As you may recall. The portal rynok. biz, published in late July analytic. article about the prospects of solar energy in Ukraine. In which I appeared as an expert. Originally this article was meant as an interview, but for some reason has been published in another form. This is somewhat distorted and a little common sense knocked the logic of presentation. Therefore, I consider it expedient to lay out another more complete version of this interview, which is initiated and conducted Irina SERGUN:.
The limited resources of the world, energy dependence and the threat of global warming, many countries have long led to an understanding of the importance of renewable energy. The most developed sectors of renewable energy today are solar and wind power. Solar energy - the most powerful non-polluting source of energy, and most importantly - practically free. It can be used for various purposes, ranging from individual homes provide energy, and the last space satellites and spacecraft. On the problems of becoming the industry and we 'll talk in today's interview with Dmitry Lukomskii, candidate of technical sciences, a leading expert on the restructuring and optimization of business, company ...
Hello, please tell us what are the types of solar cells, their structure and characteristics of life?.
good day. Currently, there are many different types of solar cells that convert solar energy into electricity, and they can be classified in various ways. In the first place I recommend to pay attention to the technology of manufacturing photovoltaic cells, from which they are collected.
The most common crystalline photovoltaic cells made of mono-or multisilicon, as well as thin-film solar cells based on materials such as amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride, gallium arsenide, indium phosphide and other compounds. Recent estimates of the market share of crystalline solar cells is about 93%, and the thin-film - about 7 %, respectively. Also, there are more exotic destinations as the concentration and electrochemical solar cells, but their share is still very small. Such development has more to do field research than to the production on an industrial scale. In addition, solar panels can be classified according to their field of application - terrestrial or space applications.
The most massive segment is, of course, crystalline silicon solar terrestrial destination. As a first approximation, the design of such batteries is a ... All this is tightly assembled and packaged in an aluminum frame, equipped with a small junction box and terminals for connection to the load. Glass on the front side of the module performs a protective function, while allowing the radiation to the working cells.
When operating the working surface of the battery must be kept open and clean, as their efficiency drops sharply. Often, consumers are asked what would happen if the surface of the battery, for example, fall leaves or snow will fall. Neither is any other case, nothing bad will happen. Just temporarily decrease the efficiency of electricity generation, t. e. capacity of the system falls. But solar panels are mounted at an angle to the horizon, so that any dirt not just stay on the surface. But the maintenance in the form of periodic cleaning of the surface, of course, it is necessary.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using solar energy?.
Among the advantages of ... For example, silicon solar cells, solar working in such countries as Spain, return the energy spent on their production during the first 2 years, and are - at least 20 years. Another advantage is the continuous decrease in the cost of solar electricity, which analysts predict will be equal to the cost of traditional no later than 2015. In addition, the mass production of ... n.
From a technical point of view, the benefits of solar systems are the lack of need for any type of fuel, as well as in the absence of moving parts that make noise and wear. There is no need to conduct time-consuming maintenance of installed systems to support them in working condition.
As for drawbacks, the main one - is the inability at present to compete on cost with traditional forms of electricity. Without public support the use of solar systems in places where there is normal access to the network, today inadvisable. And we are well seen in Ukraine, where the cost of installing a simple system for the country home of tens of thousands of euros with the corresponding periods considerable return on investment.
What types of solar cells produced today in Ukraine? .
In our country, traditionally made and, hopefully, still be space for solar panels (for example, a block of PV modules for the Egyptian satellite). But these are small projects aimed primarily at supporting the national scientific and technological capacity. A massive solar cells for terrestrial use produces only one company - JSC ... All other occasional announcements about the launch of emerging industries while others turned out to be nothing more than declarations. Also in Ukraine, manufactured ingots and silicon wafers ( of ... Another activity in the production of materials and components for solar power has not yet been.
... to. about 8 years ago was involved in research and development and organization of production of solar cells and solar modules for this company. After working there for almost 6 years, I can say with confidence that the competitive advantage of enterprise - is a high quality European standards at a lower price, comparable to the prices of Chinese or Indian manufacturers. Although the technology used and is based on well-known principles, but a large number of its own findings and ...
Who is the consumer of their products at the moment? .
The use of solar power makes economic sense where there is public support in this direction. Among the countries pursuing such a policy, the most prominent role played by Germany, Spain, Italy, USA, South Korea and Japan. That they now form a global market of solar energy. Including the domestic producers (or rather - as long as a single manufacturer), so the major part of production is exported to these countries.
In Ukraine, while solar panels are used very little. You can only talk about individual completed projects such as replacement of the solar installation of diesel generators on the island of Serpents, the electrification of the hospital in Mariupol, lighting the main street in jail, etc. n. But all of them can be counted on the fingers. Private individuals also put solar panels primarily for backup power supply houses or use them for organizing landscape lighting. But the price of the question for them is still very high.
If possible, give examples, where else can use solar panels.
Sure. Talking about the feasibility of using solar systems in our country is possible only in a few cases. First, if this is an urgent need, t. to. object is removed from the centralized power lines and cabling will be unreasonably expensive or it is physically impossible. Second, if you want to get a measure of independence, t. e. receive ... Third, if you need to ensure the stability of electrical supply and environmental cleanliness, t. e. if the house is often the light disappears, and there are problems with the reliability of electricity supply, but have no desire to put a diesel generator (noise, odors, the need for regular maintenance, etc. n. ). Fourth, if you want to translate a design decision - for example, you want everything to landscape lighting and lighting of your home to work from sun. Fifth, if there is a desire and ability to keep pace with the times - you are obsessed with energy conservation, environment and new technologies. And finally - if you want to emphasize their own prestige and to stand out among friends, t. to. Few people today can afford to chip in as a full-fledged solar system with electric all your home. But at the same time economically viable to install solar panels only in the first case, t. e. acute need for physical. Everything else - it is an attachment in satisfaction of their desires and ambitions, which for a long time will not be profitable financial investment.
What is the typical cost of solar panels, and the life of the warranty period?.
In connection with the global financial crisis and the decline in the volume of inflows into the sector of public funds in the market was a lot of unsold inventory, made in the last year or the beginning of the year. In addition, there is a lot of aggressive competition from Asia. These and other factors led to the fact that since the beginning of this year, prices for solar panels have been declining. The latest figures are about 1.8 euros for 1 W peak power in the module ( lower prices by 20-25% since the beginning of the year). If we talk about the term of operation of modern solar cells, it is close to the mark 30 years. The warranty period is dependent on the manufacturer, usually a year or 2 years.
How do you assess the prospects for solar energy development in Ukraine?.
I believe that Ukraine has great potential for the development of this industry. Even during the Soviet era in our country operated several companies - manufacturers of silicon. Recovery of domestic silicon production can and should be a catalyst for the development of Ukraine as a modern high-tech and non-volatile state. In addition to saturated domestic demand for raw materials and further stimulate the production of the final ...
Ukraine's competitive advantages - cheap labor, good scientific and technical base and high quality. Limiting factor is the high financial threshold, difficulties in raising funds in the absence of state support to industry, the inadequacy of existing legislation (for example, the problem of VAT refunds actually means 20% tax on sales for any manufacturer of export-oriented ). First of all, the government should encourage manufacturers of silicon, and the next stage can extend support towards the production of solar cells, solar panels and ready-made systems, parallel to stimulating the domestic consumers ' solar ' power for the internal market.
With regard to the private sector, the situation is somewhat different. As you know, the chain from raw material to finished solar power plant includes the following ' links ': polysilicon, ingots and mono solar grade multisilicon, plates, solar cells, solar panels, solar power system (standalone or network ). And the closer we get to the top of the chain, t. e. to raw materials, the higher the required capital investment and the more complex the production itself, but at the same time, higher profitability and. Toward the end of the chain requires less investment, research intensity of production decreases, respectively, but increases and competition in the market.
Where should we start? . euro, are attractive investments in the production of silicon. But who knows what surprises prepared for the world's leading producers of raw materials? . In my opinion, in the current environment for private companies would be most appropriate to start a ...
That is, for our country, this trend is still promising?.
certainly. Today's realities of increasing global energy problems make it increasingly urgent issues of transition to alternative sources of energy. Which takes place on the orientation of the oil, gas and nuclear energy could lead countries such as Ukraine to severe energy dependence on the world's largest suppliers of raw materials and today threatens the economic security of our state. Clearly, alternative energy sources can not be solved in the next few years all the problems, but focus on them, including the development of solar energy will provide a real opportunity to strengthen our position in the future and enhance energy security of Ukraine.
Obviously, individually or private business initiatives, or attempt to interfere with the state in this sector did not result in a rapid result. Therefore, it is time to unite efforts in this direction. The more so that solar energy is now one of the fastest growing sectors of Energy. For example, the European Photovoltaic Industry Association of the European Union predicts that by the end of 2010 the total amount of electricity from the direct conversion of solar radiation will exceed the figure for 2006 is almost three times. And at a broader temporal coverage shows that the global market for photovoltaics is increasing annually by 25-30 % and this trend according to the experts continue until at least 2035.
I do not think anyone can name many other industries, which, even in times of crisis such an impressive show positive dynamics, and where today the domestic business can really compete, showing not only good financial results, but decent quality at the highest technical level . Due to the crisis, the second half of 2009 - 2010 were a great time to enter the market of solar power. Investments in PV today can provide a good chance to stake a place on one of the most attractive and promising high-tech markets. And this chance to be in no way to lose.
