Global PV market trends – innovations and predictions
- News, Sales trends
Author: M.A Martyna Marlikowska
Substantive support: Dr. Eng. Krzysztof Bartczak
Building integrated with solar photovoltaics, bifacial (double-sided PV modules), photovoltaic trackers, solar power plants and solar energy storage or designer monocrystalline solar cells – the development of solar PV market is inevitable. Not so long ago it seemed like a song of the future, and we can already observe such projects in practice. However, it will still be some time until they become available to everyone – research institutes and company laboratories are constantly working on increasing the efficiency of photovoltaic panels and at the same time reducing the cost of production and the final price of the product. What other new trends in solar PV systems are worth our attention? Let’s explore some of the emerging trends in solar PV systems.
Contents
Bifacial, what is it?
This is nothing more than double-sided panels, which absorb the sun’s rays from the front and back. As you can guess, they have a higher efficiency by up to 30% compared to a single-sided PV module. Their positioning is crucial, as they benefit from sunlight reflecting off the ground on both sides. When there’s snowfall, the possibility of absorbing reflected light reaches up to 95%. Even a white substrate, such as a roof membrane, also has a high absorption coefficient.
What are Full Black monocrystalline modules?
Solar panels created on the basis of monocrystalline silicon are an alternative to the widely used polycrystalline counterparts. Full Black monocrystalline modules mean higher panel efficiency, especially in harsher weather conditions, extended lifespan, an appealing design (captivating black) and self-cleaning properties, but still a higher price. Nevertheless, investing more upfront can lead to lower electricity costs over an extended period compared to polycrystalline panels.
BIPV, what is it?
BIPV technology (Building Integrated Photovoltaics) is the integration of building materials with photovoltaics. Solar roofs and photovoltaic balustrades are just the beginning. In the near future, we will see trends in solar photovoltaics based on this combination – photovoltaic panels integrated into building materials, i.e.: facades, building facades, windows, roof tiles, louvers, sound screens or even solar pathways.
How to increase the efficiency of photovoltaics through energy management?
Increasing the efficiency of the entire installation is possible through modern and highly sophisticated solutions, such as smart microinverters, intelligent management photovoltaics systems or IoT (Internet of Things) monitoring of the photovoltaic system.
By communicating with each other, the management of the photovoltaic system and all the elements associated with it naturally enhances increases the level of self-consumption. Microinverters are devices that work independently for each panel, so that their operation is independent of the rest, and intelligent optimization directs the energy in such a way that the yield of electricity is maximized.
Photovoltaic trackers - how does it work?
Also, inevitably associated with higher yields are intelligent photovoltaic trackers, which are, so to speak, a structure for solar panels on the ground. With the help of appropriate sensors, they change the position of the photovoltaic module in relation to the sun in such a way that it is most favourable for the production of photoenergy. Photovoltaic trackers are designed to follow the sun’s path
FPV, what is it?
FPV stands for Floating Photovoltaics, or photovoltaics on water. It carries many advantages over land-based photovoltaics systems – including higher electricity, reduced cleaning requirements and enhanced cooling efficiency. Moreover, it benefits the water reservoir by helping to reduce water evaporation. A country heavily involved in this type of photovoltaic installation on water is China.
What does APV mean?
All of Asia has come to appreciate the benefits of APV, or Agrophotovoltaics, which combines two key roles. Agrophotovoltaics are agricultural fields covered by a structure with solar modules – thus protected from excessive sunlight and other harsh weather conditions. In the meantime, the entire facility is powered by renewable energy sources useful for carrying out work in the context of food production.
VIPV, what is it?
VIPV is photovoltaics integrated into a vehicle, or in simpler terms, photovoltaic vehicles. Imagine a photovoltaic module built into the roof of an electric car – completely self-sufficient, right? Changes in transportation await not only passenger cars, but also such modes of transport as streetcars and trains.
What is thin-film technology all about?
Thin-film technology is about photovoltaic panels, which are characterized by their flexibility and ability to adapt to any structure or building where standard solar panels may not be as effective. In their case, silicon is replaced by other elements, which gives them their unique properties. Ongoing research in this photovoltaic technology shows greater efficiency of thin-film in harsh weather conditions, but the final results are still pending.
What are perovskite panels?
These are photovoltaic modules created from perovskite – much cheaper mineral than silicon. The promising inkjet-printed manufacturing technology was developed by Olga Malinkiewicz, a Polish physicist who is currently in the process of commercializing her discovery. Her printed, ultra-thin and efficient panels can be placed on any surface and in any shape.
What is a quantum dot, and will it change the photovoltaic market?
The quantum dot, sometimes called an artificial atom, is a semiconductor of very small size. It was the subject of research as early as the 1970s. Its potential has now been recognized in the photovoltaic industry. The Polish company, ML System has developed glass with an active quantum coating so that in the near future we will be able to equip our homes with photovoltaic windows. In appearance, they will be no different from ordinary windows except for the technology of creating the quantum-coated glazing. Photovoltaic windows will provide us with free electricity.
What is commercial sales of photovoltaics?
Due to the huge potential of renewable energy sources, sales targeting commercial and industrial customers are also developing. The sale of photovoltaics to business customers differs in its own way from the sale of photovoltaics to individual customers. Skilled salespeople who can conduct a proper interview with a commercial customer and present a tailored sales offer are at a premium. Specializing in commercial solar panels is a natural trend we will see in the industry.
What IT solutions for photovoltaics sector does the market offer?
The growing competition among companies offering photovoltaic installations makes it necessary to have solutions that optimize the work of salespeople, simplify the sales process, aid decision-making and data collection. Few software solutions for selling photovoltaics or other RES are available on the international market. A Polish start-up EasyOZE has finished developing a customized platform tailored to traders’ needs for selling solar PV installations. Solares PRO is now available for sale in the form of subscriptions. The tool should significantly improve the working experience of photovoltaic companies.
Photovoltaics - trends in the solar energy revolution
As you can see, there is a lot going on in solar electricity generation – the latest global PV market trends, such as the integration of photovoltaic panels with building materials, show that the industry is not resting on its laurels. The huge potential in the development of renewable energy sources is coming to fruition. Many countries around the world are seeing a dynamic boom. This is influenced not only by political elites, nationwide subsidies for PV sector or modernization of the power grid, but also by the willingness and conscious investment of individuals in renewable energy sources.
