EPIC releases Photovoltaic Industry Report

The European Photonics Industry Consortium (EPIC) released its report on the photovoltaic market, including production, deployment and R&D investments. EPIC data shows worldwide sales of photovoltaic panels reached $82 billion in 2010 and electrical generation capacity installed was 17.8 GW. Installations grew by 137% compared to 2009.

Installed photovoltaic generation capacity worldwide as of 2010. Germany now accounts for 43 percent of the total cumulative PV installations in the world. (Images: EPIC)

In Europe, 57.6 GW of electrical generation capacity from all sources were installed in 2010. For the first time ever, more PV generating power was installed in Europe than any other renewable energy source. PV at 14.7 GW out-paced wind installations by nearly 60 percent. By 2010 the cumulative installed PV generating base world-wide reached 40 GW.

More than 57 GW of new electrical energy installations were completed in Europe in 2010. Gas-fired generation was the leading product. Renewables account for 45 percent of the total mix.

In terms of production, 15 percent more wattage of PV cells was manufactured than generating capacity installed (20.5 GW compared to 17.8 GW). Together, China and Taiwan now account for about 45 percent of world supply.

The EPIC Photovoltaic Report is distributed exclusively to EPIC members as one of the membership benefits.

For more information, visit: www.epic-assoc.com