Wellingborough, UK– 10^th February 2012. Despite the outlook for the PV manufacturing equipment market remaining bleak in 2012, a new report from IMS Researchforecasts that there could be a 20 GW opportunity for the upgrade or replacement of existing capacity over the next four years.
 
According to the latest quarterly updated report, revenue declines of over 65% are forecast for the PV manufacturing equipment market in 2012. However, a new opportunity has been identified as equipment vendors seek out new market bright spots in the industry.
 
Aging equipment requiring upgrade or complete replacement represents the biggest opportunity currently and this is where the majority of equipment revenues will come from in 2012. The research report found that this could provide a 20 GW opportunity for equipment suppliers, generating some $25 billion in revenues over the next four years.
 
Ingot, wafer, cell and module makers are all placing less criticality on expanding production, and are instead focussing on increasing end-product quality and overall efficiencies. Utilization rates are at an all-time low and the current lull in new demand and capacity across the supply chain will provide a potential opportunity for PV-product makers to gain market share longer-term through upgrading equipment now.
 
Senior Research Director Tim Dawson comments: “IMS Research has estimated that there is between 2.5 and 4 GW of existing manufacturing capacity that requires upgrade in 2012, and this figure will steadily ramp-up over the coming few years. Companies wishing to remain competitive and take the opportunity to gain market share, will be forced to invest in new equipment.”
 
Dawson continues: “The inevitable market shake-out that will see less competitive product makers fall by the wayside, will stimulate further demand for equipment as existing manufacturing capacity goes offline. Manufacturing equipment companies that stand to benefit most are those that have a clear equipment upgrade strategy available to their customers. Furthermore, companies that will resist the shake-out best will be those who can go through these equipment upgrades with the least disruption, readying themselves for the time when end-demand does ultimately pick-up.”
 
Detailed analysis of the global PV manufacturing equipment market is provided each quarter by IMS Research’s report “The World Market for PV Manufacturing Equipment”. For more information, please contact Tim Dawson at: tim.dawson@imsresearch.com.
 
Ends
 
For more information please contact:
 
IMS Research - Europe
 
Stacey May – Research Associate, T: +44 (0) 1933 402255
stacey.may@imsresearch.com
 
Tim Dawson – Senior Research Director, T: +44 (0) 1933 402255
tim.dawson@imsresearch.com
 
Alternative Contact
 
IMS Research - Asia Pacific
 
Jessica Jin – Research Analyst
jessica.jin@imsresearch-china.comTel: +86 21 6720 1823
 
Follow us on twitter:@IMSResearch_PV
 
About PV Manufacturing Equipment Market Report:
IMS Research produces detailed studies each year on the global PV manufacturing equipment market. Its studies are the most detailed available providing market size and forecast data for equipment used at every stage of the thin-film and crystalline production process.
 
The company's wealth of knowledge and expertise at other stages of the PV supply chain helps to drive-out the long term forecasts provided within the equipment report.
 
About IMS Research - Photovoltaics
IMS Research is a leading independent supplier of market research and consultancy to the global electronics industry, offering syndicated market studies, bespoke research and consultancy services. The company is one of the most respected commentators in the renewable energy field, with a particular expertise in the PV (solar) market. We currently have nine analysts and a 15-person research team dedicated to researching the PV market. We now offer over 30 reports and cover every aspect of the supply chain from polysilicon supply to PV modules, inverters and PV system integrators. To find out more, contact IMS Research: PV@imsresearch.com; Tel: +44 (0) 1933 402255; www.pvmarketresearch.com.