Fostering the Use of Photovoltaic Systems in China <Research Notes>

This paper provides information on photovoltaic (PV) systems, the challenges and possibilities for their use and discusses some policy and planning implications that can be derived from the use of such systems. It presents the main issues concerned and the current status of the market, a discussion of the disadvantages and advantages and risks and opportunities related to the use of solar energy. Off-grid PV systems can represent a cheaper and more feasible option than connection to the remote grids and can secure energy for a larger portion of the population. Grid-connected PV systems also support energy security since they attenuate the risks related to peak demand and guarantee a more diversified energy portfolio. The authors conclude that the government of the People's Republic of China should implement a subsidy scheme based on a well-designed fed-in tariff in order to develop its PV program throughout the country.