Installed capacity totalled almost 15 GW compared to 9 GW in 2007, according to annual market figures from the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA).

Spain represented almost half of new PV installations in 2008 with about 2.5 GW new capacities, followed by Germany with 1.5 GW additional connected solar PV systems in the last year.

USA saw 342 MW newly installed PV capacities, followed by South Korea which registered 274 MW of PV installations over the year. Italy connected almost 260 MW while France, Portugal, Belgium and the Czech Republic made good scores confirming Europe’s global leadership in the deployment of solar PV energy.

PV market and production outlook

Given the current crisis context, there are high uncertainties over the 2009 PV market. Experts currently believe the market could reach up to 7 GW depending on individual countries’ development.

In particular Spain recently changed its support scheme, setting up a cap which will limit the development of the global market in 2009. The PV sector is hoping other markets such as the US, Germany, France and Italy will push the demand. Favourable policy frameworks are expected to further accelerate PV deployment in these countries.

In 2013, the global PV market could reach 22 GW if appropriate policies, such as feed-in tariffs, are in place.

Top 10 PV Markets in 2008 

²Preliminary figures only