IEA PVPS Task8: Study on Very Large Scale Photovoltaic (VLS-PV) Systems

The purpose of IEA PVPS Task8, Study on Very Large Scale Photovoltaic (VLS-PV) Systems, is to examine and evaluate the potential and feasibility of VLS-PV systems, which have capacities ranging from several megawatts to gigawatts, and to develop strategies for implementation of the VLS-PV systems in the future. Our study has comprehensively analyzed the major issues involved in such large scale applications, based on the latest scientific and technological developments and by means of close international co-operation with experts from different countries. Solar power plants in desert regions increasingly count as a realistic energy option. Very Large Scale solar power plants start to appear around the world. In order to accelerate the current transition towards renewable energy, development of VLS-PV power generation systems that can be deployed on a massive scale is one of the ways for this transformation. This paper will present an overview of relevant issues and the potential of VLS-PV, guidelines for VLS-PV systems, and technical as well as strategic options for implementing VLS-PV.