Electricity from solar panels could soon become a “significant and competitive” source of energy for the European market, according to a new study from the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) and management consultancy A.T. Kearney.

The SET For 2020 study explores several different deployment scenarios. Under business-as-usual conditions, photovoltaic power could supply between 4  and 6 per cent of Europeans’ electricity needs by 2020. Under more favourable conditions established by policy-makers, regulators and the energy sector at large, however, photovoltaic power could supply as much as 12 per cent of EU electricity demand by that time, the study finds.

“Photovoltaic electricity generation will already be competitive in parts of southern Europe by next year,” said Winfried Hoffmann, president of the EPIA. “The study shows that under the 12-per cent scenario, photovoltaic electricity will be competitive with other power sources in as much as 75 per cent of the EU electricity market by 2020, without any form of external price support or subsidy.”

“Europe now needs to recognise the important role photovoltaic power can play in meeting its energy sustainability goals,” said Adel El Gammal, secretary general of the EPIA. “The photovoltaic industry is committed to delivering energy technology that is sustainable and competitive on a large scale. We are calling on political and regulatory decision makers and on the energy sector to support photovoltaic deployment without delay.”

Tags: solar energy