Subsidising Photovoltaics in the EU

The current support for electricity generation by way of photovoltaics is failing to meet the European Union's climate and energy policy targets: It is not resulting in a reduction in carbon dioxide or in lower electricity prices. Neither has security of supply increased. In addition, it has not succeeded in developing an internationally competitive industry for the manufacture of photovoltaic modules in the EU.

cepInput

Technologies which are permanently uncompetitive or, like photovoltaics, already established, should not continue to be subsidised. Instead, support should be given to research into new energy technology. Insofar as photovoltaics continue to be subsidised, support should be designed to be competitive and neutral with regard to location so that photovoltaic plants are set up in locations with the highest levels of solar radiation and no longer in areas where subsidy levels are highest.