Economics of solar cells

In this interview professor Poul Erik Morthorst introduces the topic of solar cell economics.
This video is a part of the online course: Introduction to solar cells. Join for free at coursera.org/learn/solar-cells

[@soulimanalifayad8950]

👍

[@AhmedSayed-ki3fm]

I think more research needs to be developed in this particular area to know how to increase the efficiency of pv cells, but until then this source of energy cannot compete with other sources as they are much cheaper and more reliable.

[@afonsosr2]

But, regarding the Photovoltaic Power Plants isn't it possible for the Energy Supply Companies to build up storage facilities in the meantime? You know, if they hold a relevant area to generate a great amount of energy and because of it they sell this energy to industries, houses and some stores, it wouldn't be possible to invest in this and carry out this venture?

[@taunotooming6747]

To expensive probably! Using current technology, these storage facilities will have to use the same materials we are using for making batteries for cell phones, electric cars etc. Building large-scale storage facilities would increase the demand for these materials. Increasing demand would lead to increased price and so on...

[@kleim8885]

Yes, but why should they go with Variable Renewable + (Expensive) Storage when they can just use Nuclear/Gas/Oil (even coal) to produce electricity when Renewables don't? I'm not saying it won't happen, but it'll take surely more than 10 years. Maybe more than 20 years as Professor Morthorst says. For now the only viable electricity storage technology is Pumped-storage hydro. But that only works in countries/areas that have hydro and it still requires investment in the grid / country interconnections. For the moment reaching a point where all countries are able to cover peak demand with renewables (local or from neighboring countries) would be a huge step forward. We'll solve the 100% from VRE issue in due time. (I should not that many expect a boom in pumped-hydro in the next years, so that, rather than electric batteries may be the key.)