Overview of the Situation on Photovoltaic Market in Selected Eastern European States

Abstract

Purpose of this article: Purpose is to research situation on photovoltaic markets in Slovenia, Croatia and Hungary. It is focused on market development, market segmentation and product features. Raising trend on photovoltaic markets is expected due to favourable conditions given by states. However, state legislative harms competitive environment. Between customers preferences in product features are big differences. Scientific aim: The aim is to collect and analyze data for fuzzy mathematical model which building up will be output of the dissertation. Methodology/methods: To attain the stated objectives, research based on the collection of primary and secondary data was carried out. Secondary data was obtained from both domestic and foreign literature. Additional information was used from documents from ministries, state institutions and local distributors of electric energy. Primary research was carried out with the employment of qualitative and quantitative methods. From qualitative methods, a structured interview was chosen. Findings: The Balkan states are very different in conditions for installation of photovoltaic systems. The market in Slovenia has consistently growth exponentially. In Croatia it is more in form of step increase. Hungary seems to be the slowest-growing markets due to focus on other sources of energy. Conclusion: Slovenia is the best market for investments into photovoltaic systems from the described states. Slovenia has almost no entry barriers. Croatia stagnates due to the restrictive conditions in the legislation that allows only 1 MWp as an ongrid power. Unfavourable conditions of this market should be changed thanks to new legislation in 2011. Hungarian system, that supports investors with subsidy for technology, will start up this market. These investments will grow mainly thanks to qualified organizations. Thanks to conducted analysis of the data obtained, it is possible to compile fuzzy mathematical model that will be used as managerial tool for investment decision in photovoltaic projects.