Solaris Newsletter

SOLARIS Newsletter Public Edition December 2011 (272 KB)

editorial December 2011

2011: A PV odyssey

By Reinhold Buttgereit, EPIA Secretary General

We are approaching the end of 2011, a year full of both challenges and opportunities for a PV industry that is still growing but is also being buffeted by dramatic sales fluctuations, overcapacity and political struggles.

In March the terrible Fukushima tragedy spurred a new debate over the future of nuclear and caused nearly everyone to re-think the global energy mix in a way that promotes increased use of renewable energy sources, including PV. The reaction in Europe has varied by country, with one EU member state making a radical policy U-turn and others changing their strategies more moderately. The economic crisis has also had an effect on the industry. Some governments have also chosen to re-visit their support schemes for PV, adding unwelcome uncertainty to the sector at a time when we should be promoting stability and reassuring investors.

As the year comes to a close we are seeing the beginnings of a serious international conflict in the PV sector, with all sorts of claims and counterclaims over trade practices. EPIA’s response to this situation has sought to balance the interests of our members from all around the world. As always, we strive to work on behalf of all of them – to push for policies that help the PV market develop and help PV realise its huge potential as an energy source.

Recall that in 2010 PV was the leading renewable energy source when it comes to newly installed capacity, ahead of wind and just behind gas. For 2011 we are likely to see a neck-and-neck race between gas and PV for the number-one spot. As our study “Solar Photovoltaics Competing in the Energy Sector” shows, grid parity is just around the corner; the long-term future of the industry is bright. But before we open that bottle of Champagne we should remember: Many companies in the industry face economic problems in the short- and medium-term. Real challenges lie ahead.

We, the EPIA team, are ready to address those challenges in the coming year. In the meantime, we wish all of you a successful, peaceful and enjoyable holiday season and all the best wishes for 2012.