Mar 16 2009
World solar photovoltaic (PV) market installations reached a record high of 5.95 gigawatts (GW) in 2008, representing growth of 110% over the previous year, says the annual PV market report issued today by Solarbuzz LLC, a San Francisco-based solar energy consultancy.
The PV industry generated $37.1 billion in global revenues in 2008, while successfully raising over $12.5 billion in equity and debt, up 11% on the prior year.
Europe accounted for 82% of world demand. Spain's 285% growth pushed Germany into second place in the market ranking, while the US advanced to number three. Rapid growth in Korea made it the fourth largest market in 2008, closely followed by Italy and Japan.
World solar cell production reached a consolidated figure of 6.85 GW in 2008, up from 3.44 GW a year earlier. China and Taiwan increased their share of global solar cell production to 44% in 2008, rising from 35% in 2007. Meanwhile, thin film production grew 123% to 0.89 GW.
Polysilicon supply to the solar industry grew by 127% in megawatt terms, sufficient to substantially ease supply limitations in 2008.
"Twelve months ago, we projected that as early as the fourth quarter of 2008 the PV industry would no longer be constrained by solar module supply, but instead by market demand," said Craig Stevens, President of Solarbuzz LLC. "Now, the PV industry will need to navigate major changes in the regional demand mix, with new markets emerging, while addressing excess supply positions and significant adjustments to industry pricing."
This year's forecast data and outcomes for 2009-2013 are set out in the new 300+ page Marketbuzz(TM) 2009 report. The PV industry's principal annual report provides in-depth and insightful analysis of global market demand, supply capacity and production, pricing through the PV chain, manufacturing costs and gross margins, capital expenditure together with a focus on the key industry, corporate and policy challenges.