Apr 29 2009
The solar building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and the solar thermal heating systems (STS) markets have been hit hard by the current economic situation. However, as soon as the recession shows signs of recovery, both sectors will start booming again. Government support, new entrants and a positive end-user outlook will contribute to make a fast and strong growth.
On this subject Frost & Sullivan will host a complimentary analyst briefing which will take place on Thursday, 14 May, at 3 pm BST. Two top analysts from Frost & Sullivan, Akhil Sivanandan and Hammam Ahmed, will offer an insight into the exciting future of solar technologies in buildings, for both heating and microgeneration. They will also shed light on the level of impact of the economic downturn and road to recovery.
The European market for solar thermal systems was estimated to be worth euro 958.9 million in 2008, and is expected to grow at 15 % CAGR between 2008 and 2014 reaching euro 2.2 billion in 2014.
"Over the past 4 years the market has undergone considerable changes," comments Hammam Ahmed, "as the interest it receives from policy makers, industry players and end users is ensuring strong growth trends in the coming years. Based on the fundamental changes which took place in the European solar thermal systems market over the past 4 years, the current economic situation is having a temporary impact on the market. The interest the industry receives from policy makers, industry players and end users will ensure positive growth levels as soon as the economy recovers."
Considering the emphasis on renewable energies and the apparent potential for the solar thermal industry, new entrants from neighboring industries have started to incorporate solar thermal systems in their expansion plans. For example an increasing number of HVAC manufacturers are entering the market, and offering solar thermal systems along with conventional hot water systems.
Meanwhile, the European Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) market in 2008, with an estimated installed capacity of 37.24 MW and revenues of euro 214.8 million, has been witness to very high growth rates in the last few years. With low market size and penetration, the BIPV market holds enormous potential for growth. Rising awareness and environmental concern among the public coupled with supportive legislation coming into play across Europe will propel the market into the mainstream public consciousness in the next few years. The competitive landscape is multi-layered and fragmented in terms of company sizes and participation in different points in the value chain. Japanese and Chinese manufacturers have a strong presence in the market. Most of the European manufacturers are based out of Germany. The country has developed a strong manufacturing base and a high level of expertise among participants in the market due to its early focus on the development of the solar PV and BIPV market.
"The main challenge that BIPV manufacturers face is that of making BIPV an integrated part of the decision process for new constructions and renovation," observes Akhil Sivanandan. If it can instead be treated as a building element, it makes for a more efficient and cheaper installation as the special provisions required to install BIPV can be properly incorporated into the building design and without need for expensive reconstruction.
This briefing will benefit manufacturers and installers of BIPV and STS products and all stakeholders in the development of the solar and Microrenewables industry. As it will address the key challenges and future opportunities in the solar micro renewable market in Europe, participants from adjacent industries such as conventional HVAC equipment manufacturers and utility firms will also find the conference useful.