The Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme is a collaborative R&D Agreement conducting projects on the application of solar photovoltaic electricity.IEA - PVPS operates worldwide via a network of national teams in member countries. The mission of the PVPS programme is “To enhance the international collaboration efforts through which photovoltaic solar energy becomes a significant renewable energy source in the near future.” The underlying assumption is that the market for PV systems will gradually expand from the present niche markets of remote applications and consumer products, to the utility market, through building-integrated and other diffused and centralized PV generation systems. This market expansion requires the availability of and access to reliable information on the performance of PV systems, design guidelines, planning methods, etc. to be shared with the various actors defined above. The PVPS programme aims to realize its mission by adopting the following objectives related to reliable PV power system applications for the target groups: utilities, energy service providers and other public and private users: To contribute to the cost reduction of their applications; To increase the awareness of their potential and value; To foster their market deployment by removing technical and non-technical barriers; To enhance technology co-operation with non-IEA countries.

Task 01. Exchange and Dissemination of Information on PV Power Systems
Facilitate the exchange and dissemination of information on the technical, economic and environmental aspects of PV power systems

Task 02. Performance, Reliability and Analysis of Photovoltaics Systems
Improve design, construction, and operation of PV systems and subsystems by collecting, analysing and disseminating information on technical performance, provide basis to measure performance in consistent format, develop design recommendations

Task 08. Study on Very Large Scale Photovoltaics Power Generation Systems
Examine and evaluate the potential of very large scale PV power generation systems, by identifying key system feasibility factors and clarifying benefits to neighbouring regions

Task 09. Photovoltaic Services for Developing Countries
Increase the rate of successful deployment of PV systems in developing countries, through increased co-operation and information exchange between bilateral and multilateral donors and the PVPS Programme.
Enhance the opportunities for wide-scale, solution-oriented application of PV in the urban environment as part of an integrated approach that maximizes building energy efficiency and solar thermal and photovoltaics usage.

Task 10. Urban Scale PV Applications
To enhance the opportunities for wide-scale, solution-oriented application of photovoltaic power electricity production in the urban environment as part of an integrated approach that maximizes building energy efficiency and solar thermal and photovoltaic usage. Value analysis, policy incentives, analysis tools as well as system design and integration that have proven successful in the IEA PVPS participating countries will be developed to the extent possible into a uniform international set of tools for the global market.

Task 11. PV Hybrid Systems within Mini-Grids
The scope of this Annex is PV based hybrid generators that combine PV with other electricity generators and also energy storage systems. A particular focus will be on mini-grid systems in which energy generators, storage systems and loads are interconnected by a “stand-alone” AC distribution network with relatively small rated power and limited geographical area. The mini-grid concept has potential applications that range from village electrification in less developed areas to “power parks” that offer ultra-reliable, high quality electrical power to high tech industrial customers. These systems can be complex, combining multiple energy sources, multiple electricity consumers, and operation in both island (stand-alone) and utility grid connected modes. The main goal of this Annex is to promote PV technology as a technically relevant and competitive energy source in mini-grids. It aims to enhance the knowledge-base of PV hybrid mini-grids and reduce barriers to market penetration of these systems.

Task 12. Environmental Health and Safety Issues of PV
Task 12 Goals and Objectives: The goal of Task 12 is to facilitate a common understanding of EH&S issues among the various country members and disseminate the Task’s knowledge and understanding to the stakeholders, as well as to the energy and environmental policy decision makers. Task 12’s overall objectives are to: Quantify the environmental profile of PV in comparison to other energy technologies; and to define and address EH&S and sustainability issues that are important for market growth. Task Organisation: Task 12’s four subtasks are: 1. Recycling of manufacturing waste and spent modules; 2. Life cycle assessment; 3. EH&S in Manufacturing Facilities; 4. EHS Information Dissemination. Participation: Current participating PVPS members include: Austria, EPIA, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland and the USA. The Task OAs still await participating members National Participation Plans. ExCo members request the OAs to provide a total resource plan for the overall Task as well as how much is planned per each activity. Action: ExCo members are encouraged to submit Task 12 National Participation Plans to the Task 12 OAs. Decision: Participating ExCo members in Task 12 unanimously approved the Task 12 Workplan, provided that a resource plan is added by end June 2007. With this approval, Task 12 has become a Task of the IEA PVPS and will officially commence in July 2007. Task 12 Annex to the PVPS Implementing Agreement: Shall be completed and submitted to the IEA legal department, as soon as possible. Action: Task 12 OAs shall complete and submit Task 12 (Annex XII) to the IEA legal office. The chairman congratulated Mrs. Despotou and Mr. Fthenakis as the new Task 12 OAs. He thanked Mrs. Despotou for her presentation and much appreciated work for Task 12.

Task 13. PV Performance and Reliability