Connecting the Sun

The increasing role played by renewable energy sources, including PV, requires a new perspective on Europe’s power system management. Under all scenarios envisioned for the coming decades, PV will play an important part of Europe’s electricity mix – as much as 25% by 2030. “Connecting the Sun: Solar photovoltaics on the road to large-scale grid integration”, shows how Europe’s electricity system can integrate high levels of solar PV in the coming decades. 

The main findings of “Connecting the Sun” include:

• PV is an active part of the power system in Europe, and can be integrated without creating operational issues or affecting security of supply
  
  
• PV will be key to the future of the electricity distribution network, and there are no technical limits to large-scale PV integration under scenarios envisioned until 2030
   
• PV electricity is decentralised and can be produced close to where it is consumed, and developing PV in dense consumption areas is more cost-effective than concentrating it in areas of high solar irradiation
  
  
• PV will continue on its path to competitiveness, even taking into account additional measures required to facilitate grid integration

The report was conducted after interviewing several network operators, both at transmission and distribution level, so as to identify best practices and build recommendations on the basis of real-world experience. It also includes input from external experts.

The full report was presented and discussed with CEOs of the industry and the energy sector at the occasion of the 9th European PV Industry Summit on Tuesday 25 September 2012, during the 27th EU PVSEC.

See the dedicated website for more information, including video testimonials from experts: www.connectingthesun.eu