TRENDS IN PHOTOVOLTAIC APPLICATIONS 21th Edition – 2016
In contrast to 2014, 2015 has seen an impressive growth and acceleration of the global market deployment with about 50,7 GW of additional installed capacity, 26,5% above 2014, of which about 40 GW were installed in IEA PVPS member countries (2014: 34 GW). As in 2014, China, Japan and the USA lead this important growth, accounting for 33 GW of installed capacity in these 3 countries alone. 8 countries have installed more than 1 GW while another 7 countries have markets above 300 MW. The globally installed total PV capacity is estimated at roughly 228 GW at the end of 2015. Although the price reduction for PV systems has continued its trend for a slower decline in 2015, this year (2016) shows evidence of a more rapid cost reduction, in parallel with a trend towards higher overcapacities in the industry. Concerning PV generation costs and more precisely recently contracted power purchase agreements (PPAs), new record values of below 3 USDcents/kWh have been announced, confirming what is achievable today under very good market and solar resource conditions. The other side of the coin is the observation that large parts of the global PV market (78%) are still driven by financial incentives, accompanied by an increasing share of selfconsumption or net-metering (15%) and about 6% of the market coming from competitive tenders. Learn all about the details of this exciting development by reading through our 21st edition of the Trends Report!
Report Scope and Objective
As part of the work of the IEA PVPS Programme annual surveys of photovoltaic (PV) power applications and markets are carried out in the reporting countries. The objective of the Trends reports is to present and interpret developments in the PV power systems market and the changing applications for these products within that market. These trends are analyzed in the context of the business, policy and non-technical environment in the reporting countries.
This report is prepared to assist those responsible for developing the strategies of businesses and public authorities, and to aid the development of medium term plans for electricity utilities and other providers of energy services. It also provides guidance to government officials responsible for setting energy policy and preparing national energy plans.
The scope of the report is limited to PV applications with a rated power of 40 W or more. National data supplied are as accurate as possible at the time of publication. Accuracy of data on production levels and system prices varies depending on the willingness of the relevant national PV industry to provide data.
This report presents the results of the 21th international survey. It provides an overview of PV power systems applications, markets and production in the reporting countries and elsewhere at the end of 2015 and analyzes trends in the implementation of PV power systems between 1992 and 2015.
Survey Method
Key data for this publication were drawn mostly from national survey reports and information summaries, which were supplied by representatives from each of the reporting countries. These national survey reports can be found on this website. Information from the countries outside IEA PVPS are drawn from a variety of sources and, while every attempt is made to ensure their accuracy, confidence in some of these data is somewhat lower than applies to IEA PVPS member countries.
This year’s edition focuses on the PV market developments, inside and outside the IEA PVPS network. Accurate data about industry developments and the progress of PV in the power sector are highlighted. With a focus on support policies, this edition aims to delivering a wide set of information for policy makers, and all people interested in the drivers of PV development.
Source:iea
