What is a solar photovoltaic manufacturing map?

The U.S. Solar Photovoltaic Manufacturing Map shows only active manufacturing sites that contribute to the solar photovoltaic supply chain. It details their nameplate capacities, or the full amount of potential output at an existing facility, where known. This does not imply that these facilities produced the amount listed.

How has global solar PV manufacturing capacity changed over the last decade?

Global solar PV manufacturing capacity has increasingly moved from Europe, Japan and the United States to China over the last decade. China has invested over USD 50 billion in new PV supply capacity – ten times more than Europe − and created more than 300 000 manufacturing jobs across the solar PV value chain since 2011.

Are solar PV supply chains cost-competitive?

Currently, the cost competitiveness of existing solar PV manufacturing is a key challenge to diversifying supply chains. China is the most cost-competitive location to manufacture all components of the solar PV supply chain. Costs in China are 10% lower than in India, 20% lower than in the United States, and 35% lower than in Europe.

What is a megawatt-scale grid-connected solar PV power plant?

Figure 2 gives an overview of a megawatt-scale grid-connected solar PV power plant. The main components include: • Solar PV modules: These convert solar radiation directly into electricity through the photovoltaic effect in a silent and clean process that requires no moving parts.

Does crystalline solar PV technology cost more than thin-film solar panels?

Solar PV technology in particular is a source of significant variation in system component costs. A project with crystalline solar PV technology requires less surface area per kWp installed capacity compared to thin-film modules.

How do governments support solar PV development?

Loans with low interest rates and other concessionary terms, such as extended tenors or risk sharing, have also been deployed by governments to support solar PV development.