Record growth in the global photovoltaic market which saw rates of around 40% between 1997 and 2004 is set to be curtailed by a pending shortfall in silicon supply.
According to the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA), 2005 growth will drop to 20% with a slight increase in 2006 before rates recover in 2007.
The association blames the outlook on a series of new supply measures that significantly lag demand.
A spokesman for the group is reported as saying: "The chemical industry decided to start increasing production capacities at the end of 2004, to provide the raw material necessary to produce silicon cells, however these new capacities will not be available before 12 to 18 months."
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