Is Solar Growing? New IDC Energy Insights Forecast Shows Worldwide Solar Photovoltaic Module Shipments Rising from 22.7 GW in 2011 to 43.8 GW in 2015

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--()--Global solar photovoltaic (PV) module shipments are forecast to grow from an estimated 22.7 GW in 2011 to 43.8 GW in 2015 according to IDC Energy InsightsWorldwide Quarterly Photovoltaic Module Tracker. At the same time that module prices are declining at a record-setting pace, large markets like China and India have doubled down on future solar plans and adopted extremely aggressive targets.

In 2009 and 2010, when the worldwide solar market was surging ahead, the discussion rarely ventured outside of European markets like Germany, Czech Republic, Italy, and Spain. These countries accounted for nearly 80% of worldwide solar module sales over the last two years. However, recent changes to policies, prices, subsidies, and targets have drastically shifted the discussion of future growth opportunities from Europe to Asia/Pacific, with a large emphasis on the possibilities within China and India.

"Over the past year China has moved its solar energy target from 5GW in 2015 to 10GW, and there is discussion that the next 5-year plan set to publish in 2012 will again raise the bar," said Ryan Reith, program manager, IDC Energy Insights Tracker products. "While Chinese solar manufacturers have been feeling the heat about the generous state loans they have been given access to, which many believe is a cause for the rapidly declining module prices, the notion that a great domestic opportunity lies ahead is unquestioned. The fact that seven out of the top 11 module manufacturers are Chinese companies means the fight for domestic projects will undoubtedly be a good one."

The opening of new multi-GW markets for solar is a very positive development for the industry. "Given the continued dependence of the solar industry on government subsidies, multiple large markets reduce the risk that economic or political challenges in a single region will throw the industry into a tailspin," said Jay Holman, research manager, IDC Energy Insights Renewable and Distributed Strategies. "The broader the market becomes, the healthier the industry will be."

According to IDC Energy Insights most recent PV Module forecast, Asia/Pacific (including Japan) will grow from 22.9% of global module shipments in 2011 to 49.3% in 2015. Europe, which is expected to receive 66.4% of PV shipments in 2011, will decline to just 38.7% in 2015.

For additional information about the Worldwide Quarterly Photovoltaic Module Tracker or to arrange a one-on-one briefing, please contact Kathy Nagamine at 650-350-6423 or knagamine@idc.com. For information on purchasing the Tracker, contact info@idc-ei.com; reporters should email knagamine@idc.com.

About IDC Energy Insights

IDC Energy Insights provides research-based advisory and consulting services focused on market and technology developments in the energy and utility industries. Staffed by senior analysts with decades of industry experience, IDC Energy Insights covers both the utility and oil & gas segments, providing independent, timely, and relevant analysis focused on key business and technology issues. IDC Energy Insights serves a diverse and growing global client base, including electric, gas and water utilities, IT suppliers, independent power producers, retail energy providers, oil and gas companies, equipment manufacturers, government agencies, financial institutions, and professional services firms. International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology market. IDC is a subsidiary of IDG, the world’s leading technology, media, research, and events company. For more information, please visit www.idc-ei.com, email info@idc-ei.com, or call 508-935-4400. Visit the IDC Energy Insights Community at http://idc-insights-community.com/energy.

Contacts

IDC Energy Insights
Ryan Reith, 650-350-6242
rreith@idc.com
or
Jay Holman, 303-385-0342
jholman@idc.com
or
Sandra Collins, 508-988-6746
scollins@idc.com
or
Sarah Murray, 781-378-2674
sarahbethmurray@gmail.com

Release Summary

Global solar photovoltaic (PV) module shipments are forecast to grow from 22.7 GW in 2011 to 43.8 GW in 2015 according to IDC Energy Insights’ Worldwide Quarterly Photovoltaic Module Tracker.

Contacts

IDC Energy Insights
Ryan Reith, 650-350-6242
rreith@idc.com
or
Jay Holman, 303-385-0342
jholman@idc.com
or
Sandra Collins, 508-988-6746
scollins@idc.com
or
Sarah Murray, 781-378-2674
sarahbethmurray@gmail.com