According to a recent study by IHS iSuppli, although the European solar energy industry faces potential difficulties, in 2011 the region will continue to account for the largest share of the global photovoltaic (PV) installation market, up to around 70%. There are 15 major solar markets worldwide, of which nine are located in Europe. This year's European PV installation capacity will reach 15.7GW, accounting for almost three-quarters of the world's total. Global installed capacity is expected to exceed 22.2 GW this year. Europe will have the world’s two largest solar markets: Germany’s estimated installed capacity is 9.4 GW, Italy’s estimated 3.9 GW. In addition, there are seven major PV markets in Europe. From the largest to the smallest, France, Belgium, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, Spain, Greece and Bulgaria are listed in the table.
In contrast, IHS iSuppli's research shows that in the United States, the third largest solar market in the world, it is estimated that PV installation capacity in 2011 will be 2.1 GW.
Although Europe will account for 70.7% of the global solar installation market in 2011, it will be lower than the previous year's 78.1%. Last year, European installed capacity was as high as 12.3 GW. The growth rate of the European market this year will also drop, from last year's 120.3% to 27.5%. In particular, the bad news and uncertainties in individual European markets will undermine the prospects of the overall PV market in the European continent in 2011.
Good news and bad news are within the European market. The most prominent will be Italy. This year's growth rate will be faster than expected. Due to the rapid growth of capacity and the excellent investment conditions, the total installation capacity in Italy this year may be as high as 5 GW. Ironically, the Italian government does not seem to be so enthusiastic about solar energy: the government hinted that starting March 9, 2011, it will try to reduce the financial support of PV after three months, and it will be completed by June. reduce.
Compared with the bright prospects of Italy, the situation of the German PV market is not certain. Germany is expected to lower the FIT and government support later this year, which may lead to a slowdown in the country's market growth. Although Germany is currently at the forefront of the global PV industry, it is expected to reach a peak within four years. By 2015, Germany's solar installation capacity will be 5 GW, which is lower than its 2010 level.
IHS iSuppli's analysis shows that in addition to the uncertainties in the German PV market, some policies being introduced in Spain, France, and the Czech Republic are also cracking down on the enthusiasm of solar investors.
The Spanish government will reduce subsidies for existing solar farms by about 30%, while France has suspended subsidies for large-scale solar systems until the new electricity price arrangement is determined before the end of the first quarter. The Czech Republic’s support for ground-based solar systems will end in March. This year's PV installations in the country will shrink dramatically from 1.3 GW in 2010 to 350 MW.
Looking ahead, the fastest growing PV markets in Europe will be Belgium, Bulgaria, Spain and the United Kingdom. However, by 2015, the United States will become the world's largest solar energy market, and Germany will allow it to maintain its leading position for many years and to fall to the second place.