The International Energy Agency (IEA), an autonomous part of the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development, released their 2014 annual report on Photovoltaic Power Systems Program (PVPS).

IEA reports that the development and adaptation of PV outpaced all predictions. Another year brings the worldwide cumulative installed capacity to 180 GW – with 40 GW installed during 2014 alone.

The IEA’s PVPS program’s goal is to enhance international cooperation in the transition to renewable energy systems, specifically photovoltaic solar energy. The objectives to improve solar photovoltaic (PV) technology development, facilitate competitive PV markets, ensure environmental and economic sustainability of PV Industry, provide policy recommendations, and publish impartial and reliable information all aim to reach the program’s goal.

The report provides status updates on ongoing tasks, a review of the photovoltaic status and potential in participating countries, and a record of completed tasks.

The IEA gives the status of six tasks:

a.       Strategic PV Analysis & Outreach

b.      Study on Very Large Scale Photovoltaic Power Generation System

c.       Deploying PV Services for Regional Development

d.      PV Environmental Health & Safety Activates

e.       Performance and Reliability of PV Systems

f.       High Penetration PV in Electricity Grids.