A roundtable magazine interview on the future of the solar industry.

1. ROUNDTABLE
Solar/PV
roundtable
The most talked-about feature in PES
returns, with a fresh selection of questions
for the industry’s most incisive and intelligent
commentators. Their approaches may differ,
but rest assured that you’re getting the very
best analysis that the industry can provide.
12 PES: Europe

2. ROUNDTABLE
Contributors
BETTINA WEISS PAUL BRODY ISABEL BOIRA- BRUCE CROSS JOHN MEADOWS ANDREAS WEISHEIT
Executive Director, PV Global Electronics SEGARRA Managing Director, Managing Director, Global Flat Panel
Group, SEMI Industry Leader, IBM Sector Leader for GB-Sol SCHOTT Solar UK Display/Solar and Asia
Global Business Renewables, Europe, Market Development,
Services EC Harris Linde Electronics
PES: Do you think we will see a time
when energy produced by solar/PV
is consumed at the point of demand and
is integrated within the fabric of the built
“Within Europe, it is
becomes a major export for Europe’s
sun-blessed countries?
environment. In Europe’s sunniest countries
where there is also enough land to install
possible to export ‘know-
Paul Brody: Yes, I believe that will be
ground-mounted farms, it can be deployed how’, and markets like
at a significantly larger scale, making
possible. Cross-border power generation
and sales are already standard practices
exports more feasible. Spain and Germany
in the utility industry and solar are likely Places like North Africa have the greatest are already exporting
to be no exception. There is certain to be potential for exporting solar energy as
challenges unique to solar including the fact solar irradiation is high, land is more readily knowledge on how to
available and local demand is lower. Within
that output cannot be guaranteed.
Europe, it is possible to export ‘know-how’ develop and implement
Additionally, Feed-in Tariffs which have
often been very generous to consumers
and markets like Spain and Germany are
already exporting knowledge on how to solar projects”
are usually backed with state guarantees develop and implement solar projects. This
or direct or indirect subsidies. That will not is likely to continue further in the coming Isabel Boira-Segarra
easily be applied to cross border outputs. years bringing associated economic benefits
to those economies. Solar power plants can work more efficiently
Given the fact that solar energy as of today in regions with greater sunlight. So it would
represents a relatively small share, the John Meadows: The grid is actually the be more economical to use part of the
priority will likely be consumption within bottleneck. Spain for example, with its huge subsidies from central European countries to
the home country first and export only potential for solar energy, is essentially an build solar power plants in Southern Europe.
once a threshold of solar in the mix has island when it comes to energy with hardly This can contribute to the target to increase
been reached. Initiatives like Desertec, for any connection to the rest of Europe. This the share of renewable energy, and make
example, will of course be a completely situation therefore needs to be looked at better use of the taxpayer’s money. German
different situation – as its primary goal is to more closely at the European level, and finance minister Schaeuble has suggested
export. grid expansion across borders needs to recently to build solar power plants in
be encouraged. The good news is that Greece and to import clean electricity. I think
Isabel Boira-Segarra: The potential for politicians have recognised this problem
solar energy is significant both across this is a trend that we will see more in the
and first actions are being taken, there is, future
Europe and on a wider global level. The however still a long way to go.
stability of the regulatory environment PES: Do you feel there is still some way
coupled with cost reductions associated Andreas Weisheit: The solar industry has to go in PV being taken seriously by
with economies of scale and learning, will been able to grow to the size where it is consumers and legislators as a viable
be crucial in determining how quickly it today thanks to subsidies and Feed-in source of energy?
takes off. Tarifs. In the long run it needs to become
self sustainable and to reach grid parity. Paul Brody: We believe the market is
Currently there are a number of countries In regions with high sun radiation such as maturing and the PV providers are maturing
in Europe with some type of Feed-in Tariff Italy this will be reached soon, while it will as well. A tipping point is near. As quoted in
mechanism to incentivise investment in solar take longer for Germany which is the largest the recently published EPIA report ‘Global
as it still remains too expensive to deploy on market for solar modules today. Eventually, Market Outlook for Photovoltaics till 2015’,
a large-scale basis without financial support. both industry and governments will need to in 2010 in Europe alone PV was leading
Solar PV has great potential across Europe consider how the available subsidies will be the renewable energy sector with 13.3 GW
as a form of renewable generation which used in the optimum way. installed, and was second only to gas power
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3. ROUNDTABLE
“In rapidly developing countries like India, countries. Considering the move towards
a non-nuclear policy that we are seeing,
though, where 400 million people are without renewables are growing in popularity much
more quickly than we would have expected
ready access to electricity and where an only a couple of years ago.
ambitious national solar roadmap is beginning to Andreas Weisheit: The solar industry is a
billion dollar industry today and projected
take hold, solar can make a huge difference in to become a 100 billion dollar industry very
soon. It is a substantial contributor to the
lifting them out of poverty and isolation” economy today and recognised as such. In
order to be a viable source for energy in the
long term, it needs to reach grid parity. New
Bettina Weiss investments along the value chain that we
see happening today will help to advance
on the learning curve and bring costs down,
and competition will drive down prices and
make solar energy affordable.
PES: How do you feel about large,
plants which had 18 to 20 GW installations. With electricity not outrageously expensive
conventional energy suppliers jumping on
In Spain and Germany, average contribution and with many jobs in central and Southern
the solar/PV ‘bandwagon’? Is it a cynical
from PV to electricity generation is more US depending on oil and coal, legislators
move or does it present an opportunity?
than two per cent of the total on average per there are still very reluctant to make the shift
year. from fossil fuels to renewables. In rapidly Paul Brody: A big opportunity. The jury is
developing countries like India, though, out on whether the bulk of solar will come
However in many cases today, PV remains
where 400 million people are without ready from big providers operating industrial-scale
more expensive than conventional electricity
access to electricity and where an ambitious plants or a highly distributed model. This
production methods. With the industry
national solar roadmap is beginning to take move will offer opportunities for the utilities,
progressing towards grid parity supported
hold, solar can make a huge difference in as they will have to adapt their business
by government incentives and schemes,
lifting them out of poverty and isolation. models transforming into new generation
competitiveness of PV with other energy
utilities than can take up important tasks in
sources will be achieved in around 5 years Isabel Boira-Segarra: This depends on
the future electricity grids as aggregators,
in several countries, according to EPIA which country you consider – in markets like
facilitators and network service providers.
(European Photovoltaic Industry Association). Germany PV is already widely recognised by
Just as with hybrid or electric cars, the both consumers and legislators as providing The addition of conventional sellers will
success of the Prius and the Tesla sports car a valuable contribution to the country’s add capacity, scale, and depth to the
changed market perception and started a overall energy mix. industry and that can only be good. Not
stampede towards these new products. only conventional energy suppliers, but
The regulatory uncertainty created in Spain
also some key oil and gas companies have
The same can apply to solar now even more, where they retrospectively amended the
already embarked on the PV opportunity.
especially as some European countries have Feed-in Tariffs, destabilises the market and
decided to exit their nuclear power strategy undermines the long-term certainty investors Additionally, Total recently announced
or not to enter into it. Also the nuclear power require to support renewable projects. In it is acquiring a stake in SunPower
future for Japan is under debate. All of this other markets like the UK a greater level of Corporation and Dow Chemical, a diversified
will result in a stronger need for renewable convincing is needed due in no small part to petrochemicals company, has also ventured
energies of which PV is going to be an scepticism around whether the UK climate is into solar energy as Dow Solar and recently
essential element. really suitable for solar energy. confirmed the construction of its new
manufacturing facility for producing solar
Bettina Weiss: I believe the level of To counteract this issue the industry needs
shingles.
renewable energy adoption by consumers to educate consumers on the benefits of PV
and the general public has a long way particularly when solar panels are integrated Many countries are now moving towards
to go. Most consumers are not familiar within the built environment. This ability to decentralised electricity generation. The
with purchasing energy, so it’s a learning generate energy on the point of demand decentralised model will however depend
process. In Europe, public mindset can help consumers significantly reduce on the availability of various technologies
was sensitised in the 1980s with fairly their energy bills and is a factor that helps to manage large penetrations of PV.
sophisticated recycling programs in small to differentiate solar from other larger scale These may include batteries peak load
communities. renewables such as marine energy. shaving (demand-side management),
mixing and balancing different sources of
I remember even back then separating John Meadows: Essentially, there has been
renewable energy through enhancement
glass, paper, even aluminum yogurt a consensus for some time that the future of
of interconnections between countries and
lids. This early awareness has certainly our energy supply lies in renewable energy
local grid management through smarter
contributed to the European embrace of sources. The only aspect that was and still
grids.
solar energy in particular, which culminated is being discussed today is how quickly the
in one of the strongest and fastest shift over to renewable energy should take Bettina Weiss: No, I don’t think it’s a
growing markets this industry has seen. place and how much this will cost. Today, cynical move – it’s a very necessary one to
In other parts of the world, even in many renewable energy sources in general and stay relevant. I remember talking to a GE
industrialised countries like the US, a lot of solar energy in particular already play an executive a number of years ago, who told
work remains to be done. important role in the energy mix in many me back then that Shell was looking at “all
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4. ROUNDTABLE
renewables across the board”. Fast forward a long-term payback. Project finance is there a concern – given the scope of
to PrimeStar Solar… Diversification is just a is now the most critical element of the variability in quality and efficiency in PV
smart thing to do. development process for PV systems. modules – over regulation and quality
The banks providing this financing have standards and the reputation of the
John Meadows: The more parties who get
become more involved in system design industry?
involved in solar PV the better. One should
and vendor and product selection. In an
not forget that large conventional energy Paul Brody: Depends on what you
effort to manage risk, many banks have
producers tend to operate centralised power consider as emerging suppliers. I believe
now established approved vendor lists
stations. It is actually decentralisation that we have a strong European basis of very
(AVLs). They will demand a higher yield
makes PV so wonderful. PV installations mature suppliers that are successful on a
on loans for projects involving unproven
are usually built relatively close to where global basis. Quality and efficiency of PV
vendors or unproven technologies.
the power is consumed, this offers modules is mostly driven by the underlying
advantages because it is consumed where Bruce Cross: The financial environment PV equipment technology and the effort
it is generated, which in turn, means lower is generally unstable, and has huge of the manufacturers to further develop
transmission and transformer related losses national variations around Europe. on this basis. Manufacturers in the main
and less dependence on imports. However there are intractable drivers geographies like Europe, Asia or Americas
that encourage the implementation have access to the same PV equipment
Furthermore, this provides greater support
of PV: the EU targets for renewable technology. So this is no differentiator.
for the local economy, due to the fact that
power generation, and carbon reduction
value is created directly at the location e.g. What differentiates is each manufacturer’s
commitments by national governments.
work for skilled craftsmen, etc. Generally effort to push the borders of efficiencies
Conversely, the mechanisms to achieve
speaking, decentralised power operations and cost per Watt peak. And also here
this are weak due to both constraints
promote diversity with respect to the Europe has a strong history with a close
in the capital markets and uncertainties
participants involved and a greater level of collaboration between industry, research
about financial returns since they are
competition over prices and innovations. institutes and academia. Considering the
primarily government driven.
typical cost disadvantage of European
Andreas Weisheit: I don’t think it is a
Isabel Boira-Segarra: Currently the PV manufactured products it is imperative for
cynical move. Large energy companies are
sector is dependent on subsidies so those players to differentiate through lower
driven by economics and normally can’t
unsurprisingly, in those markets where degradation or improved serviceability
afford to make cynical decisions. They
there are no subsides you tend to find low over their Asian competitors. Almost like a
understand that solar has great support
deployment of PV solutions. In the current premium brand strategy. So regulation and
within the public and government spheres.
environment there is widespread interest in quality standards can only help European
They can either accept to give up market
solar but the difficult economic conditions players.
share to new players, or to participate in
mean that investors are reticent unless
solar. That’s why we see more engagement.
there are attractive Feed-in Tariffs in place
PES: Given the current economic climate, and commitment from legislative bodies
how stable is the financial environment that these subsidies will not be subject to “Considering the move
for solar/PV development? change.
towards a non-nuclear
Paul Brody: Direct and indirect subsidies In markets like Spain and the Czech
remain key incentives for solar sales around Republic, retrospective alterations to tariffs policy that we are
the world. Given budget pressures, those eroded investor confidence as they were no
subsidies are likely to come under increased longer guaranteed a secure return on their seeing, renewables are
pressure in the coming years. Removing
them entirely could set the industry back
investment. Significant progress has been
made lowering the costs of PV and these
growing in popularity
substantially, so finding a way to gradually
transition away from big incentives or slow
efforts need to continue in order for the
industry to reach levels where initial capital
much more quickly
the pay-out without reducing the consumer expenditure outlay decreases further and it than we would have
ROI will be important. can eventually compete without subsidies.
Solar can pay for itself even for consumer Andreas Weisheit: The global solar market
expected only a couple
installations – but finding the right way is changing from developed markets that are of years ago”
to market this to consumers will be a driven by subsidies and FiTs, to emerging
challenge. PV companies need to think markets that are driven by energy needs and John Meadows
about the business model they have – grid parity. For these new markets financial
marketing, sales, and financing – to maintain support does not have priority anymore.
the attractiveness of the investment. Recent Developed markets like Germany and Italy Bettina Weiss: Yes, there is certainly
studies showing that home values rise with will shrink in the coming years – down to concern with respect to module reliability
the installation of PV could be critical in a level that is accepted and supported by and quality as well as the associated
unlocking financing and consumer interest in the governments. In Germany for example warranty for solar systems. Consumers
some countries. the government targets three to four GW would benefit from a harmonised approach
installations of solar modules per year. New to defining and implementing standards
Successful PV vendors will need to develop
installations were 7.4 GW in 2010 and will that give them easy-to-understand ways of
sophisticated finance offerings to attract
also exceed targets in 2011. So a reduction comparing solar systems, understanding
industrial customers wanting to avail
is mandatory. the degradation of efficiency over time,
themselves of the long-term economic
benefits of PV solar but who cannot free PES: With increasing numbers of amortisation and other aspects that will help
up large amounts of capital for such emerging manufacturers across Europe, them make informed decisions. We are part
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5. ROUNDTABLE
“There might be a quality concern in the short starts to contribute to a significant share
of total electricity generation. Fourth is
term, but already today tier one manufacturers infrastructure of supporting industry such
as project developers and installers.
have more than 20GW installed capacity – PES: Over the next five years, what
enough to cover the demand. Low quality increases in the efficiency of PV
technologies can we realistically expect?
standards will not be accepted by the market and Bruce Cross: PV has been developing by
will disappear quickly” continuous improvements for decades. It
seems likely that these incremental steps
Andreas Weisheit will continue, giving one or two percentage
points improvement. Large jumps in output
only come with significant changes, and
the long warranties given with PV modules
restrict the pace of uptake of new materials
of a dialogue among research institutes learn a lot from early adopters. In the case and processes.
and industry that attempts to tackle these of PV technology, Germany for example, is
questions and develop supporting standards one of the largest markets in Europe and Andreas Weisheit: Five years is difficult
and guidelines that would drive adoption is particularly well placed to export their to foresee. I will try on a two-three year
and at the same time avoid cheap, unreliable technical and commercial expertise to some horizon. Crystalline silicon should be able to
modules flooding the market. Transparency of their neighbouring countries in Eastern reach more than 16 per cent efficiency for
and consumer protection are key. Europe. multi-crystalline and ~18 per cent for mono-
crystalline technology, on a module basis
John Meadows: Quality is an extremely These new markets need to focus on and in mass production. That is 20 per cent
important issue, PV systems must show developing a stable regulatory framework (relative) higher than today’s levels. Besides
performance stability and longer service right from the very outset and establishing higher efficiency there will be very high focus
lives, even under the most severe climatic a level of support that kick starts the on costs – in particular on polysilicon.
conditions. Only then will it be possible to industry but avoids overheating the market
generate high yields for long periods of time. thus providing an adequate climate for For Cadmium Telluride the dominant
investment. As developers start to turn leader target 14 per cent efficiency in 2014.
To us, the standards of the IEC are not strict Thin-film silicon is just below 10 per cent
their attention East, investors will inevitably
enough. So SCHOTT Solar has committed today and target >11 per cent with through
follow so if these countries are to capitalise
itself to developing appropriate standards improved light adsorption. Industry leader
on this interest they will need to ensure that
and helping the respective organisations Oerlikon have launched a product that offers
they have the market conditions in place
to develop tests. Something that can serve 10 per cent efficiency and 0.50 Eur/Wp cost
to attract the upfront capital investment
as a good example is the TÜV Rheinland’s today. CIGS is the wildcard - while it offers
needed to get the solar industry up and
the 2010 Energy Yield Test. Thanks to new efficiency beyond 15 per cent in the lab,
running.
software, a completely shadow free test roof
companies have not been able to transfer
and highly precise measuring equipment, John Meadows: They are certainly this into mass production until today.
TÜV Rheinland was able to raise the test to benefiting from how prices have been
an entirely new level. developing recently, also the German PES: Following the announcement of a
Feed-in Tariff model provides an excellent joint EU-Japan project to develop high
In this test, SCHOTT Solar AG was awarded
example to follow. efficiency concentrator solar/PV cells,
first place for its SCHOTT PERFORM
do you expect to see more of these
POLY 225 photovoltaic module that proved The German Renewable Energy Act “EEG” international collaborations?
especially powerful in comparison to the 12 is widely recognised as being the most
other modules from various manufacturers successful political tool for promoting Paul Brody: Developing superior PV
which were also evaluated renewable energies. A report from the EU technologies and manufacturing facilities
Commission confirms that the EEG is both that scale is a capital intensive business.
Andreas Weisheit: There are more than
the most effective and least expensive way For many companies, the only way to stay
300 manufacturers active in the area of
of increasing the share of renewable energy competitive will be through collaboration.
solar cells and solar modules globally, most
in the total energy mix. Innovation these days is mostly coming from
of them in China. As the industry matures,
collaboration amongst various parties – the
there will be a consolidation. Only the quality Andreas Weisheit: The key prerequisites days when innovation happened behind
and cost leaders will survive. There might are, firstly, FiTs with clear regulations at
locked doors are gone. For example we
be a quality concern in the short term, what conditions solar electricity will be
are working with Solar Frontier on joint PV
but already today tier one manufacturers fed into the grid. Even at grid parity such
research program.
have more than 20GW installed capacity – regulations will be required – at wholesale
enough to cover the demand. Low quality electricity prices. Second is a transparent So the industry is more and more getting
standard will not be accepted by the market process for approving solar installations into this mode of working which is a very
and will disappear quickly. to get access to the grid. Countries like good sign. In our semiconductor business
Greece could not grow quickly even with at IBM, we have assembled a global alliance
PES: As new Eastern European markets
an FiT in place, as the process of approval of technology companies to jointly invest
develop, can they learn from Western
was complicated and lengthy. Third is a in and develop the latest generation of
Europe to faster/better adopt solar/PV?
grid that can absorb solar power readily. semiconductor systems. This method is
Isabel Boira-Segarra: Like any other Not so much a concern in the early challenging to run, but it has allowed us to
industry new players in the solar market can stages, but important when solar power stay at the forefront of the industry despite
16 PES: Europe

6. ROUNDTABLE
the fact that R&D costs and build costs for Defect monitoring with proactive alerts to the general public, still face the challenge
new factories are running into the billions of field service technicians and automated of raising the initial capital that is required
dollars. spare parts delivery are available as a to buy and install a PV system. They
technology in neighbouring markets may choose to opt for a ‘free electricity’
We see a similar challenge in solar. The key
but are not used today in PV. Or look at arrangement whereby they do not fund
will be the business model maturity of the
highly granular weather forecast for cloud the equipment and in return they forego
players participating. It takes a sophisticated
movements and so on – this is all available the revenue generated by the FiT. But to
approach to R&D, capital spending and as of today but at the end of the day it increase the uptake of PV at the private
intellectual property management to make needs a brave first-mover in the industry domestic level, it is necessary to effect
global R&D and manufacturing alliances to adapt technologies like this. And while institutional change that extends beyond
work. scaling up such solutions they will become policymakers and encompasses banks and
Bettina Weiss: At SEMI, we are seeing it much cheaper and will certainly help to other financial institutions.
already. We are supporting a SEMI Special elevate today’s PV business cases.
If it was easier to access funding then the
Interest Group – the Crystalline Silicon Isabel Boira-Segarra: Practices such as level of interest from this market segment
Manufacturers Group or CTM – in their defect monitoring and viability studies play would grow, particularly if it was combined
efforts to develop a c-Si PV technology an increasingly important role especially with a well-thought out educational
roadmap. We are actively engaged with when it comes to increasing the certainty of programme demonstrating the benefits and
the newly formed, SEMATECH and performance from PV solutions on small- dispelling some of the fears associated with
CNSE-led PV Manufacturing Consortium scale schemes where there may not be a this technology.
in the U.S., and I wouldn’t be surprised dedicated resource to monitor performance.
if Asian manufacturers saw the benefits In larger systems improving efficiency
of a collaborative effort very soon as and increasing productivity are critical in
well. There are clear advantages to be maximising returns.
gained by finding areas that benefit from
collaboration – manufacturing cost drivers, Big players are more attuned to this issue
“Large jumps in
process efficiency, silicon wafer parameters, and are leading the way in helping to
demonstrate the return solar technology can
output only come with
materials requirements, etc. These efforts
appear to be strongest when bringing deliver to the balance sheet. At a time when significant changes,
PV solutions are increasingly competing with
government, industry and research to the
table around clearly defined goals. other sectors for limited levels of funding and the long warranties
John Meadows: There are actually two
this ability to demonstrate financial return
will be increasingly important when it comes given with PV modules
ways to make PV more competitive, firstly
reducing the manufacturing costs and
to winning the hearts and minds of the
investor community across the globe.
restrict the pace of
secondly increasing module efficiency.
PES: After the FiT cuts in the UK for uptake of new materials
This calls for intensive research efforts,
there are already many initiatives at both
medium/large installations, should there
be greater incentives and initiatives
and processes”
the national and international level and we for the private installer to redress the
certainly hope this trend will continue. balance? Bruce Cross
Andreas Weisheit: The solar industry is Bruce Cross: The UK FiT has suffered
already a global industry today. Leaders like a loss of confidence by the investment
First Solar manufacture in the US, Germany community. The tariff for small domestic PES: Will Europe ever be able to match
and Malaysia and are extending their base. installations makes a good case as an the proposed massive-scale PV plants of
In the future we will see more collaboration investment already – the difficulty is that the US and China?
where R&D is undertaken in developed the public lack trust in the government not
Paul Brody: Yes, it is possible. This is
countries, and directly transferred to plants to change their minds again. They feel that
particularly true if we see the entry of
in China, Taiwan and Korea. there is a chance that their income stream
major utilities into high volume, mega-
will be retrospectively cut in some years
PES: How are supplemental solar/PV scale projects. In fact, according to EPIA
time, and their investment return might
technologies and practices helping in in 2010, Germany was leading in global PV
be compromised. These reservations are
easing the concerns of investors in these space with 7.4GW installed and a national
shared by the small business community
tough economic times? target of 51 GW by 2020. With lowest
who might be investing in sub-50kW
system prices and FiTs also amongst the
Paul Brody: The important word here systems. A positive marketing campaign
lowest (average of 0.26Eur/kWh produced),
is “investors.” I believe everything that by the government might resolve these
Germany continues to attract investors.
improves the return on investment from concerns.
In order to remain competitive, however,
renewable energy sources is appreciated.
Isabel Boira-Segarra: The UK government European companies need to build captive
Today most PV installations are pretty
could argue that their recent decision to demand sales pipeline with the utility and
simple in nature. No adaptation to
prioritise very small scale solar schemes by independent power producer firms.
surrounding conditions is the current norm.
redirecting the available funding away from
However, there are technologies in the The EPIA also indicates that at least 50-
larger schemes is clear evidence of their
making or already out there, which help to 55 per cent of the total value of the PV
commitment to small private installers.
actively manage PV performance. I can refer system is created close to the end market,
to the IBM 7HV technology which is a power Nevertheless, funding through the FiTs only of which 80 per cent was located in the
management chip that helps to improve PV becomes available once solar panels are EU countries in 2010. At present, while a
output by up to 15 per cent. operational. Small private installers such as large number (50 per cent) of c-Si type of
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7. ROUNDTABLE
“Regulatory obstacles, small and large, make achieve this, the industry needs to build
common campaigns with end-consumer
a big impact. It can be as simple as getting organisations. By working with the
customer, the joint voice will have greater
municipalities to change rules on trimming trees credibility with political bodies.
to facilitate sunlight on the roof” Andreas Weisheit: There remains work to
be done to educate policy makers about
the benefits and opportunities of solar. The
Paul Brody solar industry will benefit from the resulting
market growth, so it is its interest to invest
in the education and influencing of policy
makers.
PES: There was a time when there was a
green jobs shortage. Has the market now
matured enough to address this?
PV modules are assembled in China, most market, rather than firing it. There is a huge Paul Brody: Yes, we think so. The
of the Thin-Film manufacturing plants are opportunity for solar in these territories. perception of green jobs has not only
located in other parts of the world, leaders increased in the Industry but also in the
PES: There have been efforts made
being the EU, USA, Japan and Malaysia. population. Countries like Germany are one
by associations and consortiums to
of the leading examples.
Another fact that will help to massive reduce the administrative barriers to
scale up PV plants in Europe could be PV implementation. To what extent is it According to the German Association of
the geographical advantages Southern the industry’s responsibility to influence Renewable Energies, they have today
Europe is offering. Spain as one example policy making? about 220,000 employees in this sector
has a vast amount of less-populated areas and are predicting a demand in 2020 of
representing one of the most arid and sun- Paul Brody: Regulatory obstacles, small
about 500,000 employees. According to
rich areas in Europe. As grid technology and large, make a big impact. It can
EPIA, on average, 30 full-time equivalent
is improving and grid parity getting closer, be as simple as getting municipalities
(FTE) jobs are created for each MW of solar
this will give Europe all the chances to to change rules on trimming trees to
power modules produced and installed.
massive-scale up faster PV plants. facilitate sunlight on the roof. It can also The figure for employment takes into
be as complex as managing inter-state account the whole PV value-chain including
Isabel Boira-Segarra: The US and and country connections in the electrical research centres, installers, and producers
China have a massive advantage over grid. Receptivity to helping PV systems of silicon, wafers, cells, modules and other
Europe when it comes to building their get deployed is high in governments components. Over 3.5 million people could
solar industry simply because on a around the world. If the industry be employed in the PV sector in 2030.
purely physical level they have much invests in lobbying for administrative
more land in which to build large- improvements, it will find supportive Obviously this is going to be a big
scale plants. Solar panels are typically and helpful regulators. Streamlining opportunity for young people to embark in
ground or roof mounted and are land administrative procedures and reducing this ‘green’ journey and to seek their chance
intensive so countries like the UK are at the lead times will help keeping project in this type of emerging renewable energy
a significant disadvantage compared to costs down and avoiding unnecessary markets. As markets are maturing this
places like China or the US. Furthermore, high levels of FiTs. also represent an opportunity for industry
the regulatory environment has a major solution and service providers like IBM. In
influence on how quickly the solar industry Bettina Weiss: SEMI’s mission as a the end this is going to be a ‘war for talents’
can develop and history suggests that it global industry association is to remove where the most agile and most attractive are
is easier to push these schemes through barriers, be they administrative, trade- going to take a higher share.
in places like China where there is less related or around innovative technology
development. Through our International John Meadows: The market has certainly
protocol to follow and less attention paid
Standards Program, for example, we have matured. Due to the fact that the solar
to public reaction. In some European
been able to provide the industries we industry hasn’t been around for that long,
markets where there has been an appetite
serve a platform to collectively address most of the jobs are still held by people who
to increase the focus on PV, regulatory
non- or pre-competitive challenges. This in come from other industries.
challenges can act as an impediment to
the progress of the industry. turn gives them the time to focus on true However as the market develops there is
innovation and differentiation. However, an increased level of training and education
Andreas Weisheit: US and China have we do think that the industry – the entire available to encourage graduates and
higher energy demand and areas with supply chain ecosystem, actually – has the engineers to consider this sector for
higher sun irradiation than Europe. Under biggest pull when it comes to implementing employment. In any case, cleantech is
grid parity conditions we expect to see favorable legislation that bolsters renewable a fast growing sector, and we won’t be
the largest PV power plants in these energy generation and deployment. Industry complaining about a shortage of green jobs
countries. Another region of interest is the stakeholders are the ones who will create in the foreseeable future.
Middle East. Whilst this is a location with
new jobs and strengthen the standing
abundance sunshine, grid parity is difficult Andreas Weisheit: There is currently a
of a domestic market. That’s a language
to achieve because electricity is subsidised shortage of solar specialists in areas of
government officials understand.
and very cheap. Governments recognise high growth like in China. It will take some
that they can save and optimise resources Bruce Cross: It is certainly in the industry’s time till this is overcome. On the other
when they sell their oil and gas at the interest to influence policy, but to best hand the current situation of oversupply
18 PES: Europe

8. ROUNDTABLE
will lead to consolidation and possibly to a renewables but this will need to be ramped
more balanced situation. When the industry up over the coming years to help service a
matures and moves to growth rates of 20 per growing demand
cent or below (from >100 per cent in 2010),
John Meadows: We are quite confident that
the infrastructure for education and training
this is the case, nevertheless as I mentioned
should be able to match that growth.
earlier, many of our highly skilled employees
PES: Do you feel there is enough support actually developed their skills in other fields,
at the skills development and educational such as the semiconductor, chemical or
level to equip the next generation with the automotive industry, for instance.
tools they need to work in, and continue
Today, we are receiving more and more
to develop, the PV industry?
applications from highly motivated
Paul Brody: PV will provide for increased individuals who are driven to protect the
number of jobs in the future, however this environment by working in the solar industry.
will have to be supported by adequate skills Andreas Weisheit: As previously
and appropriate education. Some of the mentioned, currently there is a shortage
most relevant qualifications across the PV of specialists and the market will continue
value chain are: to grow at a much higher rate than
• Solar module production: a background in other markets. Investments are made at
chemistry, physics and specialisation in PV educational level, and the industry needs at
the minimum to maintain that momentum.
• PV system integration: technicians and
engineers for mounting of systems along PES: With the visual impact and effect on
with highly skilled staff for management, local environments still a barrier to the
contracting, design and marketing implementation of large scale PV plants,
is the future in smaller developments
• Installation: certified installers; ideally serving localised communities?
electricians, plumbers, roofers and other
Bruce Cross: Micro-generation has
construction workers will have to develop
advantages in lower distribution
specialised knowledge on PV installations
requirements and the ability to utilise PES would like to thank all our roundtable
• Recycling of PV modules: qualified existing infrastructure for mounting and contributors. For more information,
and trained in chemistry, physics with connection, especially when built as part please visit their respective websites:
understanding of recycling issues and of a new development where it is designed
in at the start. Local community support is Bettina Weiss
technology
much greater as the project can be seen as Executive Director, PV Group, SEMI
* R&D: experienced scientists and engineers being of direct benefit to those affected. www.semi.org
with a high specialisation in PV
Andreas Weisheit: There are two market Paul Brody
Particularly of importance will be early segments where solar can capture a Global Electronics Industry Leader,
practical training in PV, project oriented significant share of the energy market in the IBM Global Business Services
education, and external trainings in the future. One is large scale power plants in www.ibm.com/gbs
industry. sunny areas, where electricity then needs Isabel Boira-Segarra
Isabel Boira-Segarra: If the industry does to be transported through the grid to the Sector Leader for Renewables, Europe,
grow as expected there will be a need for area where it is needed. The other is local EC Harris
a greater number of qualified people who generation and use. This needs storage www.echarris.com
can install and maintain solar panels. There technologies however, which are costly
to add to solar plants today. I see a larger Bruce Cross
are already some existing professional
potential to the large scale PV plants in the Managing Director, GB-Sol
training qualifications although as demand www.gb-sol.co.uk
rises there will be room to complement future.
these further. This gap can be filled from John Meadows
other areas within the construction industry Managing Director, SCHOTT Solar UK
such as roofing, electrical or assembly www.schott.com/uk/english/
work where the skills required are broadly
Andreas Weisheit
transferable.
Global Flat Panel Display/Solar and Asia
Higher level skills are necessary in the Market Development, Linde Electronics
manufacture of PV cells and panels and www.linde-gas.com/electronics
in the design of PV systems. The former
can to some extent be transferred from
the electronic industry whereas the latter
skills are more specific. In order to meet Opinion makers and idealists wanted!
expected growth, there will be a need Would you like to sit on the next roundtable? We’re currently looking for
for a global workforce that is educated contributors and would welcome applications. Please contact the editor,
on these specialist areas. In the UK and Simeon de la Torre, at sim@pes.eu.com for details.
across Europe there are already several
universities who offer specific MA degrees in
www.pessolar.com 19