The photovoltaics industry has undergone rapid growth during the past ten years, with world-wide annual growth rates of around 40 percent, and this boom is widely expected to continue in the course of the next few years. Thanks to high growth rates, photovoltaics has become an important technology on the industrial landscape, and is therefore attracting a great deal of attention in the industry and financial sectors.

The potential of photovoltaics is widely regarded as considerable. In central Europe, the contribution of photovoltaics could reach 20 to 30 percent of present-day electricity consumption, without the need to install equipment on new and as yet unused surfaces.

In the area of photovoltaics, Switzerland has for many years been acquiring comprehensive know-how relating to photovoltaics research, development and practical application, and in some areas of research it is a world leader. This means that it is in an excellent position to maintain and build up its presence on the rapidly expanding global photovoltaics market through Swiss innovations and products.