Photovoltaic Silicon Wafer
Photovoltaic power generation uses an extremely clean, cheap power generation method and needs no fossil fuels as required in thermal power generation and emits no waste gas such as CO2 emissions during power generation. In the past, since fossil fuel was mined in large quantities and supplied at low cost, the relatively high cost of solar cells restricted the speed of growth. However, possible depletion of fossil fuel resources and price increases as well as serious environmental issues made people pay more attention to photovoltaic energy. The promotion of the expansion of the solar cell market will contribute to a reduction in the cost of solar cells, leading to a significant increase in demand.
Fig.3 : Shipments of solar cells by Japanese vendors
Source: Japan Photovoltaic Energy Association (JPEA)
Although environmental and energy resource issues are important, the problem with renewable energy in the form of photovoltaic energy is that the cost of introduction is high. In order to promote the use of photovoltaic energy, many countries are implementing a variety of support measures. The primary measures promoting the use of renewable energy are as follows:
- Cash subsidies or loans at low interest rates as support for the purchase and installation of photovoltaic energy systems
- Purchase of generated power at favorable prices
- Cost of installation is tax deductable
- Obligatory installation in public buildings and large facilities
- Obligatory use of renewable energy such as photovoltaic energy
In the face of the severe recession in the world economy, many countries will implement a policy to develop renewable energy and environmental technology in order to stimulate the economy and increase employment because the growth of renewable energy-related industries is expected to create jobs and have a positive effect on the economy.
Primary measures for the use of renewable energy and environmental policy
| Measures for promoting the use of photovoltaic energy | Environmental policies | |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | Cash subsidies for installation cost (70,000 yen per kilowatt per house and 50% of the cost for public institutions) along with an income tax deduction for part of the installation cost. Surplus photovoltaic power to be purchased at about 24 yen per 1 kWh. Studying the purchase of surplus power at a price nearly twice the current amount. Electric power suppliers are obliged to use renewable energy-related electric power at more than a specific ratio corresponding to the sold electric energy. | Cabinet council decided to implement a low carbon society creation action plan where the primary purpose is to increase the number of photovoltaic energy system installations to 40 times the current number by 2030. In addition, studying the promotion of investment in the development and use of energy-saving technologies and products to restrict CO2 emissions as well as the creation of targeted employment for more than 800,000 people in the next five years through the growth of environment-related industries. |
| United States | Deduction of 30% of the cost of introduction of photovoltaic energy system from income or corporate tax, and cash subsidy for introduction in 38 states. Each state determines the introduction target or provides support and assistance measures. | Proposal for the investment of 150 billion dollars in the environment and energy industries in the next 10 years to create employment for 5 million people. |
| Germany | Purchasing generated power at a favorable price (feed-in tariff). Purchasing price is 35 to 47 euro cents per 1 kWh depending on system size and installers. Loan at low interest rate and tax deduction are also available. | The number of employees working in renewable energy-related industries, including photovoltaic energy, is currently 250,000. Further reductions in CO2 emissions, including the obligation to use green electric power to create employment for an additional 500,000 people. |
* These information is correct as of March 2009
The amount of solar energy striking the earth is very large and inexhaustible. It would be wonderful if human beings could create electricity, which is very important for living comfortably, from clean solar cells.
SUMCO wishes to contribute to human living and our environment through photovoltaic silicon wafers.
- Links
- European Environment Agency (EEA) (New Window)
- Agency for Natural Resources and Energy (ANRE) (New Window)
- Greenhouse Gas Inventory Office of JAPAN (New Window)
- New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) (New Window)
- European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) (New Window)
- Japan Photovoltaic Energy Association (JPEA) (New Window)
