Suntech Beats First Solar for #1 PV Mfr in 2010

Suntech was the largest PV module supplier in 2010, growing its shipments by more than 130% over the previous year, to ship more megawatts than any of its competitors, according to a new report from IMS Research. First Solar, which held the top spot in 2009, fell to second place, increasing its shipments by less than 50% - although the total market more than doubled.

IMS Research's analysis of the global PV supply chain, based on shipment data from hundreds of suppliers, reveals that although market conditions meant that all suppliers could grow their shipments, some suppliers were able to benefit more than others.

In particular, Chinese tier-one suppliers Canadian Solar and Hanwha SolarOne (formerly Solarfun) both gained two places in the rankings. In fact, all of the suppliers in the top ten that gained rank were Chinese. Conversely, both of the suppliers that lost rank were Western, headquartered in the U.S.

One Western supplier bucking this trend was REC, which moved quickly up the rankings to become the 11th largest supplier of PV modules in 2010, IMS Research says.

"2010 was an outstanding year for everyone in the PV industry," says Sam Wilkinson, PV market analyst at IMS Research. "Module suppliers were able to benefit from the strong demand, which lasted all year, and make great increases in their shipments.

"Five of the top ten suppliers more than doubled them; some even increased them by more than 150 percent," he adds.

Another clear winner in 2010 was JA Solar - another large Chinese supplier - which increased its production by nearly 180%, becoming the largest producer of PV cells, after having been only the fifth largest producer in 2009.

However, IMS Research predicts a slowdown in growth for the PV module market in 2012, as many major European markets are expected cool following amendments to incentive schemes.

SOURCE: IMS Research

Chinese PV Cell Manufacturers Increased their Marketshare from 49% to 59% in 2010

Market research firm, Solarbuzz has reported its Top 10 rankings by cell capacity in 2010. Actually, there were 12 companies in the ranking due to several companies tying on capacity. Suntech Power and JA Solar tied for the first position, followed closely by First Solar.

On a geographical basis, there were four producers in the rankings that are headquartered in China, (Suntech (1), JA Solar (1), Trina Solar (9) and Canadian Solar (12)). Taiwan was also well represented with three firms in the rankings, (Motech (5), Gintech (6) and Neo Solar Power (11)).

Not surprising was the inclusion of two key producers headquartered in the U.S., First Solar and SunPower, ranked third and tenth, respectively.

Both Kyocera and Sharp were tied for seventh position and were the only two firms from Japan in the rankings.

Only one German manufacturer was included in the Solarbuzz rankings, Q-Cells at number 4. However, like SunPower the majority of cell production is in Asia.

According to Solarbuzz, worldwide solar cell production reached 20.5GW in 2010, up a massive amount from 2009 when production reached 9.86GW.

Thin film production accounted for 13.5% of total production, Solarbuzz said - down (as a percentage from 16.8% in 2009)

Producers in China and Taiwan continued to build market share, and accounted for 59% of global cell production in 2010, up from 49% in 2009.

Source:  PV Tech and Solar Buzz