THE VALUE OF PHOTOVOLTAIC ELECTRICITY FOR SOCIETY

This paper addresses several issues to be considered when assessing the value of PV electricity. The value of PV has been examined from Various perspectives-consumer, utility, and environmental- and for central and decentralized PV systems. Aggregating these benefits leads to the value of PV for society. In this context, economic and ecological aspects have been considered. Furthermore, feedback from consumers drawing electricity directly from the sun have been taken into account. This is expressed mainly as energy conservation and load-shift effects triggered by changes in consumer behaviour due to decentralized PV systems. Finally, it is proposed that, collectively, the benefits of PV systems will ensure its continued promotion and development as an energy resource, resulting in a presumably slow but steady increase in market penetration.