PV inverter shipments to reach 52GW in 2014, says IHS

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

PV inverter shipments may have dipped slightly in 2011, according to IHS PV Inverter Market Tracker report, yet shipments are expected to more than double to 52GW in 2015. Shipments of PV inverters fell to the equivalent of 23.4GW in 2011, down 1% from 23.6GW in 2010, according to the market research firm.

“The slump in 2011 inverter shipments is mainly attributed to challenging conditions in the photovoltaics markets in the key countries of Germany and the Czech Republic,” said Greg Sheppard, senior director for PV research at IHS. “Shipments in Germany declined after the industry there stalled, while shipments in the Czech Republic fell off a cliff — after the government in Prague cut tariffs to deliberately slow down an otherwise superheated expansion. Luckily, much of the loss was made up by growth in other markets.”

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

However, the decline in shipments was accompanied by a 15% decline in PV inverter revenue to €4.4 billion (US$6.1 billion) due to a 14% ASP decline, which turned out to higher than the 10% previously forecasted. 

The market research firm expects inverter shipments to increase 5% in 2012, equivalent to 24.5GW. This will build momentum in 2013 through to 2015 when shipments are forecasted to reach 52GW.

IHS said that its expects revenue declines will ease to just 3%, after which growth is expected to return and then climb to the 20% range by 2014 as demand from new markets begins to make an impact.

According to the market research firm, Germany’s SMA Solar Technology remained the PV inverter market’s dominant supplier in 2011, with 31% share, much lower than its days of 40% share in recent years. California-based Power-One was the second-largest brand with 12% market share, and it was also the top competitor in Italy.

The rest of the Top 10 included Kaco New Energy, Refusol GmbH and Siemens Industry Automation; as well as US firm Satcon Technology. Fronius International from Austria; Ingeteam Energy from Spain; Elettronica Santerno from Italy and Danfoss Solar from Denmark, which combined accounted for 75% of the inverter market in 2011.

 

Read Next

September 18, 2025
CERC is finalising guidelines for virtual power purchase agreements (vPPAs) to unlock financing for over 40GW of uncontracted renewable capacity.
September 18, 2025
The capacity of virtual power plants in operation in North America has reached 37.5GW, a 13.7% year-on-year growth, according to Wood Mackenzie.
September 18, 2025
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) has forecast that Canada will add between 17GW and 26GW of solar PV over the next decade.
September 18, 2025
Researchers have called for enhanced international standards to detect ultraviolet-induced degradation (UVID) in PV modules after identifying “severe” levels of the problem in operational n-type panels.             
September 18, 2025
Indian PV makers have welcomed the government’s plan to add solar wafers to its ALMM List-III from June 2028.
September 17, 2025
US renewables developer Longroad Energy has reached financial close for its 400MW 1000 Mile solar project in the US state of Texas.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
San Francisco Bay Area, USA