Photovoltaics: Solarbuzz says global solar photovoltaic demand will double in 2010
San Francisco, CA--After a weak start to 2010, Q2 2010 global photovoltaic (PV) demand soared to 3.82 GW, up 54% quarter-over-quarter, according to a report issued by Solarbuzz, an international solar energy market research and consulting company. The PV industry remains on target to deliver over 15 GW of installations this year, doubling the 6.43 GW value reached in 2009.
"The rush to install in Germany ahead of tariff declines in mid-2010, combined with strong incentive programs across Europe, especially in Italy, France and the Czech Republic and an improved financing environment, drove the global PV market over three times the level in Q2'09," said Craig Stevens, president of Solarbuzz.
According to the latest edition of the Solarbuzz QUARTERLY Report, Q2 2010 global market demand was only 2% less than the global market's previous quarterly peak (3.92 GW in Q4 2009). As a result of 2010 performance to date, Solarbuzz also raised its five year demand scenario forecasts in the report. Total industry revenues were approximately $17.2 billion in Q2 2010, compared to $12.0 billion in Q1 2010 and $6.2 billion in Q2 2009.
Germany, at 2.30 GW, accounted for 60% of global demand in Q2 2010. The next largest country market, Italy, which grew 127% quarter-on-quarter, was still just 11% of the size of the German market. France and the U.S. also put in strong performances.
On the supply side, polysilicon, wafer, and cell manufacturers reached capacity utilization rates of between 75% and 87%. Despite an increase of 495 MW in wafer supply over the past quarter, wafer capacity represented the most constrained part of the industry chain. Among cell manufacturer shipments, the Top 5 were represented by First Solar, Suntech Power, JA Solar, Yingli Green Energy and finally Trina Solar. Among the Top 12 cell manufacturers in Q2 2010, six Chinese manufacturers accounted for 55% of shipments, up from 43% a year ago.
Looking ahead into 2011, the most challenging quarter will undoubtedly be Q1 2011. Leading European markets, including Germany, will face large reductions in tariffs at the beginning of the year. Even with careful phasing of projects and price reductions, market demand is projected to be less than 50% of module production.
SOURCE: Solarbuzz; www.solarbuzz.com/News/NewsNACO1180.htm
Posted by:Gail Overton
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