Solarbuzz Reports World Solar Photovoltaic Market Grew 19% in 2006

[jpak]

http://www.solarbuzz.com/News/NewsNACO542.htm

World solar photovoltaic (PV) market installations reached a record high of 1,744 Megawatts (MW)in 2006, representing growth of 19% over the previous year, says the annual PV market report issued today by Solarbuzz LLC, the San Francisco based solar energy consultancy.

Germany's grid connect PV market reached 960 Megawatts in 2006, and now accounts for 55% of the world market. While Japan's market size barely advanced in 2006, the strong performers last year were Spain and United States. The Spanish market was up over 200%, while the US market grew 33%.

World solar cell production reached a consolidated figure of 2,204 MW in 2006, up from 1,656 MW a year earlier. Japanese producers lost ground over the past 12 months, dropping from 46% to 39% share, to the benefit of Chinese cell manufacturers.

Polysilicon production rose 16% in 2006, which, when combined with aggressive PV industry procurement, allowed a marginally higher market growth rate than projected twelve months ago. Nonetheless, polysilicon supply issues will still constrain cell production in 2007.

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