Large-Scale Photovoltaic Energy Production from Thin-Film Modules

Thin-film photovoltaic (PV) modules that convert sunlight directly into electricity are widely viewed as important and viable options for large-scale electricity production. During the past decade, the annual growth rate in PV module shipments averaged 46%. If this dramatic growth continues, which many sources indicate is likely, PV-generated electricity could produce a majority of the projectednew electricity needs of the United States by ~2020 (~0.2x10^12 kWh new capacity required by ~2020). It could also surpass the energy generated by all U.S. nuclear power plants by ~2030 (~0.8x10^12 kWh electricity produced by nuclear in 2004) and produce the equivalent amount of all energy presently consumed in the United States from all energy sources by ~2040 (energy equivalent of ~30x10^12kWh consumed in 2004) [1,2,3].