Nov 3 2008
In these days of advanced technologies and increasing levels of eco-pollution, energy consumption is touching new heights. With non-renewable sources such as oil and coal depleting rapidly, the world is on the lookout for newer alternative sources of energy. The search for best-suited alternative sources of energy for the future led to major developments in the areas of solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, fuel cells, and biomass energies. Various forms of energy that were successfully commercialized include wind and solar energies. While generation of power from wind is limited to windy areas, solar power generation does not have any such limitations. The most abundant and free form of energy is sunlight. With sun, an inexhaustible and vast source of energy, sunlight (solar energy) reaching the earth is more than a few thousand times greater than the total amount of energy used by mankind on the planet.
Daunted and discouraged by the rising petrol prices, industries across the world are turning to greener energy sources, and adding fuel to the migration trend are governmental legislations, which make it mandatory to generate a portion of electricity from renewable sources. The percentage of electricity to be generated from green sources is constantly on the rise. Increased demand spells increased production activities, which, in turn, results in economies of scale. The equation is expected to result in 25% drop in solar cell prices.
Global solar cells and modules market continues to witness strong growth and is on course to reach US $40.7 billion in 2012, as stated by Global Industry Analysts, Inc. Europe represents the largest market for solar cells and modules, estimated at 32% share of global demand in 2008. Japan represents the second largest market, followed by Asia-Pacific.
Developed countries such as Japan, Germany, the United States and others are making strides in the arena of solar photovoltaics. In Japan, manufacturers of solar cells and panels receive active support from the government in the form of policies that encourage solar cell usage. Though the US government undertook initiatives for developing the market, the European Union (EU) is much more advanced in terms of focus on solar energy. With government initiatives related to renewable energies in the EU stronger than in the US, member countries are continuously implementing policies for developing solar and other renewable forms of energy.
These and other market data and trends are presented in "Solar Cells and Modules: A Global Strategic Business Report" published by Global Industry Analysts, Inc. This GIA report discusses the prevailing trends, issues, demand forecasts, and activities that affect the industry. The market is analyzed in $Million by the following geographic regions - United States, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle East, and Latin America. Analytics for the period 1991-2015 provide a comprehensive understanding of the market.
Dominant global forces profiled in the report include BP Solar, ersol Solar Energy AG, EniPower S.p.A., GE Energy, Global Solar Energy, Inc., Isofotón, Kaneka Solartech, Kyocera Solar Corporation, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Photowatt International, Q-Cells AG, SCHOTT Solar, Sanyo Electric Company, Sharp Corporation, SolarWorld AG, and United Solar Ovonic LLC, among several others. The study enumerates recent developments, mergers, acquisitions, technological developments, regulatory scenario, and other strategic industry activities, and is an easy guide to What, Why, When, How, Where, and Who of the industry.
For more details about this research report, please visit http://www.strategyr.com/Solar_Cells_and_Modules_Market_Report.asp.