There are entirely different exhibitors and target audiences in the numerous regional PV exhibitions. EnergyTrend concludes key points for the three major markets based on the previous exhibitions and seminars attended.
In Japan, due to the large amount of subsidies provided by the Japanese government, manufacturers have started to show modules with new technology to attract buyers. Thus, new technology, high-efficiency, and high-power have become the key points in the exhibition. For example, Panasonic HIT module exhibited cells with the highest efficiency in the world. Sharp also showed the multi-junction cells and dye-sensitized cells with the highest efficiency in the world. Although most visitors went to the exhibition to search for modules, many equipment manufacturers and other component manufacturers have been searching for potential opportunities, hoping to find cell/module manufacturers from Taiwan or other countries.
In China, EnergyTrend notices that SNEC this year was more deserted than previous years. The number of exhibitors decreased by about 30% compared to last year. During the rise of trade wars, the overall exhibition focus shifted toward the development of the Chinese market. Although demand in the Chinese market was mostly driven by large-scale projects, displayed products not only can be used on modules for large-scale power plants, but also can be used on modules for roof-top systems, construction, and operation and maintenance companies. In terms of new technology, MWT and dual 85 received the most attention. Besides, based on the data collected by SNEC, aside from modules and cells, raw material manufacturers were another area that caught visitors’ attentions. It’s worth noting that central enterprises with strong financial background and stable production have become the lead as Suntech and LDK faced financial crisis. Some manufacturers have even turned to central enterprises for purchase.
In the US, although the number of exhibitors participated in the InterSolar North America was two hundred less than those participated in Solar Power International (SPI) this year, the number of visits only decreased by 6%. It shows that holding the exhibition in the same location can be an effective way to gain more popularity. While most of the Chinese manufacturers have participated in this year’s InterSolar in San Francisco, first-tier US manufacturers (such as FirstSolar, SunPower, and SunEdison) didn’t join. Judging from the content of the recent solar energy fair in the US, we can see that US exhibitors focus more on total solution rather than module/cell technology or efficiency. For example, instead of showing Panda modules, Yingli emphasized total solution and combined it with accessories.
EnergyTrend’s point of view
It’s not difficult to find out the following things while comparing how major markets in the world participate in different solar energy fairs – In Europe and USA, there are complete subsidy plans provided by the government. Also, due to Western people’s higher acceptance towards renewable energy, there must be certain degree of development regarding either large-scale projects or distributed market. Exhibitors mostly focus on total solution or EPC manufacturers. However, there are quite a few investment and financing firms that are engaged in the US; In Japan, total amount of grid-connected installation is likely to significantly increase under the support of PV policies. Exhibitors mainly focus on modules or accessories with new technology and high-efficiency being the key point in the exhibition; Due to the large amount of Chinese manufacturers and large domestic demand, anything can be found in the fairs in China. The major difference this year in contrast to last year is the rising of central enterprises. Although energy-storage market hasn’t gone matured, Intersolar NA already established a special area for energy-storage. By gathering more than ten energy-storage manufacturers, it shows that North America has started to pay more attention on energy-storage market. There are even energy-storage policies being regulated in California. Since Western markets have always been the leaders in the PV industry, whether energy-storage technology in Asia can become another focus in the fair is yet to be observed in the future.
Due to the rapid growth of power plants in Asia, EnergyTrend is going to hold its first PVforum on October 31st, 2013 – Market Status and Future Development for Solar Power Plants in Asia. A thorough analysis will be presented based on the following topics – technology threshold, system security and maintenance, power plant prospect, and many more. We sincerely welcome all of you in the PV and financial sector to come join us. If you would like to know more details, please click on the following link: //seminar.energytrend.com/PVforum/2013/TW/index/
