Global PV markets

According to new research, the 2011 North American photovoltaic market is projected to grow 101 percent on 2010, with demand likely to reach 2.2 gigawatts (GW) by year end. However, due to factors such as declining incentives and module oversupply, the market is at a “crossroads”. Meanwhile, the coming year will present many challenges.

German module manufacturer and integrator Q-Cells has claimed to have achieved a world-record CIGS module aperture efficiency of 17.4 percent, for a test module 16 square-centimeters in size.

The one millionth photovoltaic system has been connected to Germany’s grid, according to the country’s solar industry association, BSW-Solar.

The U.S. may be launching an investigation into the alleged illegal dumping and subsidies of photovoltaic cells and modules from China into the U.S., but now it seems that China is conducting its very own inquiry into illegal polysilicon dumping and subsidies into the country by the U.S.

2011 has, arguably, presented photovoltaic companies with the toughest solar market challenges to date. Subsidy cuts, freefalling prices, weak demand, overcapacities, financial uncertainty, insolvencies: these factors, and many more, have conspired to test companies’ mettle. However, what has led the industry to this situation, and what is in store for 2012? According to the analysts, intensified consolidation and falling component prices, and a situation where only the vertically integrated will survive.

The Republic of Serbia and Securum Equity Partners have signed a framework agreement, under which they intend to realize a one gigawatt (GW) solar park in Serbia.

Vertically integrated photovoltaic manufacturer LDK Solar has announced its third quarter (Q3) results for 2011, revealing a USD$17 million loss.

In the latest move in its campaign against the government’s halving of its feed-in tariff (FIT), the UK Solar Future campaign rallied today at the Houses of Parliament.

After an opening day that seemed somewhat overly focused on the German market, the second day provided a whistle-stop, round-the-world tour encompassing both prominent and emerging markets from Europe and beyond. The key issues to emerge were a need for more foreign investment and lobbying against other power sources.

In a new solar study, Bank Sarasin has named the five companies most likely to survive the current market shakeout, and identified those which are set to fail. International diversification and vertical integration are the watchwords for success. Meanwhile, India has been identified as a leading solar market going forward.