Harnessing the Sun: An Overview of Solar Technologies

The achievements and emerging efforts made by different countries in course of development of the solar photovoltaic (PV) energy and concentrating the solar power (CSP) are illustrated. The market share of PV and CSP have significantly grown, the potential impact on the stability and operation of the electricity grid might create the barriers to their future expansion. Grid connected PV installations in U.S. have increased over the years from 10 MW in 2001 to about 180 MW in 2006. The efforts for policy developments at the federal and state levels, coupled with technological improvements are helping to create a more receptive market for solar technologies in the United States. RSI study indicate the annual installations of grid-connected PV in the United States. National solar initiatives taken by U.S. have aimed at PV-generated electricity cost competitive with conventional energy sources across the United States.