Benefits of photovoltaic power in supplying national electricity demand

The beneficial results of the exponential expansion of photovoltaic installations in Germany and Italy are discussed. Remarkable falls in the peak price of electricity have been observed in both countries. The reasons are discussed in the light of the data from the Kombikraftwerk project. This has demonstrated, in a scaled, real-time experiment, how the demand on the German grid can be met by photovoltaics and wind with back-up from biogas and (pumped hydro) storage. We discuss the implications of the fall in price of photovoltaic cells particularly for 3rd generation technology. Using the specific example of the UK, we demonstrate the advantages of the complementary nature of wind and photovoltaic resources. We demonstrate that the wind and photovoltaic capacity targets for an all renewably powered UK are likely to be significantly lower than in Germany. We conclude by summarising the evidence in favour of a moratorium on all new electricity generation other than by the renewables. ► The fall in electricity price in Germany is explained using data from the Kombikraftwerk project. ► We suggest how 40% PV technology can respond to the dramatic fall in the 1st and 2nd generation prices. ► The advantages of the complementary nature of wind and PV resources in the UK are demonstrated. ► We provide evidence for a moratorium on all new electricity generation other than by renewables.