Roadmaps are an important tool for future planning of technological developments. PVNET develops a roadmap for PV R&D based on a broad consensus among the different technologies, among industry and research institutions, across the whole range from materials to systems. To do so, expert meetings, workshops and symposia are organised to stimulate communication and discussion within the European PV community. The preparation of the roadmap is an interactive and ongoing process. It points out major research areas for the short and long term, including cross-fertilisation with other R&D fields. It will cover marketing, product and standardisation aspects, environmental issues as well as the issue of human resources for PV. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.