A report just released by the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) says enough electricity will be produced by new solar PV and wind installations in Europe in 2012 to compensate for the closure of nuclear reactors in Germany.
EPIA’s report, titled “Global Market Outlook for Photovoltaics Until 2016” also states in 2011, PV was the number one electricity source in Europe in terms of added installed capacity.
21.9 GW of PV capacity was connected to the grid last year in the EU, compared to less than 10GW each for gas and wind energy installations. Electricity production from new generation connected in 2011 saw PV in the no.1 spot as well, along with gas.
Based on installed and connected capacity at the end of 2011, PV can provide roughly 2% of the electricity demand in Europe, up from 1.15 % at the end of 2010. In some European nations, the percentage is far higher – for example, In Italy, more than 5% and in Germany, more than 4%.
In terms of addressing peak power demand, PV can now meet 4% of demand in Europe – and over 10% in Italy. Peak power generation accounts for approximate half of electricity demand in Europe.
EPIA points out the fact the global market for solar panels has continued to grow even in the midst of economic crisis shows there is a demand that can withstand tough times.
“The results of 2011 – and indeed the outlook for the next several years – show that under the right policy conditions PV can continue its progress towards competitiveness in key electricity markets and become a mainstream energy source,” said Dr. Winfried Hoffmann, EPIA’s President.
While Europe was again the global leader in PV market growth in 2011, accounting for three-quarters of all newly connected capacity and around the same in global installed capacity, the EPIA acknowledges the balance may soon shift to markets such as China.
EPIA’s 76-page “Global Market Outlook for Photovoltaics Until 2016” can be downloaded here (PDF)
