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This sixteenth edition of Photovoltaics International marks four years of production of the quarterly journal. As always, our focus is on efficiency and quality improvement and cost reduction in manufacturing. As 2012 rolls along, companies are falling by the wayside due to supply and demand issues, ASP declines and drastic governmental subsidy cuts. A clear picture of 2012 is offered through papers from the likes of TÜV Rheinland, Fraunhofer ISE, SEMI PV Group and EPIA, amongst others.
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This digital interactive Lite sees Tom Cheyney follow Agua Caliente’s progress on becoming one of first truly utility-scale PV power farms, where 40–50MW (AC) will be commissioned by the end of the year. We also feature one of the world’s largest silicon thin-film PV power plants, Avenal; a report on warnings of the collapse of module prices from Solarbuzz and PI-Berlin presents tips on PV module testing. A print version of this edition will be distributed at Solar Power International 2011 in Dallas, Texas.
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Manufacturing the Solar Future 2012, the second in the Photovoltaics International PV Production Annual series, delivers the next installment of in-depth technical manufacturing information on PV production processes.
Comments
2012 will be remembered as the year when solar power became cheaper than wind power in China and other major markets, shifting demand from wind projects to solar projects.
2012 is the year when China becomes the number 1 destination for solar (10GW) due to China FIT rates and China Development Bank financing. Germany will surprise at 6GW. Italy will be #3 (5GW). California FIT rates and RPS projects will drive a 4GW year in the U.S.
“but there is one clear difference – it will not be followed by another year of massive demand like 2010 and 2012 will undoubtedly be a lot tougher for suppliers.” How can you know this for sure? You claim yourself this year will also have a pressure on the prices going downward. If thats the case why would not the scenario of 2011 be repeated? Maybe we will have a massive end rush in last quarter of 2012?
Or maybe the market is now quite profitable in many countries and the world demand will suprise on the upside. My point is you stated that there will be increase in demand 2012 like it is allready a known truth. I liked the start of your article and I have to give IMS credit for good reseach and the most correct of the research firms in predicting 2011 demand. But again the end part where you claim 2012 will be bad in demand and we are just in start of February does not sit well with me.
I think you missed the biggest similarity between 2009 and 2011—another financial crisis reduced major banks willingness/ability to lend in major markets.
Solar became radically cheaper in 2011, but even cheap solar needs to be financed…