Development of photovoltaics in the Central and Eastern European States

Development of PV technology in the twelve Central and Eastern European States (CEES) that joined the European Union after 2004 is crucial considering the EU target to raise the share of renewable energy sources in a total energy mix up to 20% by 2020. Data collected through the cooperation of over twelve national institutes and research centers from CEES, furnished, for the sixth time, the report on the status of PV in the new EU member states. It shows diversity of PV CEES markets, conditioned by original energy market profile, territory's irradiation, legal order, administrative procedures and investment support mechanisms. Despite the fact that majority of CEES is at the initial stage of PV development process and PV technology market introduction difficulties, considerable progress can be observed in many of them. In order to render PV technology more attractive for investors it is vital to support market incentives, RTD, dissemination and education activities within CEES.