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Journal ArticleDOI

Re-considering the economics of photovoltaic power

TL;DR: In this paper, the authors consider the recent dramatic reductions in the underlying costs and market prices of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, and their implications for decision-makers.
About: This article is published in Renewable Energy.The article was published on 2013-05-01. It has received 515 citations till now. The article focuses on the topics: Photovoltaic system & Transparency (market).
Citations
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Journal ArticleDOI
Aaswath Raman1, Marc Abou Anoma1, Linxiao Zhu1, Eden Rephaeli1, Shanhui Fan1 
27 Nov 2014-Nature
TL;DR: An integrated photonic solar reflector and thermal emitter consisting of seven layers of HfO2 and SiO2 that reflects 97 per cent of incident sunlight while emitting strongly and selectively in the atmospheric transparency window demonstrates that the cold darkness of the Universe can be used as a renewable thermodynamic resource, even during the hottest hours of the day.
Abstract: A multilayer photonic structure is described that strongly reflects incident sunlight while emitting heat selectively through an atmospheric transparency window to outer space; this leads to passive cooling under direct sunlight of 5 degrees Celsius below ambient air temperature, which has potential applications in air-conditioning and energy efficiency.

1,788 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that a single thin film of the low-temperature solution-processed organometal trihalide perovskite absorber CH3NH3PbI3-xClx, sandwiched between organic contacts can exhibit devices with power-conversion efficiency of up to 10% on glass substrates and over 6% on flexible polymer substrates.
Abstract: Organometal trihalide perovskite solar cells offer the promise of a low-cost easily manufacturable solar technology, compatible with large-scale low-temperature solution processing. Within 1 year of development, solar-to-electric power-conversion efficiencies have risen to over 15%, and further imminent improvements are expected. Here we show that this technology can be successfully made compatible with electron acceptor and donor materials generally used in organic photovoltaics. We demonstrate that a single thin film of the low-temperature solution-processed organometal trihalide perovskite absorber CH3NH3PbI3-xClx, sandwiched between organic contacts can exhibit devices with power-conversion efficiency of up to 10% on glass substrates and over 6% on flexible polymer substrates. This work represents an important step forward, as it removes most barriers to adoption of the perovskite technology by the organic photovoltaic community, and can thus utilize the extensive existing knowledge of hybrid interfaces for further device improvements and flexible processing platforms.

1,539 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify and discuss three promising potential prosumer markets related to prosumer grid integration, peer-to-peer models and prosumer community groups, and also caution against optimism by laying out a series of caveats and complexities.
Abstract: Prosumers are agents that both consume and produce energy. With the growth in small and medium-sized agents using solar photovoltaic panels, smart meters, vehicle-to-grid electric automobiles, home batteries and other ‘smart’ devices, prosuming offers the potential for consumers and vehicle owners to re-evaluate their energy practices. As the number of prosumers increases, the electric utility sector of today is likely to undergo significant changes over the coming decades, offering possibilities for greening of the system, but also bringing many unknowns and risks that need to be identified and managed. To develop strategies for the future, policymakers and planners need knowledge of how prosumers could be integrated effectively and efficiently into competitive electricity markets. Here we identify and discuss three promising potential prosumer markets related to prosumer grid integration, peer-to-peer models and prosumer community groups. We also caution against optimism by laying out a series of caveats and complexities.

858 citations


Cites background from "Re-considering the economics of pho..."

  • ...increase in the number of consumers in European countries and the US producing or storing electricity at home— through solar panels (1) , electric vehicles (2) , batteries (3)...

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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors review direct and indirect environmental impacts of utility-scale solar energy (USSE) development, including impacts on biodiversity, land-use and land-cover change, soils, water resources, and human health.
Abstract: Renewable energy is a promising alternative to fossil fuel-based energy, but its development can require a complex set of environmental tradeoffs. A recent increase in solar energy systems, especially large, centralized installations, underscores the urgency of understanding their environmental interactions. Synthesizing literature across numerous disciplines, we review direct and indirect environmental impacts - both beneficial and adverse - of utility-scale solar energy (USSE) development, including impacts on biodiversity, land-use and land-cover change, soils, water resources, and human health. Additionally, we review feedbacks between USSE infrastructure and land-atmosphere interactions and the potential for USSE systems to mitigate climate change. Several characteristics and development strategies of USSE systems have low environmental impacts relative to other energy systems, including other renewables. We show opportunities to increase USSE environmental co-benefits, the permitting and regulatory constraints and opportunities of USSE, and highlight future research directions to better understand the nexus between USSE and the environment. Increasing the environmental compatibility of USSE systems will maximize the efficacy of this key renewable energy source in mitigating climatic and global environmental change. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

451 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, Essig et al. fabricate very efficient dual-and triple-junction solar cells by placing one or two III-V solar cells on top of a silicon solar cell.
Abstract: To improve the efficiency of photovoltaic devices while keeping the same spatial footprint, solar cells can be stacked on top of each other. Here, Essig et al. fabricate very efficient dual-junction and triple-junction solar cells by placing one or two III–V solar cells on top of a silicon solar cell.

429 citations

References
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of solar photovoltaic (PV) generation is compared to other electricity generation technologies. But there is a lack of clarity of reporting assumptions, justifications and degree of completeness in LCOE calculations, which produces widely varying and contradictory results.
Abstract: As the solar photovoltaic (PV) matures, the economic feasibility of PV projects are increasingly being evaluated using the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) generation in order to be compared to other electricity generation technologies. Unfortunately, there is lack of clarity of reporting assumptions, justifications and degree of completeness in LCOE calculations, which produces widely varying and contradictory results. This paper reviews the methodology of properly calculating the LCOE for solar PV, correcting the misconceptions made in the assumptions found throughout the literature. Then a template is provided for better reporting of LCOE results for PV needed to influence policy mandates or make invest decisions. A numerical example is provided with variable ranges to test sensitivity, allowing for conclusions to be drawn on the most important variables. Grid parity is considered when the LCOE of solar PV is comparable with grid electrical prices of conventional technologies and is the industry target for cost-effectiveness. Given the state of the art in the technology and favorable financing terms it is clear that PV has already obtained grid parity in specific locations and as installed costs continue to decline, grid electricity prices continue to escalate, and industry experience increases, PV will become an increasingly economically advantageous source of electricity over expanding geographical regions.

1,048 citations

Posted Content
TL;DR: The methodology of properly calculating the levelized cost of electricity for solar PV is reviewed, correcting the misconceptions made in the assumptions found throughout the literature and a template is provided for better reporting of LCOE results for PV needed to influence policy mandates or make invest decisions.
Abstract: As the solar photovoltaic (PV) matures, the economic feasibility of PV projects are increasingly being evaluated using the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) generation in order to be compared to other electricity generation technologies. Unfortunately, there is lack of clarity of reporting assumptions, justifications and degree of completeness in LCOE calculations, which produces widely varying and contradictory results. This paper reviews the methodology of properly calculating the LCOE for solar PV, correcting the misconceptions made in the assumptions found throughout the literature. Then a template is provided for better reporting of LCOE results for PV needed to influence policy mandates or make invest decisions. A numerical example is provided with variable ranges to test sensitivity, allowing for conclusions to be drawn on the most important variables. Grid parity is considered when the LCOE of solar PV is comparable with grid electrical prices of conventional technologies and is the industry target for cost-effectiveness. Given the state of the art in the technology and favorable financing terms it is clear that PV has already obtained grid parity in specific locations and as installed costs continue to decline, grid electricity prices continue to escalate, and industry experience increases, PV will become an increasingly economically advantageous source of electricity over expanding geographical regions.

1,006 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the technical, economic and policy aspects of solar energy development and deployment are analyzed, including tax credits and exemptions, feed-in-tariff, preferential interest rates, renewable portfolio standards and voluntary green power programs in many countries.
Abstract: Solar energy has experienced phenomenal growth in recent years due to both technological improvements resulting in cost reductions and government policies supportive of renewable energy development and utilization. This study analyzes the technical, economic and policy aspects of solar energy development and deployment. While the cost of solar energy has declined rapidly in the recent past, it still remains much higher than the cost of conventional energy technologies. Like other renewable energy technologies, solar energy benefits from fiscal and regulatory incentives, including tax credits and exemptions, feed-in-tariff, preferential interest rates, renewable portfolio standards and voluntary green power programs in many countries. The emerging carbon credit markets are expected to provide additional incentives to solar energy deployment; however, the scale of incentives provided by the existing carbon market instruments, such as, the Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol is limited. Despite the huge technical potential, the development and large scale deployment of solar energy technologies world-wide still has to overcome a number of technical, financial, regulatory and institutional barriers. The continuation of policy supports might be necessary for several decades to maintain and enhance the growth of solar energy in both developed and developing countries.

547 citations


"Re-considering the economics of pho..." refers background in this paper

  • ...Yang (2010), for example, calculates PV with a levelized cost of $0.49/kWh. Timilsina et al. (2012) find that the minimum values of LCOE for PV are $0.19/kWh....

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  • ...…al., 2007; Bazilian and Roques, 2008; Bishop and Amaratunga, 2008; Myers et al., 2010; Singh and Singh, 2010; Yang, 2010; Zweibel, 2010; IEA et al., 2010; Ramadhan and Naseeb, 2011; Branker et al., 2011; Wang et al., 2011; Darling et al., 2011; Eldada, 2011; Timilsina et al., 2012; Mandhana, 2012)....

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  • ...Despite the substantial drop in PV costs, many commentators continue to note that PV-generated power is prohibitively expensive unless heavily supported by subsidies or enhanced prices (see e.g., Asplund, 2008; IEA et al., 2010; Singh and Singh, 2010; IPCC, 2012; Lomborg, 2012; Neubacher, 2012; Timilsina et al., 2012)....

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  • ...There is a large literature on this subject (see e.g., Pollard, 1979; Rosenblum, 1983; Pouris, 1987; Landis, 1988; Thornton and Brown, 1992; Roth and Ambs, 2004; NEA et al., 2005; Canada et al., 2005; Moore, 2005; Simons et al., 2007; Bazilian and Roques, 2008; Bishop and Amaratunga, 2008; Myers et al., 2010; Singh and Singh, 2010; Yang, 2010; Zweibel, 2010; IEA et al., 2010; Ramadhan and Naseeb, 2011; Branker et al., 2011; Wang et al., 2011; Darling et al., 2011; Eldada, 2011; Timilsina et al., 2012; Mandhana, 2012)....

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  • ...…drop in PV costs, many commentators continue to note that PV-generated power is prohibitively expensive unless heavily supported by subsidies or enhanced prices (see e.g., Asplund, 2008; IEA et al., 2010; Singh and Singh, 2010; IPCC, 2012; Lomborg, 2012; Neubacher, 2012; Timilsina et al., 2012)....

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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed a new approach to calculate the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for photovoltaics based on input parameter distributions feeding a Monte Carlo simulation.
Abstract: Photovoltaic electricity is a rapidly growing renewable energy source and will ultimately assume a major role in global energy production. The cost of solar-generated electricity is typically compared to electricity produced by traditional sources with a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) calculation. Generally, LCOE is treated as a definite number and the assumptions lying beneath that result are rarely reported or even understood. Here we shed light on some of the key assumptions and offer a new approach to calculating LCOE for photovoltaics based on input parameter distributions feeding a Monte Carlo simulation. In this framework, the influence of assumptions and confidence intervals becomes clear.

368 citations


"Re-considering the economics of pho..." refers background or methods or result in this paper

  • ...Darling et al. (2011) suggest using input parameter distributions rather than single numbers in order to obtain a LCOE distribution, rather than a single number, as a means of increasing transparency by reflecting cost uncertainty associated with solar projects....

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  • ...…al., 2007; Bazilian and Roques, 2008; Bishop and Amaratunga, 2008; Myers et al., 2010; Singh and Singh, 2010; Yang, 2010; Zweibel, 2010; IEA et al., 2010; Ramadhan and Naseeb, 2011; Branker et al., 2011; Wang et al., 2011; Darling et al., 2011; Eldada, 2011; Timilsina et al., 2012; Mandhana, 2012)....

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  • ...(see e.g., Lazard, 2008; Darling et al., 2011; NREL, 2011)....

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  • ...…methods and/or analysis include: NEA et al. (2005); Lazard (2008); IEA et al. (2010); Singh and Singh (2010); Zweibel (2010); Branker et al. (2011); Darling et al. (2011); Wang et al. (2011). including solar insulation at the site, component technologies and specifications, overall system design…...

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  • ...Contrary to the view that the arrival of grid parity is still decades away, numerous studies have concluded that solar PV grid parity has already been achieved in a number of countries/regions (see e.g., Breyer and Gerlach, 2010; Zweibel, 2010; Branker et al., 2011; Darling et al., 2011)....

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