Recent study on the role of innovation for economy and sustainability of photovoltaic modules published

The role of innovation for the success of photovoltaics cannot be overstated. Photovoltaics have enjoyed the most substantial price learning of any energy technology. Innovation affects photovoltaic performance in more ways, though.

The recent study by the HI ERN research group High Throughput Characterization and Modelling for PV explored how the rate of progress in photovoltaic technology affects economic decisions in photovoltaic (PV) system planning, the introduction of disruptive technologies, and the greenhouse gases (GHG) saving potential of PV modules.

The study shows that:

• innovation is incredibly important to improve not only the economic performance, but also the sustainability of solar panels.
• due to innovation resulting in greater module efficiency and less energy intensive fabrication processes, solar panels in Erlangen today displace 4 times the amount of carbon then they did 20 years ago.
• when installing panels, we should aim to maximize the carbon savings potential of each panel.
• PV installations should be expanded, rather than using new panels to replace old ones.

The study was published by Dr. Ian Marius Peters, teamleader of the HI ERN-research group High Throughput Characterization and Modelling for PV.

Read the whole study here

Contact

Dr. Ian Marius Peters

Gruppenleiter "Hoch­durch­satz Cha­rakter­isierung und Modell­ierung für die PV"

Building HIERN-Immerwahrstr /
Room 2.3

+49 9131-12538303

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