Twenty Years of Photovoltaics in the Northern Europe

Abstract

The goal of this Bachelor’s thesis was to present the development of photovoltaic systems from the earliest application to modern-day technology. For a purposeful study, the Finnish photovoltaic market was further analyzed and dissected, to compare its’ maturity to the evolution in southern Europe.

The methods used in the project consisted of background research, an enquiry on citizens' opinions, and further analysis of the results. Thus, a wide variety of resources were gathered, to decide on relevant points to examine. The inquiry produced a response from 14 participants, six representatives from the field, and eight non-professionals, which yielded a meaningful set of data for analysis. The results highlighted the diverse opinions of contemporaries on photovoltaics while emphasizing how they see great potential in solar energy. The ongoing climate-change discourse had inspired some participants to install solar systems for their homes already, while others felt it is important to decrease emissions and are considering it in the future.

The research concluded that there is a growing interest in renewable energy amongst citizens. This growth could be further promoted by the government’s investments in renewable energy. Moreover, an earlier move toward renewable energy production would support economic well-being while also encouraging sustainability.