In order to outline and discuss the benefits and the challenges for the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) sector, EPIA (European Photovoltaic Industry association) organized a cycle of seven “Round table luncheons” which took place in Brussels.

The Photovoltaic sector has the potential to cover a significant share of Europe’s electricity needs in the future, without emitting any CO2. However, implementation of accurate policies and measures are needed if the PV sector is to become a competitive industry that helps provide Europe with a sustainable and affordable energy supply.

The Round Table debates gathered representatives from the Commission, the Council and the European Parliament together with journalists and the PV industry to discuss a number of issues and best practices that could make the PV sector a real part-solution to the energy problems.

EPIA’s round-table cycle is set-up with the aim to further promote the photovoltaic sector towards Brussels-based decision makers, stakeholders and the civil society.

The concept of six lunch debates is proposed to address different aspects related to the development of the photovoltaic sector where political decision can play a significant impact.

The six topics raised along the cycle of debates were:

1. Policies for the Solar Photovoltaic sector
2. Feed-in Tariff: the best support mechanism to promote solar electricity?
3. How connection to the grid is key to open-up electricity markets for PV systems
4. Waste and recycling: a major challenge for the PV sector
5. Access to energy in developing countries: Photovoltaic in EU’s development policy can make a difference?
6. Photovoltaic’s contribution to the EU’s 2020 targets: How can research support market development?”

 

 

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EPIA - The strategy

The objective of the 2006-2010 market oriented strategy is that in 2010, 7 million European families will produce clean and sustainable solar electricity. The objective is measurable, it corresponds to a 3.1 GWp market in Europe and a 5.6 GWp Global market in 2010, under a policy driven realistic scenario.

Four main pillars have been defined to reach this strategy:

Competitiveness
Objective: achieving photovoltaic mass production in order to generate cost reduction (the objective is that the system prices reach 3 to 4/Wp by 2010).

Innovation
Objective: stimulate research achievements and technology transfer from laboratories into industry applications. Improve the financing of photovoltaic research and development through the European Framework programme for research and development (FP7) and globally in Europe.

Quality
Objective: demonstrating that the photovoltaic industry may deliver high quality products and is also willing to take greater responsibility for the well-being of the society.

Promotion
Objective: improving EPIA’s visibility and giving photovoltaics a credible voice.

By adopting a strategy 100% focused on results EPIA is positioning itself as a unique organization at European level to promote solar photovoltaic electricity.