Wind Energy

Up to 200 GW of photovoltaic solar energy could be installed worldwide by 2015

The photovoltaic solar power market registered an unprecedented growth in 2010, with an increase of installed capacity exceeding 230%. Last year, systems installed worldwide reached 16.6 GW (compared to the 7.2 GW installed in 2009), bringing the total solar energy capacity to nearly 40 GW.

This value is expected to rise to 100 GW in 2013, and then reach 130 GW in 2015. This last achievement could even be far greater, close to 200 GW, should the development of this sector be stimulated by appropriate policies.

This finding is contained in the latest report (Global-Market-Outlook-for-Photovoltaics-until-2015) compiled by the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA).

According to the report photovoltaics in Europe will gradually reach grid parity by 2020 but thanks to small residential and commercial installations, in various countries this target could be achieved over the next few years.

In such a scenario, Europe will maintain its leadership. Depending on the scenario considered (moderate or stimulated), in 2015 the installed capacity in Europe will range from 69,000 to 108,000 MW, of which 13,000 to 26,000 MW will be in Italy.

This sector will grow less rapidly in other regions. In North America, the estimated installed capacity by 2015 will range between 24,000 and 36,000 MW, in China between 15,500 and 18,500 MW and in Japan between 11,000 expected and 12,500 MW.

«Current data – said President of EPIA, Ingmar Wilhelm – already reveal the extraordinary potential of photovoltaics and the contribution it can give to the future energy scenario. The capacity currently installed worldwide, with an annual generation of 50 billion kWh, meets the entire electricity needs of countries like Greece, Romania and Switzerland».

www.epia.org/

www.enelgreenpower.com/