Photovoltaic activities in the Federal Republic of Germany

In this paper, the status of photovoltaic activities in the Federal Republic of Germany is described. Photovoltaic power has been regarded as a promising option since 1973, and it is now an area in which there are significant research and development efforts. This work is carried out in universities, in industrial research laboratories, and at newly established solar energy research centres. Funding comes from a variety of sources, including the Federal Government, major private companies and the Commission of the European Communities.