ABS Energy Research Issue Report on Solar Photovoltaics Industry
ABS Energy Research
just-issued report on the solar photovoltaic industry shows that recent slowdowns
due to raw material demands are easing, all excess capacity in the system may
be taken up by 2007 and development in both collection and transmission technologies
are proceeding quickly. So, are the big players in solar energy on to a bright
idea?
ABS Energy Research covers all aspects of Solar PV cell construction and solar
energy generation. Researchers at ABS sift through all facets of the Solar PV
industry to create the complete, consistently high-quality reports relevant
to energy professionals, analysts, academics and more.
Overall growth in the solar photovoltaic sector has been robust. Building of
solar cells increased by 60 percent between 2003 and 2004. The annual growth
rate was running at a 43 percent year on year increase before 2004. Capacity
for Solar PV energy generation was up almost 35 percent each year during the
same period.
It is difficult to predict changes in solar power component production precisely
and therefore in power generation because there has been a shortage in silicon
stocks needed for material manufacture. The last two years have seen silicon
shortages and with competition for the raw material has come competition and
higher prices for companies wanting to engage in solar development. There are
signs that the most acute shortages will ease. Falling prices may spur increased
development.
There remains a variety of techniques for manufacturing the coatings needed
to create solar cells. Emerging thin film cell manufacturing holds much promise
because the coatings use less silicon that traditional films and can be manufactured
at low cost and in large volume.
Japan has become the world leader in solar photovoltaic installations because
the Japanese government long ago decided that solar energy was of strategic
value. The United States developed the technology in connection with the space
program, but progress has stalled and European companies have acquired American
leaders in the solar industry. In Europe, Germany is the undisputed leader in
solar photovoltaic installation.
Other highlights from the 2006 Solar Photovoltaic Industry Report include,
- An optimistic forecast of demand is drawing traditional leaders and new
figures to make ambitious plans for increasing production. By 2007, production
capacity could reach 5,000 MW
- Germany and Japan were prime markets for new installations
- A variety of other developed and developing countries have some elements
of a solar photovoltaic industry. , well, especially where they use small,
rooftop collection points.
- Climate change is expected to help boost continued research and development
ABS Energy Research's extensive report was compiled through a comprehensive
literature search, the help of the regulators in each country, and industry
discussions.
Posted 24th April 2006
