Where is the photovoltaic (PV) market developing?

Figure 7. The photovoltaic (PV) market development in China, Germany, Japan and the USA from 1990 to 2017 (Data source: IEA. PVPS. National Survey Report of PV Power Applications). By the end of 2009, the cumulative PV installed capacity in China was only 300 MW.

Why is international trade important for PV cells?

Through the interaction of spatial patterns of PV cells international trade flow, the associations among regions have been strengthened and the development opportunities of PV industry have been expanded. This will also intensify the level of competition.

Why is the global solar PV product trade important?

The global solar PV product trade plays an important role in facilitating PV product production and utilization and in mitigating climate change. Traded solar cells and modules in 2017 could generate 2325.25 TWh of electricity over their 30-year lifetimes.

How has fit policy influenced the growth of PV market in China?

Thus, the FiT policy has driven the rapid growth of the PV market in China. In 2015, “a Top Runner Program” was introduced to encourage Chinese PV companies to invest in PV R&D (IEC, 2018). With the expansion of the domestic PV market, the PV product capacity in China continues to grow.

Does ITC support the solar PV market?

The residential and commercial ITC have helped the solar PV market to grow significantly since it was implemented in 2006, with an average annual installed capacity growth rate of 50% over the last decade alone. However, this support mechanism also has certain limitations.

Why are Germany and China scaling back PV power generation?

Currently, Germany and China are scaling back or eliminating subsidies for PV power generation, which increases uncertainty in terms of policy form and market risk. Governments in four countries should rapidly upgrade their long-term policies, including R&D, and supply-push and demand-pull policies, in line with the current state of PV development.