The Intersolar Europe exhibition will open its doors on June 13 in Munich, Germany – the conference began earlier, on June 11. According to EnergyTrend, a research division of TrendForce, prior to the exhibition some system vendors had already negotiated with suppliers and booked capacity, and related vendors indicate that this has continued. Additionally, as the latest news from Germany indicates its PV subsidy policy may be finalized sooner than expected, TrendForce believes another installation rush will take place on the German solar market. With the Japanese and the U.S. markets entering the peak season, TrendForce believes manufacturers should see revenue growth in Q2 and Q3.
According to EnergyTrend, a research division of TrendForce, silicon wafer manufacturers in China lowered prices to bring in orders in the beginning of June, causing a price decline in the Chinese market. However, silicon wafer price stabilized this week due to demand recovery. Currently, as major silicon wafer makers in China continue to receive orders from Europe although they are at nearly fully loaded capacity, suppliers are relatively optimistic towards Q3. As for Taiwanese manufacturers, some have indicated that several European clients have already placed orders for July and August and accepted suppliers’ price increases. Demand is stemming mostly from high-efficiency products. Manufacturers indicate that the Japanese PV market, like its European counterpart, has entered the mature stage. The market for large systems like solar power plants is especially strong, and major manufacturers in China, Korea, and Japan have all geared up for the demand increase in the second half of the year.
The Intersolar exhibition will provide much insight into the European market in the second half of 2012. In consideration of the aforementioned market developments prior to the trade show, TrendForce expects the industry will see more rush orders in the near future. If economies in Europe remain stable, PV makers should see satisfactory revenue and profits in Q3.