19th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition

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Results of the SWOT-Analysis for the PV
SectorRecommendations for Action Plans

• Dr. Murray Cameron
• EPIA Vice-President
• I. Weiss, J. Baumann, R. Gisler and
  J.Stierstorfer
• WIP Renewable Energies

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Objectives and Approach

• Analysis of existing data and informatione.g.
  EPIA roadmap, PVNet,
• Close cooperation with stakeholders and
  facilitating exchange of information
• Interactive work, brainstorming and workshops

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Results

• Analysis (SWOT) as basis for strategic planning
• Alternative strategies for the European PV
  Industry
• Creating a vision
• to foster strengths,
• to overcome weaknesses,
• to capitalize on opportunities and
• to avoid threats

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Strategy development based on SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Weaknesses
Pursue opportunities fitting the strengths
Overcome weaknesses to pursue opportunities
Opportunities
Defensive planPrevent the weaknesses from
suffering by threats
Using the strengths to reduce vulnerability of
threats
Threats
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Solar GradeSilicon
Wafer
Crystalline Si
Cells
Thinfilm Technology
Modules
Systems
Thinfilm a-Si, Cd-Te, CIS
Feed-in Tariffs
PV application
Other Materials
BOS
Analysis III PV Components PV Modules, BOS and
PV Systems Innovative Concepts
Analysis I Fundamentals Recycling Innovative
Materials
Analysis II Production of Wafers, Solar Cells and
Modules Innovative Concepts
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Recommended Actions

• 1. Solar Grade Silicon
• 1.1 Assure and solve availability issues for SGS
  at acceptable cost until 2005/06
• Priority on a well defined support framework
  programme for solar grade silicon (SGS)
• Common standards development and quality
  specifications
• RD support, e.g. optimizing manufacturing
  process
• Support for start-up plants (European, National,
  International) (financing schemes or finding new
  investors)
• Define and agree binding roadmap with SGS
  producers at EU/National levels, including RD
  investment support
• Arrange Industry Workshop
• Ø  Solution oriented to fix the problem
  (availability price)

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1. Solar Grade Silicon contd

• 1.2 Monitoring of the semiconductor industry
• Assessment of price fluctuations, trends of
  demand etc.
• 1.3 Creation of a procurement consortium
• To provide more negotiating power with the
  semiconductor industry, hence securing better and
  more stable prices
• Possibly, to assist start-up SGS plants by
  committing to procurement volumes and prices
• 1.4 Optimized recycling processes for Si modules

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2. Thin Film

• 2.1 Tackling the perception-problem of customers
  ? Possible measures
• Reliable long-term test-results by independent
  institution(s)
• Improved communication/marketing ? highlight the
  advantages (aesthetics, flexibility, BIPV)
• Standardisation/certification
• 2.2 Monitoring of the legislation (e.g. the use
  of certain hazardous materials will possibly be
  prohibited)
• 2.3 Further support of RD (fundamental research)
• Development of solutions/applications together
  with other industries
• Performance issue, (long-term)
• 2.4 Closer co-operation with other industries
  Organizing roundtable events in order to discuss
  the possible advantages co-operation.
• Glass- and construction-industry (market side) ?
  standards for BIPV ? easy solutions for
  architects (aesthetics, function etc.)
• Display- and equipment-industry (supply side) ?
  RD

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2. Thin Film Contd

• 2.5 Support for high level demonstration
  projects That help to underline the advantages
  of thin film technology and increase visibility
  (e.g. BIPV)
• 2.6 Prepare targeted information for financial
  institutions (FI)In order to convince FIs of the
  reliability of thin film technology invitation
  to targeted high level PV events
• 2.7 Focus on off-grid applications with thin-film
  in developing countries
• Lessons-learnt from regions in which thin film
  has already made an impact (e.g. Kenya) and
  transfer to other areas
• Closer co-operation with international
  institutions (e.g. World Bank and other ODAs) to
  promote thin film in multi- and bi- lateral
  funded PV projects
• Mobilisation of political support in developing
  countries for thin film through forging contacts
  with regional political bodies (African Union,
  ASEAN etc.)
•  

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3. Feed-in Tariffs

• 3.1 Closer co-operation with utilities/understandi
  ng of behaviour of electricity industry
  (roundtables with utilities and related
  stakeholders)
• 3.2 Promotion in other EU countries
• Development of an adaptable feed-in tariff
  concept incorporating elements such as initial
  feed-in tariff followed by net metering
  regulation over a lifetime of 10-25 years
• Lobbying, energy-mix with solar electricity as a
  key element of a realistic future energy policy
• 3.3 Monitoring of results of feed-in tariffs
• Success of feed-in tariffs?
• Development in Japan and other regions?
• Possible other instruments?
• How is public acceptance developing?
• Changing governments, policies, tools - be
  prepared!!
• 3.4 Development of other financing instruments

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4. General Recommendation

• Market/economical issues
• 4.1 Optimize small marketing budgets Form
  Alliances
• PV industry should form alliances with utilities,
  environmental groups, building developers, etc.
• Consultation on the creation of an industry-wide
  advertising pool for PV
•  4.2 Prepare Best Practice Stories (e.g.
  Brochure) Achieve awareness and public
  perception for BIPV incl. thin film technology,
  off-grid applications financing instruments by
  using results from RTD projects (DG TREN) and
  commercial applications from the PV industry
• 4.3 Integration of PV systems at an early stage
  
• For planning of pre-fabricated and mass
  manufactured houses
• 4.4 Focus on the export markets for solar
  systems Rural areas in Africa, Asia and South
  America are of particular importance
• 4.5 Considering specific market segments
• Customer segmentation criteria ecology,
  technology, status, ethic investment, return on
  investment

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4. General Recommendation

• Technical issues
• 4.6 Harmonization across EUStandards,
  guidelines and training are essential for
  successful market deployment
• 4.7 Do not Forget Education and
  trainingArchitects, designers and installers of
  PV systems need education and training are
  essential
• 4.8 Improve research efforts in the area of
  hybrid systems
• PV array, wind generator, diesel generator
  mounted in one independent system for remote
  areas, hotels (tourism) and houses, water pumping
  systems, weather forecasting stations

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Conclusions

• Challenging Actions on Short-, Medium and
  Long-term for the PV Sector
• Many weaknesses can be overcome by the PV sector
  itself (inside), but also support from outside
  needed, such as closer collaboration with other
  industrial sectors (building and glas)
• Set priorities of actions and consider available
  budget!!!