11.10.2010

GRÄTZEL'S VISIT ATTRACTED FINNISH PV EXPERTS TO MIKKELI

Finland has top-level photovoltaic (PV) research, but lacks corresponding industrial activity. According to experts in the PV sector, consumer incentives are key to the emergence of new business opportunities.

During a coffee break at the New Millennium Materials Seminar, Professor Jouko Korppi-Tommola from the University of Jyväskylä is deep in conversation with Professor Michael Grätzel. Using his laptop, Korppi-Tommola is presenting the latest results of his research into chemical reactions on the surface of Grätzel-cell dye molecules. While other delegates enjoy coffee in the lobby, the two researchers are engaged in an intensive discussion sitting in the front row of an otherwise empty lecture room.

In the lecture he delivered a short while earlier, Grätzel pointed out why solar energy is a good investment: "By 2050, a 10-15 terawatt gap will need to be covered by renewable energy sources."

Although the Finnish research community was well represented at the seminar, representatives of Finnish industry were conspicuous by their absence. Business people will only come calling once consumers are offered simple incentives which encourage them to consider getting involved in renewable energy sources. Experts fear that the current trend will result in Finland's involvement in PV technology remaining at low levels.

One source of particular annoyance is pending government legislation on feed-in tariffs. A new law that will come into force in 2011 ensures a guaranteed price for electricity generated from renewable energy sources. To everyone's surprise, photovoltaic technology was excluded - the bill only applies to energy production using wind and biogas resources.

"Even having the same guaranteed price as that for wind power would boost the local PV market," says Timo Rosenlöf, CEO of Naps Systems, a PV manufacturer.

German citizens are investing in solar energy

The seminar's hot topic was Germany, where feed-in tariffs for renewable energy and favourable attitudes within society have resulted in a real boom in solar power. Last year, solar generating capacity with a peak capacity of 3800 MW was installed. Annual production by installations completed in 2009 equals the yearly output of a nuclear power plant unit such as the one at Loviisa in Finland.

One of the winners in the German PV boom is Naps Systems Oy, a bright spot in the Finnish PV sector. Germany is the company's main market, while Finland counts for less than 5% of the company's net sales.

Solar technology produced by Naps Systems is purchased by German citizens. The concept of owning your own small energy-production plant has proved a fascinating one, especially since access to the electricity grid for micro production units is also guaranteed.

"In Finland, you have to beg power companies to connect your solar panels to their grid - and they don't pay for the electricity your system generates," says Rosenlöf. "Another illustration of the difference between the two countries is that if German power companies don't install grid connections quickly enough, people take legal action to speed things up."

In Korppi-Tommola's opinion, consumer incentives should be as simple as possible. "If you build your own solar collectors to produce hot water, EUR 1000 should be deposited in your bank account," he says.

Solar radiation levels in southern Finland equal those in northern Germany

Finland has plenty of solar power sceptics. Professor Helge Lemmetyinen from Tampere University of Technology, a researcher whose focus is on organic solar-cell technology, points out that the country's long summer days mean that annual solar radiation levels in southern Finland are equivalent to those in northern Germany.

"Even though Finnish winters are long, engaging in technology development and production is essential. We can locate the solar panels where plenty of solar radiation is available and then conduct the electricity here," he says. "After all, Finland has no domestic oil production either."

Dr. Winfried Hoffman, Vice President of the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA), has good news about developments in the cost of solar electricity. In 1990, at German - and Finnish - solar radiation levels, it was EUR 1.1/kWh. It is now less than EUR 0,40/kWh. In 2020, in regions such as Spain, the cost is expected to fall below EUR 0,10/kWh. When inexpensive third-generation solar cells, organic and Grätzel cells enter the market, the industry's recent 50% annual growth rates could soar even further.

"Pessimistic forecasts regarding solar generation capacity don't take technological development and associated breakthroughs into account. Solar power is a long way from being mature technology," says Hoffman.

Text: Petja Partanen / Tarinatakomo