IHS Markit: Despite China decline global solar growth in 2019 to hit 129GW

November 12, 2019
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
IHS Markit has become increasingly concerned about the lack of visibility for strong global demand in the second quarter of 2020, compounded by the additional manufacturing capacity (cells and modules) expected to start ramping production in the first half of 2020. Image: Jolywood

IHS Markit has reiterated its global solar demand forecast for 2019, despite lower expectations for China. 

The market research firm said that faster than anticipated growth in some international markets such as the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Italy, Turkey, or Ukraine had reduced the growth risks associated with weaker demand in China. 

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

IHS Markit also remained bullish on the APAC region outside of China and several South American markets having greater upside potential for solar installations in 2019.

As a result, global solar installations are expected to be around 129GW in 2019.

However, the market research firm has become increasingly concerned about the lack of visibility for strong global demand in the second quarter of 2020, compounded by the additional manufacturing capacity (cells and modules) expected to start ramping production in the first half of 2020.

The impact of weak demand and potential overcapacity could impact the entire supply chain and initiate another cycle of gross margin compression for the PV industry. 

16 June 2026
Napa, USA
PV Tech has been running PV ModuleTech Conferences since 2017. PV ModuleTech USA, on 16-17 June 2026, will be our fifth PV ModulelTech conference dedicated to the U.S. utility scale solar sector. The event will gather the key stakeholders from solar developers, solar asset owners and investors, PV manufacturing, policy-making and and all interested downstream channels and third-party entities. The goal is simple: to map out the PV module supply channels to the U.S. out to 2028 and beyond.
13 October 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
PV Tech has been running an annual PV CellTech Conference since 2016. PV CellTech USA, on 13-14 October 2026 is our third PV CellTech conference dedicated to the U.S. manufacturing sector. The events in 2023, 2024 and 2025 were a sell out success and 2026 will once again gather the key stakeholders from PV manufacturing, equipment/materials, policy-making and strategy, capital equipment investment and all interested downstream channels and third-party entities. The goal is simple: to map out PV manufacturing in the U.S. out to 2030 and beyond.

Read Next

Premium
May 11, 2026
In this interview, UNSW's Yansong warns the solar industry will exhaust global silver reserves in five years unless commercial-scale recycling infrastructure is developed.
May 11, 2026
Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation (YEC) has reached financial close on the 150MW Jinbi solar PV power plant in Western Australia's Pilbara region and signed a 30-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with mining giant Rio Tinto.
May 8, 2026
Despite softening demand momentum, premium solar module prices across Europe continued to rise in April.
May 8, 2026
The company has formally terminated its originally planned 15GW ingot pulling and PV cell manufacturing project, redirecting its resources to the more promising lithium battery silicon-carbon anode material sector.
Premium
May 8, 2026
PV Talk: Cristiano Spillati of Italian renewables developer Limes Renewable Energy discusses the dynamics shaping the evolution of European solar.
May 8, 2026
German EPC contractor Goldbeck Solar has secured the turnkey delivery of the 268MWp Schafhofen solar park in Bavaria. 

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
May 20, 2026
Porto, Portugal
Upcoming Webinars
May 27, 2026
9am BST / 10am CEST
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
June 3, 2026
National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai)
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
August 25, 2026
São Paulo, Brazil