Photovoltaics research

Photovoltaics (PV) is ascribed great importance in all considerations regarding the 100% renewable electricity target, as well as CO2 neutrality by 2040. Photovoltaics with standard modules on large open spaces has now proven that electricity production costs close to the electricity market price are also possible in Central Europe. Agri-PV combines the possibility of generating electricity as well as farming and avoiding conflicts of use. Innovative concepts can be used to exploit land-saving potential. Other examples include bifacial modules for agricultural applications, wildlife protection fences, windbreak, anti-glare and noise protection systems along roads and railroad lines and floating PV systems, particularly in combination with existing hydropower plants on reservoirs and other bodies of water.

The system integration of PV electricity into a climate-neutral energy system must be driven forward quickly. The role of photovoltaics in decarbonization requires a massive expansion of photovoltaic technology and research. Similar to the automotive or computer industry, the same models should not be used repeatedly, but rather improved ones. In the photovoltaics sector Roadmaps of the last few years, we have listed in detail the research fields and sectors that require further development.

The acceptance of photovoltaics among the population increases through visually appealing power generation systems that are adapted to the local landscape, predominantly decentralized and on areas already used for infrastructure. With the additional electricity generation from the expansion of photovoltaics, these built-up areas are given a dual use. In the case of open spaces, agricultural and ecologically inferior areas are given preference so that no conflicts of use arise. Models for increasing the active participation of the population must be developed and scientifically supported, for which researchers are needed and financial resources must be made available.

The expansion of photovoltaics is predicted to create 22 million jobs in the photovoltaic industry worldwide, which will account for almost 2/3 of all jobs in the energy sector. Hubert Fechner, Chairman of the Photovoltaics Technology Platform "Austria now has ambitious targets for the construction of innovative PV systems, but there are also great opportunities for the creation of many jobs in the research, development and production of components and systems." Austria would have the opportunity to create at least 60,000 jobs by 2030 through innovative photovoltaic solutions, especially in the area of integration and dual use in the building, transport and agricultural sectors. Thousands more jobs will also be created in the field of electricity storage.

The EU-IPCEI program strengthens key technologies for the independence and stability of energy generation, and Austria should be successfully involved. A PV research program that accompanies IPCEI-PV is necessary to lead Austrian IPCEI companies to success. Austrian innovations can and will expand and take on new leading roles in the photovoltaic sector in Europe, but bureaucratic hurdles are delaying project implementation.

Investments in European value creation by supporting production and research systems from Austria are driving the innovative and independent expansion of photovoltaics. Value creation from components and modules to inverters and accompanying system technology to system planning, installation and monitoring are necessary to ensure geopolitical and economic independence. High product and system quality are a prerequisite for this and are the result of further developments by research institutions and innovative companies with the necessary know-how. Value creation in a rapidly developing market - under innovation and cost pressure - is only possible through quality, excellence, efficiency and new developments, and this requires ongoing research activities.

Bessere Rahmenbedingungen und Innovationschancen für die in Österreich produzierenden innovativen Unternehmen und Forschungseinrichtungen entkoppeln die Abhängigkeit vom chinesischen Markt und fördern den nachhaltigen Ausbau der Photovoltaik sowohl in Österreich als auch in Europa. With over 4 GW of photovoltaic systems in operation in 2023, around 6% of Austria's electricity demand can be covered. The global mark of 1 TW of installed PV was reached in mid-2022. 96% of the wafers required for this are produced in China. The European market is therefore dependent on imports from China. Cell production is also largely sourced from China. It is in Europe's interest to bring photovoltaic production to Europe.

Research and development, and therefore the necessary expertise, have so far been positioned in Europe and must be supported in order to achieve the goals. The impetus provided by research for innovative solutions in cell, module and system technology through to the integration of photovoltaics into an overall building or mobility system is driving the economy and innovation. This can create a market for innovative solutions, which is the basis for a high export rate in the industry. It also opens up enormous opportunities for domestic companies to become international market leaders in the global expansion of PV and creates high-quality jobs.

Austria has very successful PV-relevant research and production companies in the electrical, electronics and glass processing industries, in building technology and in the construction sector. Gernot Oreski, Head of the Smart material testing business unit at PCCL: "Austria is very far ahead in European PV research and is also doing very well internationally."

Implementation requires an innovation process that combines science, industry and market implementation. Innovation in industry is only possible through an innovation process. The innovation process can be organized in different ways and requires government funding, scientific research, industrial R&D activities and market implementation: without scientific research and industrial development, innovation is not possible in the long term. A strong exchange of knowledge and communication are necessary in order to implement innovations in practice.