SHENZHEN, China, January 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Solar energy companies increased worldwide output by over 50% in 2007. Experts believe that the sector has plenty of room to grow, especially as the increasing price of oil forces global leaders to seek alternative forms of energy. Asia's strong interest in renewable energies is translating into rising profit potential for Asian companies. As the world's leading location for photovoltaic (PV) investments, Germany is essential to helping Asian companies optimize research and development (R&D), manufacturing, and market access. This year's Asian Photovoltaic Technology Show will offer information to Asian companies on how they can benefit from Germany's leading position in the world PV market. The trade fair runs from January 16 to 18 in the Chinese city of Shenzhen.
Germany is home to numerous domestic and international PV companies of all sizes. The country's world-renowned Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) is helping to secure the domestic market while the "Made in Germany" label is trusted worldwide, cementing Germany's export success. Germany is the world's largest PV market. In 2007, it added an estimated 1.3 gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity, an increase of more than 30% over 2006. PV production is growing in Germany because the country is establishing superb conditions for new investment.
The EEG is favorable to PV energy. It sets a "feed-in tariff," more than twice the market price that owners of PV products receive when their energy is sold to utility companies. By law, this price remains constant for twenty years. The EEG therefore provides an incentive for consumers to buy PV products, and Germany's favorable conditions are resulting in significant returns for PV investors: In 2006, the PV industry had an estimated EUR3.7 billion in sales.
Germany's advantages to the PV investor go beyond domestic sales. Rather Germany's geographic location places it in close proximity to growing European PV markets, enabling exports. The country is also a manufacturing center for PV products. Additionally, close cooperation among PV companies, research institutes, and equipment manufacturers allows for advances in production technologies - facilitating cost reductions. German engineering companies and local authorities are experienced in PV, allowing quick implementation of PV investment projects.
"The worldwide PV industry trusts the 'Made in Germany' label. Many leading PV companies, such as Q-Cells, First Solar, Arise, and Nanosolar are utilizing the country's advantages to achieve successful returns," notes Nikolai Dobrott, director for Renewable Energies and Resources at Invest in Germany.
Invest in Germany is the inward investment promotion agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. It provides investors with comprehensive support from site selection to the implementation of investment decisions. Invest in Germany will be in Hall 2, booth C21 at the Asian Photovoltaic Technology Show in the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center.
Media Contact: Eva Henkel Invest in Germany Phone: +49-30-200099-173 Fax: +49-30-200099-111 Email: henkel@invest-in-germany.com http://www.invest-in-germany.com
Media Contact: Eva Henkel, Invest in Germany, Phone: +49-30-200099-173, Fax: +49-30-200099-111, Email: henkel@invest-in-germany.com
