| Summary: | Purpose: The purpose of this report is to engage the house owners to their own small scale electricity production with solar cells (photovoltaic). Small scale electricity production with solar cells is a way that contributes to the development of a sustainable society. Method: Literature review has been used for collecting information about solar cells. Interviews were used for information on the solar industry in Sweden. Document analysis was used to obtain information on the regulation of small scale power generation and statistical data on its market. Calculations have been made on the profitability of small scale electricity generation with solar cells. Findings: Electricity produced by solar cells is one of the most environmentally friendly methods available. Small-scale photovoltaic electrical generation can contribute to achieving the national environment objectives. Small scale electricity production should not exceed the household electricity needs, because of grid losses. In Sweden, it is not profitable to produce its own electricity with solar cells. It requires national economic subsidies. Implications: In an extensive expansion of small scale power generation, it is required that the grid is adapted to receive the unused amounts of electricity from solar cells. Grid modification requires large investments and may affect the price of electricity. Large scale production of solar cells requires the development of national recycling systems. Silver should be replaced with copper as a cheaper alternative for electrodes. Limitations: The report is about small scale photovoltaic electrical generation for households. The effect on PV (photovoltaic) installations are limited to a maximum power of 10 kW, and only installations connected to the grid are treated. Storage of solar energy and energy conversion are not included. The study is limited to Sweden. The economic calculations ranging is up to 30 years.
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