PV Module Profits Could Double In 2015
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A forecast has been made by IHS, a Colorado-based information services company, predicting that global PV module gross profits will increase to $5 billion in 2015. If they do reach this level, they will more than double those from 2014. The cause of the increase is expected to be a growing number of solar installations in 89 countries and an increase in demand for PV modules.
The IHS document anticipates a 27% increase in PV module shipments in 2015, a 20% increase in revenues, a 6% increase in gross margins, and 117% increase in gross profits.
“This year’s improved PV market is not necessarily a return to the good times of 2009 to 2011, but it is certainly an industry turning point. In 2015 we can expect a much healthier year for the supply chain, after two very difficult years, when incentives were pared back in several countries, over-supply continued and prices collapsed. We now see far healthier and sustainable margins for much of the industry,” explained Ash Sharma, a senior solar researcher for IHS.
As clean energy matures, it seems as though the way it is being discussed online has become more about economics than environmental concerns. Decreasing costs, and the reconsideration of government support appears to be gently thrusting solar power into a “contender” status, rather than something that appealed almost exclusively to “enviros” or technologists previously.
Another development that is nothing new, but may appear to be that way, is that solar power is a global trend. It isn’t restricted to a few developed nations having a foray or two into “going green.” The US — usually a technology leader — is not leading it. Other countries like Germany and China are out front. How much of an opportunity has the US wasted by not being the leader?
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