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The crystalline silicon solar cell market had another robust year, according to figures from Gartner, Inc. The sector saw revenues increase 39 percent in 2007 compared with 2006, resulting in a 42 percent CAGR from 2004 through 2007.
Ongoing demand in 2008 is expected with solar silicon consumption expected to exceed that of electronic semiconductor consumption for the first time, Gartner said.
Crystalline silicon solar cell leaders were able to secure silicon material sufficiently for strong growth in 2007, though short supply actually hampered growth rates.
Gartner noted that Q-Cells took the number one slot for the first time as Sharp and other Japanese manufacturers struggled to secure polysilicon supplies. Q-Cells now holds 17.2 percent of the market with revenues climbing 70 percent in 2007 compared to 2006.
However, the fastest-growing company was Suntech Power, which saw revenues increase 98.3 percent in 2007 and was only slightly behind number two ranked Sharp with 14.1 percent market share.
Deutsche Cell also grew its revenues by 78.5 percent in 2007, being ranked fifth in the list with six percent market share.
