Challenges to Realise 1% Electricity from Photovoltaic Solar Systems in the European Union by 2020

Accumulated installations of photovoltaic solar systems in the European Union have reached almost 2 GW at the end of 2005. The generated electricity was in the range of 2 to 2.5 TWh or merely 0.8% of the 3000 TWh consumed in 2005. Standard models predict an average yearly growth of electricity consumption in Europe of 1.3% until 2020. The European Photovoltaic Industry Association Roadmap aims for a total installed capacity of 41 GW photovoltaic solar systems or an electricity generation in the range of 49 TWh or 1.1%. To reach the 41 GW in 2020 a continuous annual growth of 30% for 15 years is necessary. If we assume, that 50% of this 41 GW will be installed in two Solar I regions in Europe (Southern Italy and Southern Spain), this can correspond to 50% or more in those geographic areas at certain times of the day and distribution problems of this electricity are not addressed yet