200 years of solar electricity

Institut Photovoltaïque d’lle de France (IPVF) (UMR 9006 CNRS et École polytechnique) 18 Boulevard Thomas Gobert, 91120 Palaiseau

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Abstract

Two hundred years after Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect, solar panels have become an everyday technology, to be found on the roofs of houses or alongside railway lines. However, this apparent familiarity conceals the rapid and on going development of the industry: the panels installed today are very different from those installed just a few years ago, in terms of design, cost and the challenges to be met. Photovoltaics has now established itself as a key player in the global energy landscape, and its dynamism means that we need to keep a close eye on developments.

The purpose of this article is to take stock of the current state of the industry, presenting typical orders of magnitude, the dynamics of the sector and future prospects. It can be supplemented by questions and answers prepared by researchers in the field and available at https://solairepv.fr/.