Outlook
Michael Reichel/arifoto.de:Bosch Solar Energy
Facade design with thin-film modules in Erfurt, Germany.
Gradually, photovoltaic technologies will be applied to more and more areas of life. The trend towards using solar modules as a design element for buildings will continue, e.g. in the form of semitransparent modules for glass facades. Design, environmentally friendly energy generation and skilful shading go hand in hand in these systems.
Flexible solar cells, available in crystalline form and as thin-film cells, are opening up new horizons in a wide range of applications. Flexible thin-film modules, which can be integrated into roofing foil and “rolled out” onto house roofs or applied to vehicle roofs and boats, are already available. Many more far-reaching applications, such as integrating solar cells into clothes or tarpaulins are also currently being researched.
German researchers and companies are currently developing processes to reduce module and system costs while increasing the energy yields of solar power plants, which will in turn lead to the wider use of photovoltaic systems. The extensive experience of German companies with large-scale plants and rooftop plants will contribute to the success of photovoltaic technologies on the global market and thus help increase energy security and independence from oil price fluctuations.
Integrating PV with other renewable energy technologies and off-grid systems optimised to meet specific local requirements will make a decentralised, reliable and cheap electricity supply possible in many areas.
