Solarbuzz observed that the photovoltaic (PV) industry generated $17.2 billion in global revenues in 2007. Germany’s PV market reportedly reached 1,328MW in 2007 and now accounts for 47% of the world market.
Spain’s share soared by over 480% to 640MW, while the US increased by 57% to 220MW. The US has reportedly become the world’s fourth largest PV market behind Japan, once the world leader, which declined 23% to 230MW.
World solar cell production reached a consolidated figure of 3,436MW in 2007, up from 2,204MW in 2006. Japanese producers continue to lose ground, only accounting for 26% of global production, while Chinese manufacturers raised their share from 20% in 2006 to 35% in 2007, according to Solarbuzz.
The solar energy consultancy said that despite total polysilicon production rising 30% in 2007, it remained the most capacity constrained part of the PV chain. Solarbuzz also noted that 21 new entrants started manufacturing polysilicon during the year.
Meanwhile, thin film production is reported to have more than doubled from 181MW in 2006 to 400MW in 2007, accounting for 12% of total PV production.
