Date: 21/10/2010

Thin film solar PV production capacity to cross 2.7 GW by the end of 2012, says IMS

The utility-scale PV market is set to surge next year, growing five-times faster than the rest of the industry, according to the latest analysis from IMS Research.
IMS says this high demand predicted for 2011 supports US thin-film solar module producer, First Solar's recent decision to make significant increases to its production capacity expansion plans for the next two years. First Solar is adding two additional four-line plants in USA and Vietnam in 2012 in addition to previously announced expansions in France, Germany and Malaysia, as per IMS.

These expansions would suggest that the dominating thin film supplier's production capacity will reach over 2.7 GW by the end of 2012 at current line run rates. However, given its history of improving throughput, IMS Research estimates that its capacity could in fact reach over 3 GW by then.

PV Research Analyst Sam Wilkinson commented, "Whilst much of the industry has indicated uncertainty and a possible reduction in demand in 2011 with Germany's small commercial segment likely to decrease the most in MW terms, First Solar is expecting an increase in demand for its products and a need to accelerate capacity expansions." "Whilst it wasn't fully able to benefit from the booming German market which has so far favoured roof-top installations, it is now likely to see robust demand from large plants in Europe as well as its own enormous utility-scale pipeline in North America," added Wilkinson. "IMS Research forecasts significant growth for First Solar's primary market - utility-scale PV installations in 2011, with these systems projected to grow five-times faster than the rest of the market." continued Wilkinson.