Identifying Research Priorities for the further development and deployment of Solar Photovoltaics

Solar Photovoltaics (PV) is considered a highly competitive technology supporting the transition towards a low-carbon energy system. However, increased shares of its deployment have caused a set of mainly regulatory and financial challenges which require solutions. This paper identifies key research...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Serafeim Michas, Vassilis Stavrakas, Niki-Artemis Spyridaki, Alexandros Flamos
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2019-03-01
Series:International Journal of Sustainable Energy
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14786451.2018.1495207
Description
Summary:Solar Photovoltaics (PV) is considered a highly competitive technology supporting the transition towards a low-carbon energy system. However, increased shares of its deployment have caused a set of mainly regulatory and financial challenges which require solutions. This paper identifies key research challenges for the further development and deployment of Solar PV, aiming to bridge the gap between expressed market needs and scientific research inquiries. The findings revealed a heterogeneous landscape of Research Priorities and Research Needs focused around the issues of renewable energy sources’ variability, the impacts of curtailment, material (re-)use and module efficiency, synergies with the cooling/heating sector, quality criteria and standardisation, as well as new support schemes and business models. These findings can be taken up by academic institutions or technology associations to shape further directions for research. Finally, a list of implications to guide potential end-users involved in the field of policy and practice is provided.
ISSN:1478-6451
1478-646X