The energy from solar radiation to the earth in one hour is more than we consume during a whole year, yet still only 0.04% of all electricity produced is from the sun. However, the situation is about to change due to climate change and growing concerns about diminishing fossil fuel resources. The German glass industry estimates that the annual global production of flat glass is 45M/tons with the photovoltaic industry (PV) accounting for consumption of around 0.5M/tpa. Although the solar industry currently represents only 1-2% of the total consumption of flat glass, this figure will grow rapidly. The expected average growth rate for the PV industry will be 49% between 2007-2012, according to forecasts by Sarazin. This article outlines the benefits of a new generation of flat tempering furnaces for photovoltaic glass.
