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The use of thin film solar technologies has usually been a matter of debate within the photovoltaic market especially in the development of large-scale power plants. A possible investment reduction due to the employed technology should be taken into account. However, using thin film technologies could also influence other factors having an impact on the profitability of the investment such as the installed capacity or the electricity production. In this study the profitability of large-scale photovoltaic power plants is studied considering three factors: the photovoltaic technology, the location and the size of the power plant. The study could be described as an exploratory market research, since the objective is to better understand the large-scale PV market and the potential use of thin film solar cells in different countries. The research question is studied using a feasibility study, complemented by a risk and sensitivity analysis and by an environment analysis in order to consider the influence of external factors such as the actors involved and the market barriers perceived by these actors.

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Marcel Pinyana i Puigdollers, Dipl.-Ing., M.Sc.: After studying Materials Science Engineering in Barcelona, Nancy and Saarbrücken, he did a Master on Renewable Energy Management in Freiburg in Breisgau. He is currently working as project manager in the Swiss solar company TRITEC AG Schweiz in Aarberg, Switzerland.

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