US demand for photovoltaic modules will more than triple by 2010, driven by innovations, economies of scale and government subsidies. Crystalline silicon cells will remain dominant while thin films will post stronger growth. Thin films use little or no silicon and can integrate photovoltaics within roofing shingles and other building materials.
This study analyzes the $526 million US solar energy product industry. It presents historical demand data for 1995, 2000 and 2005 and forecasts to 2010 and 2015 by photovoltaic cell type (e.g., crystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride, gallium arsenide, CIS/CIGS, systems and modules); by application (e.g., electric power generation, manufactured products, communications, transportation); and by US geographic region.
The study also considers market environment factors, reviews world trade, details industry structure, evaluates company market share and profiles 31 major producers including Sharp, BP, Kyocera, Energy Conversion Devices, SCHOTT, SANYO, SolarWorld, and SunPower.
