Solar Photovoltaic Sector Research Articles

The evolution of government sponsored collaboration network and its impact on innovation: A bibliometric analysis in the Chinese solar PV sector

This study explores the dynamics of a government sponsored collaboration network concerning the development of solar photovoltaics (PV) technologies in China, and investigates the effect of network evolution on the subsequent innovation performance of network actors. Network structure characteristics and attribute proximity variables are jointly examined through a bibliometric methodology based on scientific publication and patent data. In addressing the evolution of the government sponsored collaboration network, this study has identified that actors are more likely to engage in collaboration with prior partners, partners of direct & indirect partners, and partners with similar attributes. These collaboration patterns, in turn, negatively impact direct ties and network efficiency, and increase the attribute proximity of an actor’s network. On the other hand, the estimation results indicate that direct ties have an inverted U-shaped effect on innovation performance, while indirect ties are found to be positively related to innovation performance. As expected, a positive effect of network efficiency is found on innovation performance. The results of attribute proximity variables suggest geographical proximity is negatively related to innovation performance. Taken together, the collaboration patterns in the government sponsored network might have a negative impact on innovation performance of network actors. The empirical findings extend the network literature that collaboration network matters differently in different research contexts, and it is no longer appropriate to simply assume that collaboration is purely a good thing. As such, special attention should be paid to the network structure and composition in further policy design.

The limited innovation of small businesses in the solar photovoltaic sector in the USA: is small business innovation research program such a boon for US small businesses?

Small business innovation research (SBIR) in the USA is heralded as a major program to support innovative new technologies by SMEs that will grow afterwards by selling products and services in the market. Instead we found, in the solar photovoltaic sector, that SMEs supported by the Department of Defense and National Aeronautics and Space Administration are mostly acting as internal services of these federal agencies: their products serve mainly, if not exclusively, these two defence-related organisations. Their future growth would thus be curtailed. The paper calls for a more accurate analysis of small business innovation research program and maybe other innovation policies.

The limited innovation of small businesses in the solar photovoltaic sector in the USA: is small business innovation research program such a boon for US small businesses?

The limited innovation of small businesses in the solar photovoltaic sector in the USA: is small business innovation research program such a boon for US small businesses?

Spatial lifecycles of cleantech industries – The global development history of solar photovoltaics

New industries develop in increasingly globalized networks, whose dynamics are not well understood by academia and policy making. Solar photovoltaics (PV) are a case in point for an industry that experienced several shifts in its spatial organization over a short period of time. A lively debate has recently emerged on whether the spatial dynamics in new cleantech sectors are in line with existing industry lifecycle models or whether globalization created new lifecycle patterns that are not fully explained in the literature. This paper addresses this question based on an extensive analysis of quantitative data in the solar PV sector. Comprehensive global databases containing 86,000 patents as well as manufacturing and sales records are used to analyze geographic shifts in the PV sector’s innovation, manufacturing and market deployment activities between 1990 and 2012. The analysis reveals spatial lifecycle patterns with lower-than-expected first mover advantages in manufacturing and market activities and an earlier entry of firms from emerging economies in manufacturing and knowledge creation. We discuss implications of these findings for the competitive positions of companies in developed and emerging economies, derive new stylized hypotheses for industry lifecycle theories, and sketch policy approaches that are reflexive of global interdependencies in emerging cleantech industries.

Is Germany׳s energy transition a case of successful green industrial policy? Contrasting wind and solar PV

In this paper, we address the challenge of Germany׳s energy transition (Energiewende) as the centrepiece of the country׳s green industrial policy. In addition to contributing to global climate change objectives, the Energiewende is intended to create a leading position for German industry in renewable energy technologies, boost innovative capabilities and create employment opportunities in future growth markets at the least possible cost. The success in reaching these aims, and indeed the future of the entire concept, is hotly debated.The paper aims to provide an up-to-date assessment of what has become a fierce controversy by comparing solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind energy along five policy objectives: (1) competitiveness, (2) innovation, (3) job creation, (4) climate change mitigation, and (5) cost. We find mixed evidence that Germany reaches its green industrial policy aims at reasonable costs. Wind energy seems to perform better against all policy objectives, while the solar PV sector has come under intense pressure from international competition. However, this is only a snapshot of current performance, and the long term and systemic perspective required for the energy sector transformation suggests a need for a balanced mix of a variety of clean energy sources.

Stable Policies Turbulent Markets. Germany's Green Industrial Policy: The Costs and Benefits of Promoting Solar PV and Wind Energy

In this report, we address the fiercely debated challenge of Germany’s energy transition (Energiewende) and review the policy measures taken in support of increasing the share of renewables in the country’s energy mix. We place special emphasis on solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind energy, analyze the evolution of both sectors in Germany, assess the costs and benefits associated with support policies and draw some conclusions and lessons concerning the need to reform the feed-in tariff approach and to consider the broader issues of green industrial policy. We find mixed evidence that Germany reaches its green industrial policy aims at reasonable costs.Wind energy seems to perform better against all policy objectives, while the solar PV sector has come under intense pressure from international competition. However, this is only a snapshot of current performance, and a dynamic and systemic perspective may nonetheless make the support of various renewable energy sources advisable.

Is Germany's Energy Transition a Case of Successful Green Industrial Policy? Contrasting Wind and Solar PV

In this paper, we address the challenge of Germany’s energy transition (Energiewende) as the centrepiece of the country’s green industrial policy. In addition to creating a sustainable foundation for Germany’s energy supply and contributing to global climate change objectives, the Energiewende is intended to create a leading position for German industry in renewable energy technologies, boost innovative capabilities and create employment opportunities in future growth markets. The success in reaching these aims, and indeed the future of the entire concept, is fiercely debated.The paper aims to provide an up-to-date and balanced assessment of costs and benefits of renewable energy support measures. However, since costs and benefits can differ widely between targeted technologies, we compare solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind energy to illustrate critical elements of green industrial policy success. We find mixed evidence that Germany reaches its green industrial policy aims at reasonable costs. Wind energy seems to perform better against all policy objectives, while the solar PV sector has come under intense pressure from international competition. However, this is only a snapshot of current performance, and a dynamic and systemic perspective may nonetheless make the support of various renewable energy sources advisable.

Inter-provincial clean development mechanism in China: A case study of the solar PV sector

With ever growing urgency, climate change mitigation is fast becoming a priority for China. A successful policy of implementing and expanding sustainable development and the use of renewable energy is therefore vital. As well as long-term and near-term targets for installed capacity of renewable energy, in its 12th five-year plan, China has created strict and ambitious carbon intensity targets for each province. This study proposes an inter-provincial clean development mechanism to assist in meeting these targets. This mechanism will create potential co-benefits of assisting in sustainable development in lesser developed provinces, increasing local air quality and supporting the growth of China's renewable energy sector. This paper also highlights the potential that this inter-provincial clean development mechanism has in accelerating the growth of the domestic solar photovoltaics (PV) sector, for which the market in China is still in its infancy.

Maximisation and optimisation of solar PV generation with limited grid capacity through the adoption of new technologies

To achieve the UK's target of reducing carbon emissions by 80% of 1990 levels by 2050, it is widely accepted that the decarbonisation of the UK's electricity network is the most cost-optimal route. As coal-fired power stations are decommissioned and the development of nuclear power stations face continued political challenges, the UK is facing an ‘energy gap’ and renewable technologies such as solar photovoltaic (PV) must play a bigger role. The introduction of incentive schemes resulted in a rapid adoption of low-carbon technologies; however, as a consequence the electricity network is under considerable strain. New distributed generation (DG) projects are faced with high reinforcement costs and export constraints. Nonetheless, the adoption of DG systems is essential for the country's future energy supply. In light of grid capacity issues, innovative solutions within the solar PV sector including generation maximisation and optimisation offer solutions to grid-connectivity issues.

Going “green”: trade specialisation dynamics in the solar photovoltaic sector

The present study aims at providing a comprehensive analysis of trade flows and the domestic value creation of the major solar photovoltaic industry at the world level. Solar technologies convert light and heat from the sun into useful energy. The use of the sun's energy can not only reduce the consumption of conventional fuels, thus reducing the emission of detrimental greenhouse gases, but it can also enable a gain in enhanced fuel and energy security along with lessening costs. In addition, green technologies and industries can promote economic growth and international competitiveness, and can offer new business and employment opportunities. It becomes, therefore, extremely important to deeply explore the dynamics of the solar photovoltaic sector. Specifically, the present work analyses the main global trends of this sector and sketches the key players on the world market, including producers, installers, and top traders. Based on an analysis of trade flows at the 6-digit level, the international specialisation patterns are investigated, and the role of various market and trade drivers, including subsidies in the uptake of solar technologies, is identified and examined.

Electrification using solar photovoltaic systems in Nepal

Historically, the rural population of Nepal has been meeting their energy needs from traditional sources like fuel wood and other biomass resources. Only about 44% of the total population has access to grid electricity. Because of country’s rough and mountainous topography, high cost of grid extension, and low and scattered population density, constructing some big power plants (e.g. large hydropower) can not meet the electricity needs of all people, especially those living in rural areas. Distributed generation of electricity, using environment friendly solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, might be one of the reliable alternatives for urban as well as rural electrification. This article begins with a general overview of energy resources in Nepal. Present status and perspectives of solar PV sector have also been discussed. Benefit cost and breakeven analyses of solar PV systems in Nepalese urban areas have been carried out. The breakeven year has been calculated between 2027 and 2036 for PV systems with system life time between 40 and 25 years, respectively. It has been concluded that the solar PV systems are not the economic solutions for grid connected urban areas in Nepal. On the other hand, this article concludes that the rural electrification projects should not be decided on the basis of mere monetary benefits, rather many social aspects should be considered, and in this case, there are not convincing alternatives to solar PV systems for electrification in many rural villages in Nepal.