How did incentive policies affect solar PV development?

Platzer et al. (Platzer, 2016) pointed out that the introduced incentive policies were the key factors to affecting the PV deployment and that they helped to initiate the early niche markets in the United States. Since the 1990s, Japan and Germany have become the leading countries in solar PV development.

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.

Is there public support for solar PV Manufacturing?

The solar industry encompasses so many manufacturing processes that the concept of ‘public support for solar PV manufacturing’ is an oversimplification. The production of a solar panel begins with quartz (SiO2), commonly found in sand. This is transformed into polysilicon by an energy-intensive process of melting and purification.

Are solar PV project insurance policies standardised?

Demand for solar PV project insurance is increasing. However, in most countries, the insurance industry has not standardised insurance products for PV projects or components. A number of insurers provide solar PV project insurance policies, but underwriters’ risk models have not yet been standardised.

Are solar rooftop PV projects a co-operative?

In Brixton, London, three solar rooftop PV projects have been set up under a co-operative structure. The projects have been implemented on council estates and residents of these estates are the members of the co-operative society.

Are financial incentives still required for solar PV projects?

While the cost per kWh of solar PV power has come down dramatically and continues to fall, in most cases direct or indirect financial incentives are still required in order to increase the commercial attractiveness of solar PV projects so that there is sufficient investment in new projects to meet national goals for renewable energy production.