During 2012, many PV manufacturers endured a long, uphill battle, staggering under steep price cuts, excess inventory, shrinking margins and political headwinds; and all the while, jostling for position with other technologies. However, those that have demonstrated the stamina to survive, and that can hold their ground in 2013, have a chance at remaining in top demand for years to come.
Indeed, in a recent discussion with pv magazine, Michelle Thatcher, national director of the San Diego-based U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce, commented, “Over 100 solar manufacturers have left the industry since the year began, but those that remain are becoming more consolidated and stronger.” She believes there is “more weeding out of this industry” to come, “as inventory levels are still much higher than demand.” The result, Thatcher said, will “be better for the overall health of the solar Industry.”
What’s more, while the manufacturing sector got walloped, downstream in the solar supply chain, business continued at a brisk pace during 2012. Low module prices, hovering at around $0.65 and down about 30% this year alone, drove installations worldwide.
It is forecast that around 20 GW of PV capacity will be installed this year by half a dozen nations on three continents. While the industry won’t come close to matching the capacity installed in 2011, deployments won’t be nearly as negligible as pundits had predicted.
Click here to read the story.
