Abstract
INTRODUCTION
The world market for photovoltaic power generation systems has been steadily
growing at a rate often exceeding 30% per year. One of the reasons for such
strong market growth is that PV systems can function reliably without fuel
consumption anywhere there is light. They are solid-state power generators,
with no moving parts, and thus exhibit high reliability.
Another reason is the flexibility of PV systems. They can be configured for
varying capacity, ranging from watts to megawatts, using modular approaches
involving PV panels and BOS components.
Photovoltaics by themselves produce only electricity, which must often be
conditioned for each application. The large variety of applications found for
photovoltaics has engendered the development of a number of industries that
provide the balance of systems (BOS) components for PV installations.
These components include inverters, controllers, chargers, cutoffs, batteries,
trackers and others, often all offered together as systems. Steady expansion
among recognized niche markets for photovoltaics brings with it rising market
pull for BOS components. They are essential support elements for the PV
market, and with it have also become a multi-billion dollar segment.
This study examines BOS technologies, the performance requirements and uses,
the regulations, standards and codes that impact their uses and
configurations, and the business environments for the various BOS components
and the PV industry as a whole.
Five-year forecasts are provided for each type of BOS components in each of
the application areas. The forecasts are presented in terms of units,
capacities, and projected OEM revenues, as well as breakdowns on geographic,
regional, national, and state or provincial bases, as appropriate. Although
attention is focused on grid-connected systems because these represent 85% of
the world PV market, quantitative and qualitative discussions are also
provided to illustrate the market existing and future market potential for a
number of significant off-grid PV niche markets.
SCOPE OF STUDY
This report contains:
- Examinations of the markets for BOS components from the standpoint of
various world market segments for photovoltaic (PV) installations
- BOS PV markets that have either revealed themselves as sustainable with
high growth potential or are just emerging, also with high growth potential
- A discussion fo the various technological developments and trends over the
past several years, including predictions and projections for upcoming
technologies
- Five-year global forecasts with projected data to 2011
- Detailed company profiles and a patent analysis.
METHODOLOGY
The approach taken in this study was to identify and analyze a series of
established and early high growth markets for PV systems and to quantify and
forecast the quantities and values of shipments of the associated balance of
system (BOS) components. Markets were broken down into geographic segments
where an acceptable level of accuracy could be maintained.
Information was gathered from existing BCC Research databases, publicly
available market statistics in both printed and electronic formats, and
interviews of component manufacturers, government researchers, system
integrators, end users, green fund managers, investment groups, and
technicians.
Metrics were developed to assess progress in the diverse markets that are
being served by PV systems. Market growth was forecast after detailed
consideration of the sustainability of the individual market segments.
Attention was given to various government subsidy programs, utility buydowns,
green power initiatives, feed-in tariffs, investment practices, regulations,
production capacities, raw material availability, price impacts, technology
trends, international treaties, regulations, certification programs, and
political support systems.
INFORMATION SOURCES
The material that forms the basis for this report came from a variety of
primary and secondary sources. Telephone interviews and site visits were
carried out with a number of manufacturers of the various types of equipment,
including photovoltaic (PV) cell and module manufacturers, packaged PV-powered
applications companies, entrepreneurs and PV system installers. Additional
interviews were carried out with officials of international funding agencies,
government research laboratories, green fund managers, installers, inventors,
and government regulators. Discussions were held with company officials and
engineers involved in marketing, designing, and supporting the balance of
system components discussed in this report.
ANALYST' S CREDENTIALS
Michael Kujawa is a market research analyst and renewable energy consultant.
He has authored reports on markets for large wind turbines, geothermal power
plants, biogas-fueled generation capacity, U.S. power markets during
deregulation, cogeneration equipment, fuel cells, small hydro, ocean energy
conversion equipment, photovoltaics and building automation systems. He has a
background in renewable energy project development, aerospace technologies,
marine operations simulation and offshore wind farm permitting.
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