Task 1 continuously researches the drivers and status of PV development both in IEA PVPS countries and globally. It provides at least two reports or special events annually, highlighting the key developments in the PV sector.
In 2024, Task 1 produced several reports that highlighted key developments in the PV sector.
A Snapshot of Global PV Report
The Snapshot of Global PV report is compiled from the preliminary market development information provided annually by all countries participating in the IEA PVPS Programme. Published in April, the Snapshot report provides a first sound estimate of the prior year’s PV market. Task 1 members collect and share data in the report, supplying an early look at the previous year’s market developments and policy drivers. In particular, the 2024 edition highlighted the disparity in growth across major and regional markets, and the impact of geopolitical and upstream factors on market costs and growth.
Trends in Photovoltaic Applications Report
Compiled from data collected for the annual National Survey Reports (NSR; below) and information supplied by a worldwide network of market and industry experts, the Trends in Photovoltaic Applications report presents a broad view of the current status and trends relating to the development of PV globally. It provides accurate information on the evolution of the PV market and the industry value chain, with a clear focus on support policies and the business environment, whilst also bringing an in-depth analysis of the drivers and factors behind PV market development and an analysis of the global PV market and industry.
Funded by the IEA PVPS Programme, it is prepared by a small editorial group within Task 1 and is communicated by Task 1 participants to their identified national target audiences, at selected conferences and meetings and can be downloaded from the IEA-PVPS website with all previous editions. A summary is published in PV Magazine, and its results are disseminated widely in industry media, including a webinar hosted by ISES in October 2024.
National Survey Reports
A key component of the collaborative work carried out within the PVPS Programme, the National Survey Reports (NSR) provide a detailed look into what has happened in the specific country over the year. Written (and funded) by the country teams, the reports build on Task 1 discussions on effective data collection across the range of subjects addressed, from national market frameworks, public budgets, the industry value chain, prices, economic benefits, new initiatives including financing and electricity utility interests. Ten reports covering 2023 were published on the www.iea-pvps.org website over the 2nd semester, with the first becoming available from June.
Exploring the opportunities for photovoltaics in energy transition scenarios
Task 1 members explored the role photovoltaics could play in regional energy transition scenarios in a workshop held in the South Pacific in the lead up to the first South Pacific Solar Conference held in Tahiti, French Polynesia (below). During the workshop members analyzed the opportunities arising from different socio-economic, climate and geopolitical situations for solar in 100% renewables energy transition scenarios, identifying levers and barriers, and initiating future collaboration on the subject.
South Pacific Solar Conference
Held in Novembre 2024 in Tahiti, French Polynesia, Task 1 members joined local experts to present the latest information on policy, market and industry related frameworks and technology advances for the 80 participants of the first South Pacific Solar Conference. The first 100% renewables energy transition scenario for the South Pacific was presented by Finnish representative Christian Breyer, discussing how technological advancement is supporting viable scenarios, demonstrating pathways to more energy independence for island states. The important role of batteries and intelligent dimensioning strategies, advances in recycling and environmental studies to support social acceptability and the impact of manufacturing prices drops on affordability and competitivity were presented. In parallel, local industry actors were quick to take advantage of one of the first industry wide events held in the region.
Task 1 activities in 2025 will continue to focus on supporting experts in other PVPS tasks, policy and decision makers as well as market and industry stakeholders.
Task 1 will continue providing quality information and effective communication after analyses on subjects from support policies, markets and industry to provide reliable, accurate and pertinent information, focusing on market intelligence and data collection, with an eye to emerging trends and upcoming subjects.
Members will also work collaboratively on analysing how different energy transition scenarios rely on photovoltaics, to support a wider adoption in international scenarios.
Task 1 aims at following the evolution of the PV development, analyzing its drivers and supporting policies. It aims at advising the PVPS stakeholders about the most important developments in the program countries and broadly. It focuses on facts, accurate numbers and verifiable information in order to give the best possible image of the diversity of PV support schemes in regulatory environment around the globe.
Task 1 aims at serving as the Think Tank of the PVPS programme, providing the Executive Committee and dedicated tasks with ideas and suggestions on how to improve the research content of the PVPS programme. In that respect, Task 1 has identified in 2013 at least four fields of possible improvement for PVPS activities. In order to build on the strategy meeting in Stockholm, Task 1 led in September 2012 a first session dedicated to the improvement of communication in general. The meeting in Vienna in February 2013 was partially used to conduct a strategy exercise, focusing on Task 1’s actions in the future. Task 1 has decided to go forward with regulars updates of what could contribute to the future PVPS strategy. In that respect, Task 1 will provide inputs for possibly enhancing the content of other PVPS tasks.
Task 1 aims at communicating about the main findings of the PVPS programme through the most adequate communication channels. In that respect, five main type of communication actions are conducted throughout the year.
In order to gather adequate information and to disseminate the results of research within Task 1, cooperation with external stakeholders remains a cornerstone of the PVPS programme.
This cooperation takes places with:
