Impacts of global electrification based upon photovoltaic technologies

The impacts of global electrification based upon photovoltaic technologies are examined and estimated from the following points of view: the number of photovoltaic systems in place, the power being delivered by them, the number of persons benefiting from the power being delivered, the total sales and economic benefits, and the number of jobs being created in manufacturing and installing them. Particular attention is given to estimated impacts on global electrification for rural (off-grid) populations in developing countries. The role of photovoltaic power technology as an enabling technology is discussed. Also, the growing impact of photovoltaic power technology as a competitive power technology for grid-connected needs is examined relative to its developing role as an alternative supplier of global electric power in competition with utility-generated power currently dominated by fossil- and nuclear-fueled electric generating plants. Finally, the positive impacts on the earth's environment as a result of generating electric power using photovoltaic technology are discussed relative to not producing carbon dioxide and other gases along with fuel wastes. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.