In 2007...Cumulative Global Production of Solar Photovoltaics (PV) Systems Was 12,400 Megawatts

[jpak]

http://www.foxbusiness.com/article/end-2007-according-preliminary-data-cumulative-global-production-solar_476249_1.html

Photovoltaics (PV) is a solar power technology that uses solar cells or solar photovoltaic arrays to convert light from the sun directly into electricity. Photovoltaics is also the field of study relating to this technology and there are many research institutes devoted to work on photovoltaics. The manufacture of photovoltaic cells has expanded dramatically in recent years. Photovoltaic production has also been doubling every two years, increasing by an average of 48 percent each year since 2002, making it the world's fastest-growing energy technology.

At the end of 2007, according to preliminary data, cumulative global production of solar PV systems was 12,400 megawatts. Roughly 90% of this generating capacity consists of grid-tied electrical systems. Such installations may be ground-mounted (and sometimes integrated with farming and grazing) or building integrated. Financial incentives, such as preferential feed-in tariffs for solar-generated electricity and net metering, have supported solar PV installations in many countries including Germany, Japan, and the United States.

The report Global Solar Photovoltaic Market analyzes this industry, starting from the basics to what is driving this industry. The report starts off with a brief overview of the global energy market which contains data on global energy statistics, outlook for the industry, the growing focus on renewable energy worldwide, and of course, the potential of solar energy. The report then moves on the discussing the basic technology behind solar photovoltaics. The section looks at PV cells and modules, inverters, the various components of a PV system, and the various types of PV systems available today.

Moving on to the global photovoltaic industry, the report analyzes the entire PV market in terms of application area, global PV production statistics, and the future potential of solar photovoltaics. Strategies and recommendations for researchers, analysts, and in general, is a highlight of section four of the report. Factors affecting the growth of solar photovoltaics such as the focus on clean energy, security of energy supplies, etc., are described in details, along with the challenges and barriers facing the market at the same time. Regulatory framework affecting the worldwide PV market is also focused upon in the report, dealing with indirect policy issues, initiatives supporting and promoting PV technology, amongst others.

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[Dogmudgeon]

1. That's 12.4 GWe capacity, right?

--p!

[jpak]

2. It's PV - so yes, it's 12.4 GW(e)

and production is *doubling* every 2 years...

BTW, global solar thermal capacity is currently >100 GW(t)