European demand weakens global solar module stocks soaring

Solarbuzz pointed out that the weak European solar market demand in the first half of 2011 led to a surge in global solar module inventory at the end of the second quarter.

Manufacturers originally expected shipments in the second quarter of 2011 to increase by 12% from the first quarter. However, based on preliminary estimates by Solarbuzz, actual shipments decreased by 22%, even though demand increased by 79% in the second quarter, and production also declined. At 20%, the inventory of battery and module manufacturers still increased by 559MW.

Inspired by the aggressive 33% Renewable Energy Quota (RPS) target policy, California currently accounts for 62% of the total installed capacity in the United States. The renewable energy quota policy has become the main driving force for the state's solar energy project plans. The first six states are California, Arizona, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, and Texas, and there are 40 state-wide solar power projects to be installed.

Fast-growing non-residential projects have created significant growth opportunities for developers and contractors. Solarbuzz's statistics show that so far, the top twelve projects sorted by installed capacity accounted for 49% of the total un-installed volume. Solarbuzz pointed out that in the past four months, the collapse of the ex-factory price of modules has only begun to affect the prices of large-scale projects until now. In projects with more than 1 MW of project planning, the average system installation price is US$ 4.5 per watt, and 32% of the project price goes to each. Watts are under $4.

“Compared to the 2GW forecast for the overall US market in 2011, 17GW still has significant challenges to be installed,” said Craig Stevens, general manager of Solarbuzz. “The most noteworthy challenges include the integration of project architecture and funding sources, and overcoming regulatory issues. The changes and make full use of the recent market price trends to purchase the best combination of solar energy system components.From the selected modules and inverter suppliers to be installed, the top three module suppliers are First Solar, Sun Power and Suntech, leading inverter suppliers, are Advanced Energy and Sat Con Technology.