The present status and future direction of technology development for photovoltaic power generation in Japan

In 2004 NEDO established the PV Roadmap Toward 2030 PV2030 as a long‐term strategy for PV R&D. In this Roadmap, PV is expected by 2030 to supply approximately 50% of residential electricity consumption (cumulative installed capacity in the range of 100 GW). In terms of economic efficiency, electricity costs are targeted to equal commercial use, approximately 14 Yen/kW h, by 2020 and industrial use, approximately 7 Yen/kW h, by 2030. For future PV systems, it is essential to improve the stand‐alone capabilities of PV system with electricity storage and to develop community‐based PV systems using multi‐function inverters. Advanced technological innovations beyond the existing levels are also essential. Therefore, NEDO is undertaking 2‐year projects for preliminary research to make clear the next R&D of solar cells and PV system technology. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.