Photovoltaic energy policy: Financial estimation and performance comparison of the public support in five representative countries

The recent growth of photovoltaic (PV) electricity generation despite its high levelized costs is largely explained by strong national policy supports. Indeed, renewable energy sources are receiving increasing support worldwide from public authorities because of the environmental benefits they bring in comparison with conventional energy sources. Thus, many countries have set targets for PV deployment. The possibility to achieve them at a lower cost has now become a central issue, making it necessary to examine the efficiency of the instruments used to promote PV.