Abstract
Introduction
Solar energy is the most abundant source of renewable power available
globally, yet its widescale deployment has progressed only very slowly.
Despite the depressed outlook in 2009, solar energy promises significant
medium and long-term growth opportunity. Yet, until true demand-pull can be
created, the industry remains at the mercy of government programs that drive
artificially stimulated demand.
Scope of this research
- Ten years worth of annual global power output data, for both conventional
and all mainstream renewable technologies.
- Global cumulative and new annual installed solar capacity data since 1998
and a breakdown of the ten largest markets across both metrics.
- Summary data relating to PV production costs, plant costs, solar
electricity generating costs and the main direct and indirect subsidy
mechanisms.
- A SWOT analysis, an overview of the embattled Spanish market, 2009 solar
market growth estimates and a review of growth expectations to 2013.
Research and analysis highlights
2008 was an exceptional year for the PV market, driven by political will and
strong subsidies, mainly in Spain and Germany. However, a change in the
Spanish solar subsidy is now threatening the development of an entire sector.
At best, solar PV market growth in 2009 will fall back to 2001 levels the
lowest levels on record for the past decade.
There are nine main EU-sponsored mechanisms that promote the development of
solar power by means other than direct subsidy, yet the direct subsidy feed-in
tariff is the most powerful mechanism to rapidly grow grid-connected solar
power markets. Under the best possible scenario, however, solar energy is
still a few years away from true grid parity.
Solar energy is one of only three means of achieving the EU' s 20-20-20 climate
change ambitions. Solar also has a role to play in meeting future increases in
power demand across EU Member States. Ultimately, growth levels are expected
to pick up in 2010, yet the industry' s target of 12% of final EU electricity
demand by 2020 are unlikely to be met.
Key reasons to purchase this research
- Quickly determine and assimilate the most critical developments and issues
that characterize the global solar market today and in years to come.
- Benchmark the relative appeal of solar energy against other renewable and
conventional types of power generation.
- Understand how global growth will be impacted by technology maturity,
policy incentives and investor appetite, and tailor your strategy accordingly.
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