Pvpt Fact Sheet Future Of Market

PHOTOVOLTAIC FACT SHEETS European Photovoltaic Technology Platform

The Status and Future of the Photovoltaic Market

The photovaltaic (PV) market remains one of the most dynamic sectors globally. Global annual growth rates of over 35 % were experienced over recent years. Even with the temporay shortage of silicon in 2006, more systems were installed than in the previous years. The global PV market is currently dominated by Germany, USA and Japan. Already, new markets with promising potential are emerging. Italy, Spain, Greece and France are some of the countries which will fuel the growth of the PV sector. Over the last decade the PV sector has become an important industry in many countries. Increasing employment and industrial growth are key indicators when looking at the PV industry.

With adequate support mechanisms (feed in tariffs) a global annual market of 5.6 GW could be reached by 2010. PV system prices will decrease by at least 5 % annually over the next two decades. This will further foster the attractiveness of solar power and support market growth. Cost decreases will also ensure that PV becomes competitive with peak and consumer electricity prices in the next decade. Solar Energy and the energy transition

Global Annual Installations 6000 5000

MWp

4000

n pessimistic scenario n policy driven scenario

3000 2000 Source: Scientific Advisory Board to the German Government on Global Change (2003)

1000

20 01 20 02 20 03 20 04 20 05 20 06 20 07 20 08 20 09 20 10 20 11

0

In the long run Photovoltaics will become a major energy source.

Source: EPIA

Economies of scale will lead to further cost reductions in the future

www.eupvplatform.org April 2007