Aug 11 2009
DisplaySearch, the worldwide leader in display market research and consulting and part of the NPD Group, is expanding its business to include solar market research. DisplaySearch has been tracking the solar industry since 2006, covering photovoltaic (PV) solar cells in its newsletters and blogs, providing PV-related custom consulting, and presenting on solar at conferences. The release of the first edition of the Quarterly PV Cell Capacity Database + Trends Report makes DisplaySearch's proprietary solar cell capacity database and unique analysis available to clients around the world. Using best of class research methodologies and a holistic supply chain approach proven in the display industry, DisplaySearch will expand its solar research offerings and support clients as they evaluate growth opportunities in the long-term solar industry.
According to the Q3'09 Quarterly PV Cell Capacity Database + Trends Report, solar cell manufacturing capacity is expected to grow 56% in 2009 to 17 GW. Ramped capacity, which was only 2.3 GW in 2005, is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 49% to more than 42 GW in 2013.
“Despite PV module demand shrinking 17% in 2009, so much cell manufacturing equipment was ordered and installed over the past year that capacity is still expected to grow 56% this year,” said Charles Annis, DisplaySearch Vice President of Manufacturing Research and author of the report. “With demand and capacity moving in different directions, the PV industry is currently experiencing an enormous over-supply that is causing rapid price erosion and potentially setting the stage for the failure of multiple cell manufacturers, particularly companies pursuing a-Si thin film solar cells. The PV industry will begin working through this excess capacity as demand recovers next year and takes off in 2011 and beyond.”
To view the full release and the many highlights from the Q3'09 Quarterly PV Cell Capacity Database + Trends Report visit:
http://www.displaysearch.com/cps/rde/xchg/displaysearch/hs.xsl/090811_previously_committed_capacity_expansions_cause_solar_cell_manufacturing_capacity_to_surge