The world market for PV manufacturing equipment 1Q09 to 3Q09 was down by approximately 25-30% on the same period in 2008.  The European region experienced the most significant slowdown, with the subsidy caps (reductions) in Spain having a major impact. 

A new report from IMS Research focused on the world market for PV manufacturing equipment shows that 2010, although still difficult in certain regions - in particular Europe - will again show growth overall.

Senior Analyst, Mark Watson, comments “With many end users postponing orders, the market through the middle part of 2009 practically dried up for many equipment suppliers.  However, there are promising signs that 4Q09 will see an increase in order intake and that postponed orders will start to be revived.”

He continues, “Asia Pacific PV manufacturing equipment revenues, driven by countries such as China, Taiwan, India and South Korea, are projected to grow quickly from 2010 onwards.  Large numbers of Asia Pacific equipment suppliers are starting to emerge, supplying domestic markets with low cost manufacturing equipment.”

EMEA PV equipment suppliers are largely considering moving production to Asia Pacific to take advantage of lower production costs, whilst keeping design and software engineering in EMEA.  The real focus for them is on “Total Cost of Ownership”; promoting technical developments and trying to stay at the forefront of process innovation. 

The question for EMEA PV equipment suppliers is – will the PV manufacturing equipment market largely move to Asia Pacific?