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Survey of Energy Resources Interim Update 2009

Solar Energy update

The harnessing of the solar resource has made much progress in recent years. The cumulative installed PV power in the countries participating in the International Energy Agency-Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (IEA-PVPS) was nearly 8 GWp at end-2007, over one-third higher than at end-2006. Of this total, over 90% was grid-connected.

In terms of large national markets Germany and Japan led the world's installed solar capacity - 3.9 and 1.9 GWp respectively. However, it was Spain that saw the highest annual growth. The 2010 target set by the Spanish Government's Plan for Renewable Energy was exceeded long before. A new Plan for 2011-2020 aims to perpetuate the growth in the share of renewables in the energy mix.

Government policy in Germany has helped the country to maintain its lead position, which was strengthened in 2008 when an estimated 1.4 GWp was added to installed capacity.

Both Australia and the USA have instituted Solar Cities. Australia now has 7 such cities, the USA, 25. These programmes have helped to greatly raise awareness of photovoltaic technology and are promoting its implementation. India also has a Solar Cities programme.

Table 9.1: Solar Energy: photovoltaic capacity at end-2007

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