SAN FRANCISCO, March 19 /PRNewswire/ -- World solar photovoltaic (PV)
market installations reached a record high of 1,744 megawatts (MW) in 2006,
representing growth of 19% over the previous year, says the annual PV
market report issued today by Solarbuzz LLC, a San Francisco-based solar
energy consultancy.
    Germany's grid-connect PV market size was 960 MW in 2006 and now
accounts for 55% of the world market. While Japan's market size barely
advanced last year, Spain and the United States were the strong performers.
The Spanish market was up over 200% in 2006, while the US market grew 33%.
    World solar cell production reached a consolidated figure of 2,204 MW
in 2006, up from 1,656 MW a year earlier. Japanese producers lost ground
over the past 12 months, dropping from 46% to 39% share, to the benefit of
Chinese cell manufacturers.
    Polysilicon production rose 16% in 2006, which, when combined with
aggressive PV industry procurement, allowed a marginally higher market
growth rate than projected twelve months ago. Nonetheless, polysilicon
supply issues will still constrain cell production in 2007.
    "While there have been supply-side constraints recently, high capital
investment throughout the PV chain over the past twelve months is
positioning the industry for strong growth," said Craig Stevens, President
of Solarbuzz LLC. "PV companies have raised over $4 billion in equity and
debt since January 2006 to support that expansion."
    The 250 page report concludes with three forecast scenarios, "Balanced
Energy," "Green World" and "Production Led," which set out worldwide PV
industry revenue growth paths ranging from $10.6 billion in 2006 through to
between $18.6 and $31.5 billion in 2011.
    Stevens added, "In this year's report, we felt it was particularly
important to focus intensively on the next five-year period. The three
scenarios profile the range of commercial issues that PV industry decision
makers will face over this timeframe."
    The Marketbuzz 2007 report (previewed at
http://www.solarbuzz.com/Marketbuzz2007-intro.htm) includes a comprehensive
analysis of the supply/demand balance through the PV industry business
chain in 2006, this year's survey of solar PV installers, and a detailed
review of price movements in the major world markets.
    About Solarbuzz LLC:
    Solarbuzz LLC is an international solar energy consultancy,
headquartered in San Francisco, California.
    Further details about Solarbuzz LLC can be found at:
http://www.solarbuzz.com or by calling:
    +1-415-928-9743 (United States)
    +44-1483-764203 (United Kingdom) or
    +61-299-499-023 (Australia)