Global Photovoltaic Market Grew 31% Per Year for Past 4 Years

source: press release 2001.10.29

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--The worldwide demand for photovoltaic power modules hasgrown 31% per year for the past four years, an increase of almost 300% over the period 1997 to 2001, according to Strategies Unlimited, a market research firm located in Mountain View, CA. Photovoltaic modules are forecast to reach 320 MWp in 2001. PV continues to expand in most regions of the world. Strategies Unlimited's new report, Global Analysis of Photovoltaic Markets -
2002, provides an analysis of market demand for terrestrial photovoltaic modules by region, by country and by application.

Photovoltaic market growth has been the result of rising energy costs, electric power interruptions, growing public awareness of
renewable energy alternatives, government subsidies, and rural electrification in off-grid regions of the world.

The largest regional markets have been Japan, Germany and the United States. Japanese market growth has softened in 2001 as
government subsides have been reduced. The United States and German markets show increased strength. Solar-electric home
construction in California has received a big boost from consumer demand and government subsidy. Germany continues to lead the
European market because of its environmentally consciousness public.

Grid-connected applications have become the No. 1 worldwide PV application, accounting for over 50% of total installations in
the 2001. Grid connected installations have grown at an annual growth rate of over 60% per year during the past five years.
Traditional application categories, such as industrial, consumer, and habitation power, continue to increase at annual rates between
15 and 20% per year.

This new report is based upon survey data from over 500 interviews from 80 countries, including 200 distributors and 80
in-country government, private, philanthropic, and commercial institutions. The report profiles market trends and reviews market
activity in nine geographic regions. Observations are made on the changes in applications between 1997 and 2000. A forecast is
provided for 2001. Applications are reported by country in four major categories for the period 1997-2000. Ongoing or planned
national and international government aid PV projects are highlighted.

Global Analysis of Photovoltaic Markets - 2002 will be published in November and can be ordered at a price of $6,950. For the
detailed Table of Contents, contact Strategies Unlimited at 650/941-3438 or check the web site: http://www.strategies-u.com.

Founded in 1979, Strategies Unlimited specializes in market research and strategic consulting directed at photovoltaic components
and systems, optical networking, optoelectronic, and RF/wireless semiconductor industries. The company is based in Mountain
View, California and is a research unit of PennWell Publishing, a global media and information company serving the energy and
advanced technology markets since 1910.

Contact:

Strategies Unlimited
Katherine Santos, 650/941-348
Ksantos@strategies-u.com