Spanish photovoltaic learning curve

Abstract

Learning by doing, or learning through market experience, reduces costs for energy production technologies. This phenomenon is modelled by using experience curves which reflect the changes in the cost of the technology as it becomes increasingly used. This article calculates the Spanish photovoltaic (PV) learning curve over the period 2001-12 by using cost data from the PV sector itself (installers, distributors and even engineers) and determines the accuracy of the obtained progress ratio by using both the coefficient of determination R2 and also the error σPR, which is directly determined from fitting the data. The results show a curve with a strong structural change in the speed of cost reduction in October 2009.