PV status report 2004 : research, solar cell production and market implementation of photovoltaics

In 2004 the world wide production of photovoltaic modules is expected to break the 1 GW annual sales barrier continuing the average growth of over 30% per year during the last six years, which makes photovoltaics one of the fastest growing industries at present. This development is driven by market introduction programmes and rural electrification programmes in many countries around the world and supported by the progress in materials and processing technology. In the long-term the growth rates for photovoltaics will continue to be high, even if political or economic frame conditions could lead to a short-term slow down of the growth rates.