GTM Research highlights regional solar demand shifts expected in 2018

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
The market research firm is forecasting that PV installations in China would not reach the record 53GW plus reached in 2017. Instead the demand will fall to 48GW in 2018. Image: Zhongli

According to GTM Research, global solar PV installations are expected to surpass 104GW in 2018, despite the top four markets, including China, forecasted to decline collectively by 7%. 

The market research firm is forecasting that PV installations in China would not reach the record 53GW plus reached in 2017. Instead the demand will fall to 48GW in 2018. However, China would still account for around 47% of global demand this year.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

The year-over-year growth is due in part to geographic diversification, as the top four markets are anticipated to collectively decline by 7 percent. Image: GTM Research

“Trade restrictive measures continue to be a barrier to growth in the U.S. and India,” said GTM Research Solar Analyst Rishab Shrestha. “Although the availability of tariff-free modules in the U.S. and the announcement that compensation will be provided to Indian developers negatively impacted by changes to tariffs and duties provides some encouragement.”  

According to GTM’s latest market report, the U.S. market is expected to be flat in 2018, adding a forecasted 10.6GW.

Number of Gigawatt-Scale Solar Markets by Year. Image: GTM Research

In contrast, India is expected to regain momentum and is forecasted to install 7.1GW in 2018. Global growth is also being supported by rapidly expanding markets in Latin America, the Middle East and Africa. 

GTM noted that Latin America, driven by Brazil and Mexico would reach 5.6GW of installations in 2018, while the Middle East and Africa would reach installations totalling around 4.7GW. 

The market research firm noted that the 1GW of projects awarded through Mexico’s A1 auction were expected to come online 2018, while in Egypt the 1.8GW Benban solar park would also be completed, making these two markets leaders in the respective regions in 2018.

After several years of decline, Europe is also expected to rebound as Spain is expected to install over 1GW in 2018, as well as France. 

Read Next

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
April 10, 2024
Dallas, Texas USA
Solar Media Events
April 17, 2024
Lisbon, Portugal
Solar Media Events
May 1, 2024
Dallas, Texas
Solar Media Events
May 21, 2024
Napa, USA