Solar PV 2050: Smarter, Stronger, and More Affordable
Experts predict longer-lasting, higher-performing modules and a globally resilient supply chain by 2050.
That’s what the solar industry can expect by 2050, according to a group of leading experts convened through the 4th Terawatt Workshop.
Contributors from this group helped author a new paper, Historical and Future Learning for the New Era of Multi-Terawatt Photovoltaics, which outlines projected improvements in PV pricing, performance, and reliability over the next 25 years.
Key Takeaways Include:
• Higher module efficiencies will reduce material use and land requirements, improving sustainability while lowering overall system costs.
• PV module lifetimes are expected to exceed 40 years, strengthening the long-term value proposition for solar investments.
• Investment in solar today is projected to drive broader economic benefits, including economic growth, productivity gains, job creation, and reductions in pollution and poverty.
These projections significantly exceed earlier forecasts and are underpinned by advances in tandem cell architectures and the introduction of new technologies. Together, these innovations are expected to enable a more globally diversified and resilient cell and module supply chain.
