Global Market for Photovoltaic Power to Resume Growth in 2011, According to NextGen Research

OYSTER BAY, N.Y.--(Business Wire)--
Photovoltaic technology has a very straightforward value proposition: it
converts sunlight to electricity. Its advantages are simple to understand:
sunshine is free, and the conversion process yields clean energy, with no
harmful emissions or byproducts. Solar cells are long-lasting and non-polluting,
typically operating for 25 years before being recycled. Photovoltaic systems
have no moving parts, which means maintenance is minimal as parts do not wear
out and require replacement, so lifecycle operational costs are low.

According to the NextGen Research study "The Global Photovoltaic Market: Sunny
Prospects for Energy Independence Through Solar Power"
(http://www.nextgenresearch.com/research/1001996-The_Global_Photovoltaic_Market),
photovoltaic demand will increase at a CAGR of nearly 24% from 2008 to 2013,
with markedly stronger growth starting in 2011 after the global economy rebounds
from the ongoing global recession.

Driving the installation and use of photovoltaics are concerns over climate
change and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the drive for
energy independence, which has become a matter of national security for many
countries. Additionally, the development of a domestic photovoltaic industry is
seen as a promising means of economic stimulation during a difficult fiscal
period, as well as a way to transition to a green economy.

Says Larry Fisher, Research Director of NextGen Research, "Federal, state and
local governments provide economic support to help alternative energy sources
like photovoltaic achieve parity, the point at which the cost of generating
electricity from renewable sources equals that of electricity generated through
the use of conventional sources, like coal or natural gas. That support is
crucial, at least until the photovoltaic industry can achieve the necessary
economies of scale to compete with standard, greenhouse gas-emitting energy
sources.

"Feed-in tariffs have been effective in promoting photovoltaic power generation
in Germany, Italy, and elsewhere; these tariffs mandate a baseline price at
which the local utility must purchase excess electricity from a residential
photovoltaic system. The US offers a 30% tax credit for consumers installing a
photovoltaic system, while many US states also offer tax incentives, as well as
rebates, grants and loans, to help support the growth and use of photovoltaics."

NextGen Research is the emerging technology arm of ABI Research
(www.ABIResearch.com). NextGen Research informs clients of the outlook for
applications currently in use and the opportunities presented by new
technologies, so they can make sound business decisions. For more information,
please visit www.NextGenResearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2526.

NextGen Research
Larry Fisher, 516-624-2526
Fisher@NextGenResearch.com

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