Every house should be able to cover at least part of the energy needs of its inhabitants itself. Photovoltaics is part of the future energy mix and still has great potential for further development. The first stage was the use of solar cells for satellites in space; currently we are in the second stage. Solar modules have ‘arrived on Earth’ and have become much more efficient.
Arrived on Earth
But there is still room for improvement. The efficiency should be at least 35 per cent. Perhaps there will be completely different, new photovoltaic technologies.
In any case, photovoltaics will play an increasingly important role in reducing CO2 emissions and conserving fossil resources in the future. In this way, the technology will also help to protect ecosystems and societies around the globe.
Solar power for pumps and vehicles
In addition to increasing efficiency, new applications are needed. Business fields should be developed that are currently dormant owing to a lack of economic viability.
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An example from Italy: there I often see tractors driving pumps for irrigating the fields. This needs to be done differently. Solar power systems should be installed on farms to charge the batteries of electric vehicles in a resource-conserving and decentralised way.
Also important: saving energy
As with photovoltaics, I see many possibilities for storage systems. The use of lithium-ion batteries is one possibility, but other technologies are conceivable where the components are easier to procure and promote.
Not to forget energy savings. If electricity consumption is reduced, photovoltaics can take over a higher share in the energy supply, and energy independence goes up. (mfo)
Fabrizio Limani is Senior Manager of the Solar Division of Panasonic Electric Works Europe AG in Ottobrunn. He has also been featured in the Leaders of our Industry series.
