First results of incentives policy on grid interconnected photovoltaic systems development in Greece

The present study provides insights into how the national legislation affected the development of connected to the grid Photovoltaic (PV) systems in Greece from January 2007 to June 2012. It analyses the evolution of PV systems installed capacity in Greece, compared to the targets set, as well as the PV electricity production and CO2 emissions reduction. Moreover the geographical and the size distribution of installed capacity are examined. Up to June 2012, more than 820 MWp had been installed, covering 55% of the 2014 national PV target capacity of 1500 MWp. The majority of installed and licensed PV systems is in the class of 20–150 kWp, while the share of PV systems larger than 150 kWp is increasing steadily. The majority of installed capacity is located in southern Greece regions, where the solar potential is higher, with Peloponnesus having 15.4% of the total. The total licensed PV capacity, which is more than 2.400 MWp exceeding not only the national 2014 target but also the 2020 target of 2200 MWp for PV plants, together with the accelerated construction rate, which during 2012 is 49 MWp per month, allow the save prediction that the 2014 target will be overcome. - Highlights: • Up to June 2012 820 MWp have been installed, 55% of the 2014 national PV target capacity of 1500 MWp. • More than 33% of the total PV contracted capacity is already installed. • The 2014 PV target capacity is highly feasible despite the economic crisis the country is facing. • All regions contribute to PV Power development, with south and south-west regions being first. • The share of PV systems larger than 150 kWp is increasing, amounting more than 50% of the total