Solar markets around the world have suffered mightily from the global recession.
Demand has plummeted and prices have fallen sharply.
German market grows as Spanish market shrinks
In Germany, however, expansion is expected to continue, with the market rising 25 percent and retaking the crown as Europe’s largest.
The country should consume 2,000 MW of new solar capacity this year compared with 1,600 MW last year, says Winfried Hoffmann, president of the European Photovoltaic Industry Association.
Europe’s former leader, Spain, added 2,500 MW of capacity in 2008, but will cap the additions at 500 MW this year as national subsidies dry up.
As a whole, Europe expects solar power will provide 12 percent of its energy by 2020, Hoffmann said.
