Solar PV market and policies

Photovoltaic (PV) energy has been identified as a solution for achieving a sustainable energy transition. The prices of PV modules have fallen rapidly over the past decade as a result of globalization, which has greatly improved the competitiveness of this technology. The energy sector is moving away from traditional centralized systems to more locally producing and consuming (dubbed prosumer) systems where customers are more proactive. Therefore, policymakers need to focus on PV power integration strategies based on a careful balance with other energy technologies and network security. In this chapter, we describe a PV policy mechanism that facilitates strategic PV policy dialogue and PV innovation. In addition, the current economic issues (globalization, systemic effects) around PV energy are discussed in preparation for future PV markets in the context of renewable energy technologies becoming more cost-competitive.