Despite Hurdles, Global Solar PV Growth is Sustained in 2005

Preliminary estimates for 2005 show global photovoltaic (PV) cell production increased more than 40% from nearly 1200 MW in 2004 to 1727 MW in 2005. European production growth outpaced Japan, U.S. production was relatively lackluster, but the real highlight was in the aggregate of small, global producers outside of the major markets that more than doubled cell production.

Of the top 14 cell companies in the world, the largest increase in production was achieved by Suntech with almost three times the volume produced in 2005 versus 2004. The top European producer, Q-Cells, has more than doubled production. Due to slower growth, BP Solar dropped from number 3 to number 7. The top Japanese companies have increased production significantly over the year, with Sharp producing 32% more cells and Kyocera 35%. Sanyo jumped from 7th to 4th place with 105 MW of its efficient amorphous silicon.

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