With the development of solar energy being pushed forward since the 1990s by the feed-in tariffs introduced in many countries of the world, the economic potential of photovoltaics is becoming increasingly apparent. The reason is that grid parity will be reached on key markets in the next few years – meaning that producing solar electricity will soon cost the same or even less than conventional power. Assuming electricity prices rise by a moderate 5 %, grid parity will be reached in all European power markets by 2012 – and even earlier in regions enjoying plenty of sunshine, such as the Mediterranean. This will make solar power truly competitive, prompting the emergence of enormous growth markets – not just in Europe!
Solar power plants have long been competitive in developing countries, too, where electricity is otherwise frequently produced using diesel generators. In actual fact, solar power plants are already a genuine alternative to conventional power supply thanks to falling building costs, low maintenance expenditure, rapid construction, and emission-free operation. Last year, the proportion of large outdoor arrays within the total photovoltaic market rose to nearly 25 %. Q-Cells is one of the leading system integrators in this market segment, and is strategically well positioned thanks to its international branches.
Apart from five branches serving the world’s leading solar markets, Q-Cells is also strongly expanding into the developing markets.
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