Abstract
Introduction
Large-scale solar power generation projects are being constructed in various
countries worldwide, including Middle East oil-producing countries. It' s a
sign of the times in view of the fact that the global environmental problem
and the historical rise in the price of crude oil are restraining oil
consumption remarkably.
In the U.S.A., the presidential candidates of both parties advocate a new
energy policy and promise large-scale subsidies for renewable technology, with
support for photovoltaic power generation in the future.
Photovoltaic power generation will expand from a growth market to a
utility-scale industry to meet energy demand in the future.
On August 20, 2008, the Japanese Solar Cell Association announced that solar
battery exports increased by 45% from April to June of this year, compared
with the same period in the previous year, thus pushing up total production in
Japan.
This study gives a prediction based on current production capacity and
increases in production planned. It includes in-depth profiles of 47 solar
manufacturers around the world, covering all the major solar cell
technologies, including 18 companies manufacturing thin-film amorphous silicon
solar cells.
In addition, this study includes information on plant locations and future
production capacities, market size, market share, the top 10 manufacturers,
and a forecast for 2013.
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