Photovoltaic Power Generation

The EC programme on Photovoltaic Power Generation has two distinct parts pilot Projects and R&D contracts on cells, processes, materials, IOOdules and systems. The pilot projects are managed in a totally different w~ fran the R&D contracts. Enphasis ,is put on all aspects of the system such as pcwer conditioning, environmental factors, structures, etc. The aim is to examine all different system aspects, to inprove the performance and the reliability of the overall photovoltaic system and to reduce its cost. A canprehensive overview of the PV pilot programme of the European Gammunities was given in volume 1 of this Series C. R&D contracts, on the other hand, are intended to advance our kn0w­ The ledge on all canponents in order to reduce the cost, mainly of the photovoltaic IOOdules. This book reports on the results presented at the sixth contractors' meeting, held about six IlDnths before the end of the current R&D programme.