European Solar PV Market is Set to Recover

The solar photovoltaic (PV) market in Europe is set to recover in the fourth quarter. Solar PV demand decreased 11% in the third quarter mainly due to uncertainty after a solar trade dispute between China and Europe. Italy, France, Germany, and the UK will account for 75% of the solar PV recovery, equivalent to 8GW in 2014. Germany accounted for 40% of the European demand. The United Kingdom is expected to lead the European markets for the first time in the first quarter of 2014. Italian PV demand is expected to recover after hitting a low of 229MW in the third quarter as the Conto Energia V funding scheme was passed out. The French government is implementing projects targeting annual PV demand of at least 1GW. Overall demand from Europe in 2014 will continue to be led by Germany and the United Kingdom. Susanne von Aichberger, analyst at Solarbuzz commented, ""Following consecutive quarterly market declines going back to the start of 2012, solar PV demand from Europe is forecast to stabilize over the next three quarters. The downturn in the Europe solar PV industry has now bottomed out, with the quarterly demand volatility of the past soon to be replaced by more stable end-market dynamics."