Solar power in Europe

NEW YORK, USA: Reportlinker.com announced that a new market research report is available in its catalog: Solar Power in Europe.

Solar power remains a hot topic in the European energy debate. Falling costs mean that solar energy is getting closer to grid parity. Meanwhile, feed-in tariffs are under pressure in several European markets.The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the state of the European solar market and the key drivers.

The report looks at investment trends in the sector.The report addresses the threat to European equipment manufacturers from lower cost sources. Solar photovoltaic (PV) module prices have fallen due to an oversupply of modules and lower demand from some European markets.

Technology improvements and increased silicon production are also behind the drop in PV module prices. Also, lower feed-in tariff rates are reducing demand for solar PV modules, leading to further pressure on prices.Investments in renewable energy technologies globally increased by 5 percent in 2011 from 2010 levels, largely led by a 36 percent increase in investments in solar power technologies.

However, the impact of stimulus funding will likely weaken beginning in 2012 as governments (specifically in the western world) reduce spending owing to budget constraints.