ABSTRACT
An overall cost model for solar-electricity- or photovoltaic- (PV) systems with normalisation to 1 kWp and prices in a single currency is proposed in order to facilitate cost comparisons across national borders while taking into account the different conditions for subsidy availability, electricity pricing, fiscal and technical regulations. PV systems from Germany, France and the UK are thus compared and the results show strongly varying cost structures. This is a measure of how far the EU is still from a real common market and suggests that future PV incentive programmes be coordinated on a European level in order to achieve a more equalising impact within the EU. Similar in depth studies of this kind will be a useful tool for renewable energy policy makers.
