A translation-oriented analysis of a report issued by the European Photovoltaic Industry Association

5 Chapter 1 SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAICS - A BASIS FOR CHANGE Premise Electricity supply systems all over the world are facing the most rapid changes in their operating environments and technologies. These rapid changes require a more multi-faceted approach to confront with energy demand in a responsible manner. Policymakers, industries and business managers recognize the importance of investing in renewable sources to face climate changes, because these sources are essential to reduce greenhouse gases and guarantee the security of a safe and local energy supply. Solar photovoltaics (PV) development in EU is the right solution to create a sustainable economy for the future, where technology innovations create jobs and social cohesion; so the right regulatory framework and market conditions can ensure that PV will fulfill its full potential as a clean and renewable energy source in our future energy mix. Switching to solar photovoltaic electricity is a realistic and competitive option for achieving our energy and environmental goals, in fact its costs are projected to fall farther over the next 10 years, on the contrary the costs for the construction of new nuclear plants, which have risen over the last decade, will continue to rise. PV technology has shown impressive price reductions over the last 20 years, with the price of PV modules decreasing by over 20%, so there is an interesting opportunity for further generation cost decline: around 50% until 2020.