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Sector development

Sector development

The 'sector development' field must be seen as a development aimed at large-scale application of PV. Of all the current energy systems, PV offers the best opportunities for production of electricity in an urban environment. Like all sustainable energy systems, PV generates CO2-neutral electricity. Roofs and walls offer an enormous otherwise unused surface area which is suitable for the use of PV. . However, PV is not only an efficient energy system that produces electricity close to the location where it is required. Unlike other energy systems, it can also be used for other technical and aesthetic functions of a building, for example as sun screens or as an architectonic component in the building façade, for example. If PV systems are to clearly contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions, they must be applied on a larger scale than is currently the case. The initial design of the urban development plan strongly determines the successful application of large-scale PV systems. After all, they depend on exposure to the sun. Decisions are taken during the initial design or mass plan stages which may influence this exposure, such as the positioning of high buildings versus low buildings, the street pattern, plot design, building alignments and roof shapes. The following points clearly show the spearheads to be applied in order to ensure a successful roll-out of large-scale PV:

• There must be a certain degree of enthusiasm for sustainable energy. An expert design team is also needed, with knowledge of the requirements made of a PV project and, vice versa, the requirements which PV makes of the urban development plan and the construction project.

• A considerable degree of technical know-how is required in the PV field, among the designers and fitters, but also the other members of the design team

• The PV project must be integrated in the project planning right from the start. The installation of a PV system affects the work of all construction team members, rather than just the PV fitter, and they must be prepared for this and able to react accordingly.

• Timing and time scheduling are important aspects. If PV is not effectively included in the total construction planning, there is a risk of delays and extra costs. If the PV system is added as an extra requirement at a later stage, this will often result in compromises having to be made, which nobody really wants.

• Attention needs to be paid to the connection of the PV system to the mains network. The energy company must be informed as early as possible and, if at all possible, involved in the project.

• The financing of the PV system must be clear right from the start. Is the PV system within the budget or is external financing or innovative financing models required? And if so, are they actually available?

• Good communication between the various project team members is absolutely essential. Architects and installation advisers often have their own professional jargon, which becomes even more problematic when the technology being applied is new to some members of the project team. There must be clear communication on what the PV system has to offer. The necessary information needs to be discussed at the earliest possible stage of the project.

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