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Gladly we provide you with important information about current EuPD Research studies and further news.

To be able to find the desired press releases without problems we arranged them in chronological order for you. Therewith, you are able to read former press releases. If you just want to read a press article, please click on "PM lesen" ("Read press release"). If you want to save the article, you can do this by clicking on "PM speichern" ("Save presse release"). We provide you with PDF version of all documents.

22.02.2012, Joint Forces 4 Solar
Networking initiative experienced strong support in Long Beach
Bonn/ Long Beach. On February 14th 2012 about 100 participants visited the networking event, the 5th PV Briefing and Networking Forum USA, in Long Beach, CA. where developments in the Californian and US PV market were discussed After some comprehensive presentations about the Californian solar market and the strategic planning involved, audience members actively participated in the panel discussion which looked at optimizing the supplier-installer relationship. In particular, questions from and concerning local installation companies arose and were discussed together with the panelists consisting of an interesting mix of installers, associations and industries. Participants were, Nick Chase, Q.Cells, Thomas Koerner, Astronergy, Patrick Redgate, CALSEIA and Ben Lochtenberg, XERO Solar.

21.02.2012, Photovoltaics
Sharp Electronics (Europe) GmbH receives „Top Brand PV“ seal of quality
Bonn. Sharp solar panels are not only in popular demand by the end user but are also a highly recommended brand by installers. The area of brand awareness in solar brands is now being addressed in the form of independent surveys by opinion researcher, EuPD Bonn. In addition to brand awareness other areas are also being explored such as distribution depth i.e. when a particular brand is sold more frequently than its competitors by installers surveyed. Sharp Electronics (Europe) GmbH has peaked in this regard and has been awarded the “Top Brand PV” seal of quality. Thus becoming one of the leading brands in the PV market.

16.02.2012, Photovoltaics
Sovello: Germany’s Top Brand in the PV Industry
Bonn. German end-customers and installers attest the Thalheimer Sovello GmbH consistently excellent brand recognition and thus a great recognition within the target group. According to the independent surveys of the market and opinion researcher, EuPD Research, the company achieved excellent values in the areas of brand awareness, distribution depth and recommendation of installers. In Germany, the most important PV market, Sovello is seen as one of the leading brands worldwide. EuPD Research therefore awards Sovello with the quality seal “TOP BRAND PV”.

13.02.2012, Photovoltaics
Suntech: The first and to date only “TOP BRAND PV” from China.
Bonn. For the first time, a Chinese solar modules producer, Suntech Power, has received the independent seal of approval “TOP BRAND PV”. In the most important European sales markets Germany, France and Italy, Suntech ranks amongst the best-known and most requested module brands. Furthermore the level of recommendation – a measurable indicator for customer loyalty and satisfaction with the product – is very strong compared to other brands. This result was gleaned from an independent survey of installers and end-customers conducted by the Bonn-based market and opinion research company EuPD Research. In addition to high brand awareness among end-customers, distribution depth which refers to a strong position in brand portfolios of installers, is also very high. This applies especially when a direct comparison with brands of other Chinese companies is made.

09.02.2012, Photovoltaics
Developments in California and the US after the Treasury Grant Program
Bonn/ Long Beach. On February 14th, 2012 the Long Beach Convention Center, California, is the venue for the 5th PV Briefing & Networking Forum USA. At the event, organized by the Joint Forces for Solar initiative, high-level industry experts will discuss the future development of the Californian and US PV market as well as the optimization of the supplier and installer relationship. Participation is free of charge.

08.02.2012, Photovoltaics
Q.Cells: Awarded as European Top Brand
Bonn. Q.Cells can be counted as one of the most well-known and popular PV module brands among installers in Germany, France and Italy. This result was gleaned from an independent survey of installers and end-customers conducted by the Bonn-based market and opinion research company EuPD Research. Alongside a high aided brand awareness among end-customers, Q.Cells also gained a strong position in the brand portfolios of installers. The share of this brand in the sales volume of the installers – the so called distribution depth – is very high. Q.Cells solar modules were also rated above average in the most important solar markets and were therefore awarded with the seal “TOP BRAND PV” by EuPD Research.

31.01.2012, Photovoltaics
Breaking News: PV Industry in Motion: Discussion on Cap in Germany, Suspension in Italy, Treasury Grant Program in USA
Bonn. Not yet in full swing, the year 2012 has already hit the PV industry with several unpleasant reports. The discussion about a tough cap on Germany, the most important sales market, or a temporary suspension of renewable energy incentives in Spain are only two of the news items now posing challenges to the international PV branch. Read the latest news and developments in our current breaking news.

25.01.2012, Photovoltaics
Incentives freeze for PV large scale plants in Italy leads to increasing importance of rooftop segments and thus regional installers
Bonn/ Rome. The Italian energy agency GSE (Gestore dei Servizi Energetici) just announced that PV large scale plants will not get any incentives in the second half of 2012 as the incentive volume was exceeded in 2011. This will lead to a shift in the development of market segments and result in the increasing importance of regional installers.

15.12.2011, Photovoltaics
Asian Premiere: Joint Forces for Solar at Intersolar China
Bonn/ Beijing. Following two years of success in Europe and the US, Joint Forces for Solar has now celebrated its premiere in China. The global networking initiative launched its exclusive networking event in Beijing during Intersolar China, on December 8th.

03.11.2011, Photovoltaics
Educating the end customers in the British PV market
Bonn/ Birmingham. On October 27, 2011 the first Joint Forces for Solar event in Great Britain took place in Birmingham. Both panelists and the audience discussed the optimization of the British photovoltaic market. One key point mentioned was the need to educate end customers in important facts like the yield of a photovoltaic system.

27.10.2011, Photovoltaics
Successful Joint Forces for Solar event in Texas
Bonn/ Dallas. More than 140 participants made the “4th US Breakfast Briefing & Networking Forum” to one of the most successful events of the initiative. The developments on the Texan as well as neighboring photovoltaic markets were the main topics on October 18 in Dallas. As with previous events, local installers were the predominant participants, building an important element of networking and the exchange of ideas between the stakeholders of the photovoltaic value chain. The initiators of the event, EuPD Research as well as Intersolar, were very pleased with the response.

26.10.2011, Photovoltaics
Joint Forces for Solar premiere in Great Britain
Bonn. On October 27th 2011 the “UK PV Briefing & Networking Forum“ will take place during the Solar Power UK in Birmingham. At this event of the Joint Forces for Solar initiative, developments and possibilities of optimization in the British photovoltaic market will be discussed from a local and global perspective.

17.10.2011, Photovoltaics
Joint Forces for Solar heading to Texas for the first time
Bonn/ Dallas. In the past, developments in US PV markets were primarily dominated by the two solar hubs on the east and west coast. However, by introducing attractive incentive schemes, other states are gaining in importance. Development in these emerging markets is the topic of the exclusive networking event of the Joint Forces for Solar initiative “4th US Breakfast Briefing & Networking Forum” on October 18th, 2011 in Dallas, Texas.

06.10.2011, Photovoltaics
"TOP BRAND PV" for Sanyo modules: EuPD Research awards leading brands in the PV branch with the "TOP BRAND PV" seal
Bonn. Sanyo has ranked as one of the strongest brands in the PV branch for a number of years. Among the most frequently installed crystalline module brands, Sanyo is particularly popular among installers thanks to its new and innovative product range. Sanyo received higher than average evaluations in the category “quality”, securing them the highest further recommendation rates of all brands. In recognition of this fact, EuPD Research is now awarding them the seal “TOP BRAND PV”.

22.09.2011, Photovoltaics
Largest and most extensive installer survey worldwide started
Bonn. Currently the market research institute EuPD Research is carrying out the world’s largest installer survey in the field of photovoltaics (PV). During the survey, more than 750 installation companies from Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Great Britain, Greece and Belgium will be questioned. The aim of the evaluation is to attain a comprehensive analysis of the current market environment and market segments in selected countries.

25.07.2011, Photovoltaics
New publication supports strategic decision making in the thin film market
Bonn. This week sees EuPD Research publish a new publication titled “PV Thin Film Guidebook 2011“. It provides comprehensive insight on the thin film segment of photovoltaics. In this publication, the authors cover the most important questions currently under debate in an uncertain market environment. They examine the latest market information and forecasts made by key industry stakeholders.

20.07.2011, Photovoltaics
Joint Forces for Solar: Uniting, networking and mobilizing Solar
Bonn. On July 12th, 2011, the Joint Forces for Solar “3rd US PV Briefing & Networking Forum” took place during Intersolar North America in San Francisco. More than 170 visitors contributed to the outstanding success of this exclusive networking event. The initiators were particularly pleased that attendees took full advantage of the novel networking opportunities initiated by the event.

01.07.2011, Photovoltaics
EEG amendment agreed: German Bundestag concludes on the phasing out of nuclear energy by 2022. Solar funding will be changed as planned and own consumption restricted.
Bonn/ Berlin. In a historic decision which fell yesterday afternoon, the German Bundestag determined the final exit from nuclear energy in Germany. All nuclear power plants are to be switched off step by step by 2022. Only one nuclear power plant should remain in reserve. In addition to this decision, in a heated and intense debate further changes in laws were decided on to drive Germany toward a new energy era. Among other things, an amendment of the German Renewable Energies law, Erneuerbare-Energien-Gesetz (EEG), was also agreed on that will come into effect on January 1st, 2012. Despite massive objections raised by opposition parties, the framework for photovoltaics funding was not, in comparison to the cabinets decision, changed fundamentally. The EEG amendment will be subject to negotiation in the Federal Council but it is not likely that changes will be made.

20.06.2011, Photovoltaics
European premiere of Joint Forces for Solar Global exceeds all expectations
Bonn/Munich. On June 9th 2011, the exclusive networking event Joint Forces for Solar celebrated its successful premiere in Europe at the Intersolar Europe in Munich. More than 250 participants took the opportunity to inform themselves about current market developments and follow the subsequent exclusive panel discussion.

17.06.2011, Photovoltaics
German photovoltaics market: Federal Network Agency has published installed capacities for March to May 2011. Thus, feed-in-tariffs will not be reduced as of July 1st.
Bonn. In a just published press release, the Federal Network Agency announced current figures for installed photovoltaics capacities in Germany. In the months March, April and May, months relevant for the calculation of degression, 700 MWp came into operation. For the determination of the degression, installed capacity will be multiplied by a factor of four to calculate installations for the full year. With the calculation of 2,800 MWp, Germany remains below the threshold of 3,500 MWp.

16.06.2011, Photovoltaics
Government resolution on German Renewable Energy Law (EEG): The volume related degression adjustment is to continue; the own-consumption regulation will be limited and restricted to 100 kW. The committees of the Federal Council are meeting in the next day
Bonn. The EEG resolution presented by the government on Monday, 6 June 2011, sees the government continue with a reduction in solar funding and holding on to restrictions regarding newly installed PV systems by means of a “breathing cap”. The half yearly adjustment to degression, linked to the amount of newly installed capacity is also being maintained in the resolution according to § 20a. This week the committees of the Federal Council are dealing with the draft and in reference to additional reductions also pointed out the importance of “political reliability and good faith” for the branch. This cannot be endangered by introducing further degression at an even faster rate. Signs of significant uncertainty on the market were already apparent in the first half of 2011.

06.06.2011, Photovoltaics
TOP BRAND PV: EuPD Research is awarding leading brands in the PV industry | Scheuten Solar is among global leaders.
Bonn. Brand perception and brand value are becoming more and more important in the PV industry. In the face of growing competitive pressure - and therefore the necessity to create differentiation via product aspects, quality and a strong brand – EuPD Research has developed a method to evaluate module and inverter brand management. The evaluation method is based on statements about brand perception made by market intermediaries and end customers. This method gives manufacturers a candid and undiluted evaluation of their brand, and highlights the aspects of brand management that could be improved.

06.06.2011, Photovoltaics
Joint Forces for Solar Intelligence & Networking Forum
Bonn / Munich. An exclusive networking event organized by the Joint Forces for Solar Initiative is opening its doors for the first time at the Intersolar Europe on June 9, 2011. Developments in and around European and global photovoltaic markets will be subject to discussion between 4pm and 6pm in the Innovation Exchange Area (Hall B2). This event brings together stakeholders from across the entire photovoltaic value chain as well as key associations and initiatives. In addition to a novel networking concept, the event also offers participants the opportunity to exchange opinion on the latest market trends and developments. The initiative is powered by Intersolar and EuPD Research.

05.05.2011, Photovoltaics
The decision has been made: Italy will have a new Conto Energia as of June 1, 2011
Bonn/ Rome. This afternoon saw the Italian government reach an agreement in changes to solar funding. From June 2011, current tariffs will be reduced on a monthly basis. In addition, a funding cap is also to be put in place from this time. A further point worth noting is the premium for systems that mainly consist of components produced in the EU.

21.03.2011, Photovoltaics
German PV Market: Federal Network Agency reports figures for PV installed capacity 2010
Bonn. Germany remains the most important PV market. Newly installed capacity totalled 7.25 GW and an impresseive 242,893 systems were installed in 2010 reaffirming Germany as the key sales market worldwide. “These figures are not a surprise,” comments Markus A. W. Hoehner, CEO of the Bonn-based market research and consulting firm EuPD Research. “Newly installed capacity is for the most part in line with our forecast, “ confirms Hoehner. The Bonn market researche institute revised its forecast in June from 5.5 GW to 7.2 GW.

10.03.2011, Photovoltaics
French solar funding in free-fall: Following a PV Moratorium and market cap, new, drastically slashed incentives take effect.
Bonn / Paris. The French Minister for the Environment, Nathalie Kosciuso-Morizet has announced that photovoltaic systems with a capacity of over 100 kW are now to receive a reduced remuneration of 12 €-Cent per kWh. The tariffs which come into effect today apply to all systems regardless of whether they are installed on a roof or open-space. Open-space systems are now faced with severe cutbacks to the tune of at least 57 percent compared to remuneration in September 2010. Roof-top systems are also to incur reductions of a staggering 70 percent.

03.03.2011, Photovoltaics
Italian PV market: Agreement on future reduction of Feed-in-Tariffs postponed. There is to be no capping of the market.
Bonn / Rome The continued existence of solar finding in Italy has been subject to intense deliberation for a number of days. Representatives from the Ministry for the Environment, the Ministry for Economic Development along with the Gruppo Imprese Fotovoltaiche Italiane“(GIFI), the PV industry association have just reported that further talks have been postponed to April. Although the comprehensive market cap, demanded by the Ministries at the start of the week, is no longer an option, cutbacks will nonetheless come into action in June 2011.

08.02.2011, Photovoltaics
EuPD Research and the British Photovoltaic Association sign agreement
Bonn. EuPD Research and the British Photovoltaic Association (BPVA) have reached agreement for their close cooperation in the global PV industry. This agreement is wide ranging and signals a commitment to combine their market expertise and through this increase public awareness not only in the British PV market but also on a global scale.

20.01.2011, Photovoltaics
EEG compromise: PV-funding to be tailored to installed capacity
Berlin. The German solar industry association (BSW-Solar) has agreed to a new compromise on PV funding with the German Federal Ministry for the Environment. The resolution sees further reductions to FIT’s in accordance with the amount of solar electricity installed annually. The expected installed capacity for the year 2011 will be based on the figures for new installations in the period from March to May. By multiplying the result by a factor of four, the Federal Net Agency should then come to a projection of the estimated installed capacity for the year 2011.

06.01.2011, Photovoltaics
Changes in Solar Funding: Turkey implements a FIT, Spain cuts back.
Madrid, Spain / Istanbul, Turkey. The turn of the year saw international PV markets in vivid motion. While an increasing number of countries such as India or more recently Turkey are on the verge of successfully introducing solar subsides to strengthen their domestic industry and simultaneously meet their climate objectives, the Spanish government has become the new “Solar Grinch” of 2011.

06.09.2010, Photovoltaics
Italy adjusts Solar Funding to Market Conditions
Bonn / Rom. It was not until the official entry in the Italian Gazzetta Officiale that the third revised amendment of the Italian law on the funding of solar energy, the Conto Energia, came into effect. In May of this year the Italian government paved the way for the introduction of simpler permit processes nationwide, a step which facilitated the enactment of the amendment. Although initial plans saw funding being curbed across the board by 30 percent, cutbacks are now to be more differentiated than expected.

25.08.2010, Photovoltaic US
US Market: PV InstallerMonitor analyses Business Strategies of Installers
Miami, Florida – EuPD Research today announced the availability of the new “US InstallerMonitor 2010 – Procurement Management of PV Installers in the USA”. The report helps PV module and inverter manufacturers, distributors, investors and other market participants to understand the downstream photovoltaic market. Five key US states are analyzed in terms of installer needs and preferences based on a primary survey of installers in California, Colorado, Florida, New Jersey and New York.

29.07.2010, Photovoltaic Market UK
MCS certification could cause artificial restraint of British photovoltaic market
Bonn. The British photovoltaic market has a feature unique to Great Britain: In order to benefit from the feed-in tariff (FIT) for solar generated electricity, the products installed as well as the installer carrying out the installation process both have to be accredited by the “Micro-generation Certification Scheme” (MCS).

06.07.2010, Photovoltaics
The mediation committee has come to a compromise on the issue of solar funding. The German Federal Network Agency has reported the latest figures for newly installed capacity in Q1 2010.
Bonn/ Berlin. Following weeks of discussion between the German Parliament and the Federal States on the funding of photovoltaics, the mediation committee has finally come to an agreement. The compromise is that remuneration will now be decreased in two phases. Furthermore, the Federal Network Agency has just published the figures for newly installed capacity in Q1 2010.

27.05.2010, Solar Thermal
Solar thermal industry analysis: where is the German market headed?
Bonn/Berlin. For the first time, EuPD Research has conducted – on behalf of Intersolar Europe – a comprehensive solar thermal market and industry analysis. The study report will be presented in a press conference on June 9th at the Intersolar Europe trade fair in Munich this year.

23.02.2010, Photovoltaics
New Feed-in Tariffs: German PV promotion decreases significantly
Bonn/Berlin: For several weeks now, Berlin has been struggling over the amendment of the feed-in tariffs for solar electricity as defined in the Renewable Energy Act (EEG). On the one hand, the debate came to the forefront once again after consumer advocates called on politics to relieve electricity customers. On the other hand, the debate was aggravated by the necessary industrial political adjustments of the feed-in tariffs to the latest state of development of the PV industry. A decision by the cabinet now determines the corner points of new promotion regulations. Experts expect that the cuts made public today will be stipulated into German law without any amendments and will come into effect – after consultation in the German Bundestag and the bill in the German Federal Assembly – just in time for the cut-off date.

20.01.2010, Photovoltaics
Breaking News: German Solar Promotion to Sink by a Further 15 Percent
Bonn / Berlin. The German Minister for the Environment, Norbert Röttgen (CDU), is currently explaining that the feed-in tariff for solar electricity will be reduced – against the warnings from the industry – by a further 15 percent. These massive cutbacks will lead to a short-term run on PV systems and falsely push the prices up. In the medium-term the manufacturers will have to overcome serious cuts. This will hit European manufacturers of quality systems hardest.

20.01.2010, Photovoltaics
Top Solar Location: German PV Industry Threatened by New Cutbacks
Bonn. Only a few days ago the promotion of solar electricity in Germany was significantly decreased and the market conditions adjusted, yet the cries for further cutbacks are getting louder. The trigger for the announced revision of the tariffs by the Ministry for the Environment are the varying estimations regarding the market growth of the solar industry in Germany. The extra expenses for subsidizing PV systems as laid out in the Renewable Energies Act (EEG) are frequently used as the exclusive argument. However, PV only cost every citizen 24 cents more per month in 2009.

29.09.2009, Photovoltaic Market
EuPD Research and SEMI PV Group Sign Memorandum of Understanding
Bonn. During the 24th PVSEC in Hamburg, Germany, leading solar energy market researcher and consulting company EuPD Research signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SEMI, the global industry association for equipment and materials for its global PV initiative PV Group. The MoU was signed by Markus A.W. Hoehner, CEO, EuPD Research and Dan Martin, Executive Vice President, SEMI PV Group. By signing this memorandum, both parties unite in their support for the global PV industry. The agreement also lays the foundations for the exchange of market information and membership benefits.

18.06.2009, Photovoltaic Market
Off-Grid Photvoltaics as a compelling alternative for the PV industry
Bonn. Against the backdrop of current developments within the photovoltaic markets, including the introduction of a cap in Spain, reduction of the feed-in tariff in Germany, the largest PV market, as well as the increasing module surplus, market participants are searching for alternatives for the future. A great deal of focus is being placed upon the off-grid segment.

26.05.2009, Photovoltaic Market
The German photovoltaic market - solid as a rock
Bonn. Germany will again be the most important photovoltaic market worldwide in 2009, according to the forecast from EuPD Research, the leading market researcher for solar energy. According to estimations made in the new study: “The German PV Market Understand the Demand - Explore the Potential”, two gigawatts of modules will be newly installed in Germany. Although global context factors do not bode well with the optimistic outlook of the international photovoltaic industry – the break down of the Spanish market, the worldwide supply surplus and the financial crisis, are all causes for uncertainty. However solid framework conditions in Germany could make sure that the local photovoltaic market will experience considerable growth nonetheless – thrusting it even more into the global spotlight.

12.03.2009, Concentrated Solar Thermal Power
CSP Survey: Industry report helps reduce site selection risks
Bonn. The global Concentrated Solar Thermal Power (CSP) market is growing and scientists and experts are acknowledging that this kind of alternative power generation in equatorial countries has an amazing potential. Theoretically – a fact that can be calculated very easily – a little over one percent of the total area of the Sahara could yield an amount of electricity equal to the combined total of all power plants in the world.

04.02.2009, Photovoltaic Market
New study about procurement management of German PV installers
Bonn. Business relationships between German installers and their suppliers are characterized by distribution channels with multiple steps. More than two-thirds of German installers purchase their photovoltaic components from a wholesaler or system integrator. This was the result of the new study “PV InstallerMonitor© 2008/2009” by the market research institute EuPD Research in Bonn.

16.12.2008, Photovoltaic Market
Spanish Solar Market Explodes: new expansion of solar plants - 2.5 GW by the end of 2008
Bonn. Coming to the end of 2008, Spain is once more revising its prognosis for installed PV capacity following record expansion. At this stage, according to the National Energy Agency CNE (Comisión Nacional de Energía), a total capacity of 2.4 GW will be installed by the end of 2008. The assessments that were made in previous months have proven to be much too conservative. Up to the third quarter market experts, companies and agencies considered a market size of 1.5 GW realistic. But the expectations have had to be increased once more.

08.12.2008, Photovoltaics
The solar industry on the verge of change: controlling knowledge centrally offers competitive advantages
Bonn. Across the globe, the solar industry is on the verge of a foundational change. The adjustments to the laws for solar electricity subsidies caused uncertainty in Germany and Spain where demand for PV systems has been very strong, and now there are new announcements doing the rounds. The PV industry is expecting a clear oversupply of photovoltaic systems and components in 2009.
In a world first, EuPD Research have gone live with an online digital tool, the PV Research Management Sys-tem (PV-RMS©), which allows customers from the solar sector to meet their individual information needs. “Given the current changes on the market, it is becoming increasingly important for companies to ensure they posi-tion themselves properly. The situation calls for companies to evaluate market data and information, analyze it properly and to bring in appropriate measures – and all more quickly than the competition” says Markus A.W. Hoehner as he introduces the system

05.11.2008, Photovoltaic Market
Change we can believe in?
The USA is on its way into a solar present
Washington/Bonn. “If you became President in 2009 and could choose to provide financial support in one of the following energy sources during your term in office, which one would you choose?” Exactly this question was asked by a US market researcher in a nationwide online survey in June this year. The outcomes of this survey are astonishing: approximately 40 percent – a clear majority – of the people asked said that they would support solar energy. A trend which presumably mirrors the fact that the US population are rethinking their approach to energy matters.

31.10.2008, Photovoltaic Market
The booming Spanish market is not yet ready for private rooftop systems
Bonn. The Spanish photovoltaic market still has a high proportion of large open-space systems, as the high feed-in tariffs of the expired Royal Decree 661/2007 were paid regardless of the location of plants and expensive connection fees made the profitability of private rooftop systems considerably less.

16.10.2008, Photovoltaic Market
Successfully Clearing the Hurdles on the Italian Photovoltaic Market
Bonn. All roads lead to Rome – but not only there! Italy can see them coming, the hopeful players of the photovoltaic business. Coming from successful business activities in Germany and Spain, they are very self-confident: the things that were accomplished in the other two countries will certainly not be too difficult in Italy.

16.09.2008, Photovoltaic Market
Photovoltaics in the USA - Stop or Go?
Bonn. There is good evidence that the US photovoltaic market will be one of the key future markets for photovol-taics. However, up to now, the market has had to struggle with erratic political support for renewable ener-gies, as well as highly complex promotion structures and strong fragmentation due to the 50 separate state markets.

28.05.2008, Photovoltaic Market
What is the Reality Behind the Thin Film Hype?
Bonn. Based on a quantitative survey among thin film producers and market entrants EuPD Research is publishing the first primary study on the global booming PV thin film technology. According to the study, the production output for thin film will reach 3.5 GW in 2010. EuPD Research estimates that less than 50 percent of the 60 companies that intend to start commercial thin film production by 2010 will keep the timeline. According to the statements of the participants, the competitive intensity within the industry will increase. But interestingly, the new players are not considered to be a great threat.

29.08.2007, Photovoltaic Market
PV Growth Markets Will Be Presented in Milan
Milan/ Bonn. In California all sign concerning solar energy are finally set on go. With the adoption of the “California Solar Initiative” the Federal State established an urgently needed framework for the region. As a consequence thereof, the industry in the “golden state” is taking off. Already in 2010 California might exceed the gigawatt limit, predicts PV country market expert Daniela Schreiber (EuPD Research). And Italy and France establish themselves more and more as new growth markets. These are the results of recent market surveys by market researcher EuPD Research concerning the three foreign markets. “Despite the notably improved promotion, bureaucratic hindrances still remain to be the trig for further development of solar energy”, underlines Markus A. W. Hoehner, Managing Partner EuPD Research.
(PDF 99 KB)

03.08.2007, Photovoltaic Market
EuPD Research Business Climate Index 2nd Quarter 2007
Bonn. The business climate index of EuPD Research for the photovoltaic and solar thermal branch shows an inconsistent picture for the 2nd quarter of 2007. While the interviewed companies being active in the solar thermal sector estimate their business situation clearly more negative than in the previous quarter, companies of the photovoltaic sector are currently satisfied. In order to particularly follow up the development of the solar markets by means of profound data, EuPD Research has set up the business climate indices for the photovoltaic and the solar thermal market. Hence, EuPD Research quarterly inquires 100 companies from the photovoltaic- and solar thermal sector about their estimations of the current business situation and the business expectation for the next six months. Besides, developments of prices, employment, investment and turnover are surveyed.
(PDF 198 KB)

21.06.2007, Photovoltaic Market
Growth of international photovoltaic markets accelerating – French photovoltaic market takes shape
Freiburg / Bonn. Since many countries have improved framework conditions, international photovoltaic markets develop very dynamically. The German Solar Industry Association (Bundesverband Solarwirtschaft/BSW) expects the market growth abroad to be bigger than in Germany that nevertheless will remain the biggest market. Especially in the focus of the branch is the French photovoltaic market. One reason can be seen in the decree that was implemented by the French industry ministry in July 2006 guaranteeing a higher feed-in tariff for solar power. Regarding the development of the market during this year, respondents are confident: Photovoltaics is ascribed a significantly higher growth potential compared to solar thermal. These are first results of the latest EuPD Research study “The French Solar Market 2007 – Structures, Potentials, Difficulties“, which has been presented at the trade fair Intersolar in Freiburg. The complete study that also addresses the development of the solar thermal market is available from August 2007. (PDF 139 KB)

13.02.2007, Photovoltaic Market
In Spain, business with solar energy is growing
Bonn. The lastest study "The Spanish Photovoltaic Market 2006/07 – Growth Market with Initial Difficulties" of EuPD Research points out that the Spanish solar market is growing. Especially the business with solar parks is booming further on. According to calculations of EuPD Research, the volume of the newly installed capacity in 2006 will be at least about 50 MW, likely even higher. In particular module manufacturers significantly show a positive market development. All questioned porducers reported on the extention of their production capacities. In addition, a new silicon factory is planned. During in –depth interviews with companies being active in the Spanish installation business, it could be noticed that distribution structures have strongly changed over the past two years. Hence, installers do not directly buy products at the manufacturer but rather from wholesalers specialized on photovoltaics. A main hurdle for an unhindered market growth see questioned market participants still in the very complex and extensive bureaucracy.
(PDF 136 KB)

12.02.2007, Photovoltaic Market
Solar market Italy: Growth hindered – market is waiting for the "Conto Energia"
Bonn. As presenten by the lastest study "The Italian Photovoltaic Market 2006/07 – Basics, Potentials, Risks" of market researcher EuPD Research, the Italian market holds enormous potential, which is only not taped in full due to hurdles and difficulties. Problems are seen beside the solar promotion decree “Conto Energia“ in the delay of project realizations due to loacal administration as well as net operators Despite all existing problems, EuPD Research expects a newly installed capacity of about 80 MW in 2007. For 2008, even 150 MW of additional volume can be anticipated. How much in fact can be realized is depending on the question whether net operators are able to connect all PV systems to the grid. Even more important is however the design of the new ´Conto Energia`“, explains project manager of the study Daniela Schreiber.
(PDF 145 KB)

02.02.2007, Photovoltaic Market
End-of-year business of the solar branch clearly positive
Bonn. To the fiscal year change, the business situation in the German photovoltaic market has consolidated. After the significant brake down in demand within the first two quarters of the year 2006, end customer prices in autumn are about four percent lower than the prices in summer. Thus, according to recent inquiries of EuPD Research, a private rooftop system, consisting of branded components including installation cost on average 4,870 € per kilowattpeak (kWp) without VAT. One reason for the again increasing demand can be seen in the so far mild weather conditions that still allows for installation works. Also the upcoming raise of the value added tax as well as the decreasing feed-in tariff have persuade many end customers to buy a PV system already in 2006. In total, the price is still about five to ten percent above the price level of 2003, which is mostly justified with the grown silicon prices.
(PDF 101 KB)

18.12.2006, Health
Companies leave smokers out in the rain – already now
Bonn. Every year, 140,000 people die due to the consequences of smoking. Besides, regular cigarette breaks decreased effectiveness and increased liability to sicknesses, negatively affecting companies. The latest EuPD Research Study "Health Management 2006/07", surveying more than 100 of the biggest German enterprises shows: Already in 20 percent of the cases, smokers need to clock out before smoking and therefore are forced to work longer. About 63 percent of the companies decreed a general smoking ban at the company area and almost 86 percent promote non-smoking by means of respective workshops or with the help of nicotin patches. These operational measures for smoking cessation have increased about 26 percent compared to those in 2005.
(PDF 105 KB)



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