EnergyTrend: Solar PV market may exceed expectations in 1Q 2013

TrendForce’s EnergyTrend division released a new analysis which indicates that the global solar photovoltaic (PV) industry is likely to perform better than previously expected during the first quarter of 2013.

EnergyTrend notes the role of increasing demand in Japan due to an expectation of reduced incentives beginning in April 2013. The company also expects increased shipments from Chinese vendors in advance of potential EU tariffs, and growth in multiple markets including the United States.

“In addition to the changes experienced by the European and Japanese markets, the rise of China’s domestic solar market, along with the growth experienced by the US market following increased subsidies for the green energy industry, are all contributing to the growing demand in the PV market,” states EnergyTrend.

“The recent subsidies intended for PV development in New York and Los Angeles, the emphasis on the use of renewable energy resources by US President Barrack Obama, and the large US power plant investments are also important factors that, according to relevant vendors, are continuing to reinforce PV market momentum.”

“With the above factors taken into account, the prospects for the solar market in 2013, on the whole, remain largely optimistic.”

Polysilicon, monocrystalline wafer prices climb

The company also observed an increase in spot prices this week across the PV value chain, with polysilicon and monocrystalline silicon wafer prices growing the most.

Polysilicon spot prices increased 5.8% to USD 16.89 per kg, which it credits to the positive prospect of the market. The company notes that these prices have grown particularly strongly in China in anticipation of anti-US and anti-EU duties, to between USD 20.07 and 20.88 per kg.