Solar Economy

Sivu: 1 Sivu: 2 Sivu: 3 Sivu: 4 Sivu: 5 Sivu: 6 Sivu: 7 Sivu: 8 Sivu: 9 Sivu: 10 Sivu: 11 Sivu: 12 Sivu: 13 Sivu: 14 Sivu: 15 Sivu: 16

Sivu: 17

Fact Theme: Solar Economy. A technological solution for the theme’s key issues. Solar electricity boom Solar electricity markets have even doubled annually. The decreasing cost of cell and battery technology, the higher cost of electricity and national subsidies are driving the growth. Jarno Forssell Osmo Päivinen A panoramic view of Espoo in Finland unfolds from the top floors at Fortum’s Head Office, but the only things adorning the rooftops of the multi-story buildings are TV antennas and ventilation ducts. That, however, may soon change, predicts Eero Vartiainen (D. Tech.), Research Manager, New Technologies, Fortum. ”I believe that rooftops will start glimmering within the next few years.” The solar electricity boom is already a reality in many countries. Less than one per cent of all energy consumed in European countries is generated with solar electricity, but in Germany that figure is as high as 4%. Of all the electricity production forms in Europe last year, solar electricity increased its capacity the second most – just behind gas-fired power plants. According to Vartiainen, solar electricity production has ”exploded” in recent years, and the growth figures have been huge. In 2010, the global markets grew by one hundred per cent, and the annual increase in installed capacity has been about 20 gigawatts. By the end of this year, the installed solar electricity capacity globally will be about 60 gigawatts. SooN No NEEd For FEEd-iN TariFFS It is no surprise that solar electricity is most popular in southern Europe where solar radiation is stronger and the market price for electricity is higher than in the Nordic countries. In Germany, too, solar electricity is concentrated to the southern part of the country, to southern Bavaria. However, it might come as a surprise that the light from the sun – even in Nordic countries – may very soon prove to be a profitable energy source. For now, solar electricity still needs to be subsidised in order to be financially profitable. In many countries, its adoption has been facilitated through various subsidy mechanisms, such as electricity price guarantees (i.e. feed-in tariffs). However, Eero Vartiainen believes that in Germany, for example, solar electricity will be profitable in just a few years and will no longer need subsidies. ”Solar electricity costs are decreasing, but the price consumers pay for electricity from the grid is not likely to drop. Sooner or later, it will be feasible for consumers to invest in solar electricity.” In 2009–2010, the cost of solar panels fell 50%, and this year prices have dropped another 30%. Today, the market price for panels is an average of one euro per watt. The cheapest price for an installed solar electricity system in Central Europe is two euros per watt. The price The light from the sun – even in Nordic countries – may very soon prove to be a profitable energy source. » 17 Fortum forAgendA

Sivu: 17 Sivu: 18 Sivu: 19 Sivu: 20