Swiss Photovoltaic Programme English / Deutsch    
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research, Development, Demonstration, and the Market

The photovoltaic programme is divided into the following sections:
The most important goal of the photovoltaic programme is the continuous cost reduction of all components of the photovoltaics energy system. Principally, thin-layered solar cells and building integration photovoltaics are the set goals. The objective is to expand the offer of industrial products within these sectors.
The programme is described in detail, along with its objectives and organization, in the photovoltaic concept 2008-2011.
   
 
 

Research

Research activities provide the basics for new processes, products, solutions and applications. Research deals with different materials for solar cells:
  • Amorphous and micro-crystalline silicon solar cells
  • CdTe and CIS
  • Organic nano-crystalline solar cells
  • Organic solar cells

Photovoltaic research also covers a wide range of other topics, e.g. solar modules development and quality assurance, building integration and system technology. Furthermore, accompanying studies and international cooperation in the EU framework programmes and the International Energy Agency (IEA) are part of the photovoltaic research programme.

The research involves the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Board (ETH's), the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research EMPA, cantonal universities, professional schools as well as the industrie with various companies committed in the photovoltaic and related sectors.
 

Pilot and Demonstration Projects
P+D-projects are a necessary continuation of research in regard to the conversion of results into industrial processes, products, and installations. P+D-projects are thereby closer to real application and to the market. Basically, P+D-projects are possible in all of the main areas and should be pursued. Due to the budget cuts applied by the confederation since 2004 the realisation of new projects were made more difficult. As far as possible with participation of cantons or other players P+D-projects can be strived for. Concerning technical development and the significance for practical uses, the pilot project's characteristics is generally in the foreground. For demonstration projects, the focus is on attainable demonstration effects. P+D-projects cover three basic categories:
  • New processes
  • New products
  • New applications

Both detailed technical and non-technical experiences with these new approaches as well as their communication to interested parties are of great importance to P+D-projects.

P+D-projects are mainly carried out by selected businesses in the photovoltaic sector as well as by various universities for applied science and architectural offices.
 
Market-Related Promotion


Market-related promotion covers activities that directly or indirectly promote the market for photovoltaics applications. According to current energy laws, the cantons are responsible for direct promotion (investment contributions). Based on their promotion strategy, cantons receive contributions from the federal government, which they can use, according to their own priorities.

The cost-covering remuneration directive for feed-in to the electricity grid (CRF) supersedes any previous cantonal photovoltaic support programmes and/or tax deductions.
More information: http://www.bfe.admin.ch/dienstleistungen/00465/index.html?lang=en&dossier_id=00880


Measures for indirect promotion are supported by the federal government. On one hand, they cover measures that assure high quality (e.g. norms, warranties) and education. On the other hand, they also cover measures concerning information and marketing. Examples of indirect promotion are:

Projects in the area of indirect promotion are carried out by SWISSOLAR and other specialized businesses in the photovoltaics and marketing sectors.