Solar Cell Production Jumps 110 Percent in 2008

In 2008 China & Taiwan were the leading manufacturers of solar cells accounting for 44% of total worldwide production which grew to 5.95 Gigawatts, which was 110% growth verse 2008. In terms of market share by country Spain overtook Germany as the #1 solar market, growing 285% year over year, and accounting for 2.46 Gigawatts in installations during 2009. Germany at second accounted for 1.86 Gigawatts total, with Europe accounting for 82% of world demand. Although the United States only represented a total .36 GW, in solar demand, distantly trailing Spain and Germany, the USA did grow substantially year over year. It is also notable that the USA’s solar demand, although small in comparison to Germany and Spain, still represents the third largest country globally in total gigawatt sales and installations in 2009.

Taiwan Grows to 16.4% in Thin Cell Production

According to PTC (Photvoltaics Technology Center) Taiwan grew substantially to 16.4% of total worldwide crystalline silicon solar based cell production, followed by China in second. As a measure of good faith, the Taiwanese government committed 14.5 million dollars in subsidies for manufacturers of solar cells. Although the amount is relatively small, the policy does show the government’s desire to see continued growth in the industry.

Below: This photo, taken in 2008, displays workers in china glue thin cell solar to a roof. This type of solar is advantageous because it requires no racks or roof penetrations which can void a roof warranty or compromise a roof.

Why Thin Cell Production is Growing

Manufacturing has shifted to thin-film type cells which require less silicon during the past few years. Back in 2004 there was a worldwide shortage in silicon, because for the first time in history solar panel manufacturing consumed more silicon than computer chip and hardware production. The thin cell technology is a bit more versatile as well as lower cost in comparison to traditional solar cells. Although the efficiency is lower, these cells still provide more bang for the buck, which explains the growth in this type of production.

What is Photovoltaics (PV)?

Photovoltaics, or photo (light) and voltaics (voltage, electricity) is the use of sunlight to create electrical energy. As rays of the sun strike photosensitive materials in a solar panel, electrons are knocked loose creating an electrical flow. This flow is then converted from DC to AC current by an inverter and used in a home, while the excess is either directed back into the electrical grid and measured via ‘net metering’ or it is stored in batteries for usage during non-sunlight hours such as heavy overcast or night time.

Below: a commercial size solar power array is displayed at a photovoltaics convention in Aichi, Japan. Photovoltaics is the science of converting radiant energy from the sun into electrical power. Solar Power is a great source of renewable energy with almost unlimited potential.

Conclusion

Solar power has been growing by leaps and bounds. If this exponential rate of growth continues it is safe to say solar power will begin to substantially replace traditional power sources within the next few decades. Europe leads the way in market growth, with North American in a distant third position, while Solar still remains far too expensive for the market in China. As the price per kilowatt is reduced by improved technology and manufacturing methods we can expect market penetration to increase and perhaps, if technology advances far enough, solar power will become a staple of everyday living, common like television sets or dishwashers.

The growth of Solar Power has been exponential for years now. Unlimited clean energy and increasingly reasonable prices is great news for a fossil fuel dependent world. Eventually, technology should advance far enough to allow us to replace some of our traditional types of electricity sources in favor of environmentally friendly ones.

Find a local Solar Power contractor.