Added values of photovoltaic systems

Photovoltaics are unique among energy technologies in their ability to generate electricity at any location silently and motionlessly. In addition they can be designed with a variety of appearances to fit into a wide range of building structures. As a result photovoltaics can offer many added values in addition to their basic role as electricity generation devices. This paper assesses developments in a number of new PV applications that add extra values to PV systems by providing a range of benefits and functions that reflect values important to customers. It is proposed that these innovative ´added-value´ applications can expand the market for PV rapidly and open up whole new areas for development of the PV market.