The amount of electricity generated via the photovoltaic (PV) grid looks set to rise 100% by 2013, with increases of up to 400% possible, if supported by government Feed-in Tarrif (FiT) schemes, according to a study the the European Photovoltaic Association Industry (EPAI). Manufacturers of PV cells estimated a 40-50% cost reduction in electricity production within six years. Amid the tales of market slump woe elsewhere, this would appear to be very good news for producers of silicon carbide, fused silica and high purity quartz and soda ash, which are all consumed in the manufacture of PV cells. If enough countries implement FiTs - schemes to encourage electricity companies to buy (more expensive) electricity generated by renewable sources - EPAI forecasts that power generated by PV grids could increase to 22,325Mw by 2013.
