World solar market to increase 130 percent by 2020

[one...two...tree 2,762]

In 2010 the world spent $30 billion on solar panels. By 2020 that figure will be $70 billion, says Korean electronics giant Samsung.

This despite the fact that the solar market has a bumpy ride ahead of it. Germany and Spain, two of the world's biggest consumers of panels, are phasing out incentives for solar as the market matures and panel prices continue to fall.

Another challenge facing the industry is that supply outstrips demand, leading companies to consolidate -- mostly to the benefit of Chinese panel makers and at the expense of U.S. firms (and, right now, Samsung, which also competes with Chinese companies). But Korea's cap and trade emissions scheme, which will go into effect in 2015, could give the company a boost, and Samsung predicts a rosy future for the market worldwide.

straight to the source

• Samsung SDI sees $70 billion global solar cell market by 2020, Reuters

[mawilson 2,133]

In 2010 the world spent $30 billion on solar panels. By 2020 that figure will be $70 billion

Wow, that's truly pathetic.

The world's GDP is close to $60 trillion - $30 billion is 0.05 percent of that amount.

[Danno 1,228]

If business is booming.. why do they need tax-loopholes to stay in business?

[mawilson 2,133]

If business is booming.. why do they need tax-loopholes to stay in business?

Regular market forces aren't moving fast enough?

[OnMyWayID 1,489]

I have a perfect house for solar (roof size and placement) and have been watching prices for 5kW to 8kW grid-tie systems for about 5 years now.. In the mid 2000's a 5kW grid-tie system ran about 22,000. These can now be had for about 12,000 with most of the cost reduction coming from the panels (the big price drops of about 40% came in 2009)

Another big change I have seen while watching these is where the manufacturing is done and where the companies aer based. Take a look at this site that sales wholesale solar panels (hence the name): wholesale solar

There are 25+ companies selling solar panels in this list.. five years ago I remember there was two Korean, one American, one Chinese, and the rest were European companies.. The Europeans dominated the list and were the only ones doing 200+ kW panels for non-insane prices.

Looking at the site today that has changed a bit:

9 China only

3 USA only

2 USA/China collaborations

4 USA and other countries (Mexico, Japan, Singapore)

1 Korea only

1 Taiwan only

1 Japan only

All the European (and Canadian) manufacturers are gone... No longer competitive to make and ship them this far...

All-in-all not too bad... and there are some really good innovations coming from American companies that should keep them in the game if they do not get purchased before they get a good foothold.. I would be shocked if the industry only grew 130% by 2020 - If they can get another 50% reduction in prices and still get the 200+ kW per panel.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

All-in-all not too bad... and there are some really good innovations coming from American companies that should keep them in the game if they do not get purchased before they get a good foothold.. I would be shocked if the industry only grew 130% by 2020 - If they can get another 50% reduction in prices and still get the 200+ kW per panel.

Yep. Innovation happens at light speed when there's enough investment capital. I think we're close to seeing photovoltaic rooftops being sprayed onto conventional rooftops to where there's little if any visual difference.