Last month, market research firm IHS revised its figures for worldwide PV installations in 2014. The research firm also reiterated its guidance for PV installations in 2015.
In an interview with PV Tech, IHS Senior Analyst Susanne von Aichberger and Senior Director Ash Sharma, said that the worldwide PV market is expected to register the strongest growth rate in 2015 since 2011. Demand is expected to increase 30% and installations are forecast to reach 57 GW.
However, there are some concerns. Aichberger and Sharma noted that conditions remain challenging for the industry and there are more risks than opportunities out there right now. They note that solar companies will have to remain flexible in terms of their business models, supply chains and channel partner strategies in order to succeed in the present environment.
In terms of markets, China is expected to be the key growth driver. Apart from China, the largest markets for PV installations will be the U.S., Japan, the UK and India, according to IHS analysts. The fastest growing region this year will be the Americas, they note. The region is forecast to grow by 50%. Asia will grow at 27%. Demand in Europe is also expected to increase for the first time since 2011. This is good news as Europe is a very important market for solar companies.
As the outlook for worldwide PV installations improves, solar companies are once again getting attention from investors. One emerging company in the solar space is Envision Solar International Inc. (OTCQB:EVSI), a San Diego, California-based developer of solar products and technology solutions.
On Thursday, the company announced that it completed multiple successful deliveries of EV ARC™ product to a major Silicon Valley technology company. EVSI used its recently announced ARC Mobility™ transportation system to complete the delivery.
Commenting on the development, Desmond Wheatley, CEO of Envision Solar, said that EVSI continues to improve its efficiencies and its ability to deliver its products. Wheatley further said that the latest wave of deliveries, using the new ARC mobility system proves again that EVSI can deploy EV charging infrastructure faster than anyone in the industry and in an economical and zero environmental impact manner.
Envision’s recent order activity for charging products is at the highest level in its history. This does not come as a surprise, given the need for charging products. EVSI, citing a report from the State of California, noted that up to 900,000 charge points may be needed by 2020 to meet Governor Brown’s recent Executive Order goals.
