CONNECTING EUROPE’S SUN

“Connecting the Sun”: How Europe’s electricity grid can integrate solar photovoltaics; The rise of solar PV and other renewables presents a whole new world for electricity grid operators; EPIA’s report shows how PV is already providing solutions, and how it will be key to meeting Europe’s ambitious energy and environmental goals

September 25, 2012 (European Photovoltaic Industry Association)

“The increasing role played by renewable energy sources, including PV, requires a new perspective on Europe’s power system management. Under all scenarios envisioned for the coming decades, PV will play an important part of Europe’s electricity mix – covering about 15% (or, under a paradigm shift scenario, up to 25%) by 2030…

“…Connecting the Sun: Solar photovoltaics on the road to large-scale grid integration, a new report from the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA), shows how Europe’s electricity system can integrate high levels of solar PV in the coming decades…”

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“The main findings of “Connecting the Sun” include…[1] PV is an active part of the power system in Europe, and can be integrated without creating operational issues or affecting security of supply…[2] PV will be key to the future of the electricity distribution network, and there are no technical limits to large-scale PV integration under scenarios envisioned until 2030…

“…[3] PV electricity is decentralised and can be produced close to where it is consumed, and developing PV in dense consumption areas is more cost-effective than concentrating it in areas of high solar irradiation…[and, 4] PV will continue on its path to competitiveness, even taking into account additional measures required to facilitate grid integration…”

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