ESTIF- the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation - releases latest market statistics and trends

June 4, 2010 - PRLog -- A week before Intersolar Europe opens its doors in Munich, ESTIF- the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation - releases latest market statistics and trends

Brussels, 3 June 2010 - Following an outstanding growth in 2008, the European solar thermal market decreased by 10% in 2009. For the second year in a row, over 4 million square metres of solar panels were sold in Europe. However, the outlook for 2010 remains uncertain as the financial and economic crisis continues to have a negative impact on public support and incentive policies for renewable heating and cooling.

2009 was a challenging year for the solar thermal sector in Europe. While still the leader with an overall share of 38%, the German market contracted by 23% Furthermore, the effects of the current economic downturn have been felt most acutely in recently booming countries such as France, Spain and Italy.

However, the “solar thermal sector still outperformed a market environment characterized by struggling building industries in many European countries and the global economic crisis”, says Olivier Drücke, ESTIF President. Smaller markets like Denmark, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, all below 200,000 m² newly installed capacity per annum, posted a double digit growth in 2009. The Portuguese solar thermal market even experienced a twofold increase due to a new financial incentive scheme.  

Obviously fuel prices and economic activity have a significant impact on solar thermal markets; however, our sector’s stability remains fragile being highly dependent on the diversified and inconsistent support mechanisms available for solar thermal technologies across Europe. Often, periods of strong growth are followed by sharp downturns, a trend illustrated by the past two years with a substantial increase of 60% in 2008 and a decrease of 10% in 2009.

Business in 2010 will hence be affected by the impact of the financial and economic crisis on public support and incentive policies across Europe. In this context, we should bear in mind that “renewables are today an integral part of the energy policy agenda in most European countries, a fact primarily due to the RES directive and its forthcoming incorporation into national legislations.” remarks Xavier Noyon, ESTIF Secretary General.

Interestingly enough, and surely another positive sign, orders for large solar installations seem to be unaffected by the market downturn.

About ESTIF
ESTIF is the voice of the solar thermal industry, actively promoting the use of solar thermal technology for renewable heating and cooling in Europe. With around 100 members from 19 European countries, ESTIF represents the entire supply chain.

About the new ESTIF publication “Solar Thermal Markets in Europe – Trends and Market Statistics 2009”
The 2010 edition shows detailed charts and analyses on single markets, and trends in the European solar thermal sector. This edition includes more country background information and details on solar cooling and large solar thermal applications. For the first time, a detachable map is also part of this brochure.

ESTIF press conference “Solar Thermal Markets in Europe”,
9 June 2010, 12.30-13.30, Press Room Ost 1, Neue Messe München
Join us at the ESTIF Press Conference on 9 June and get your free copy of the “Solar thermal Markets in Europe – Trends and Market Statistics 2009”


Célia Galeotti   
Marketing & Events Manager
European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTIF)
Rue d’Arlon 63-67
B-1040 Brussels

Tel: +32 2 546 19 38
Fax: +32 2 546 19 89

Email: celia.galeotti@estif.org
Website: www.estif.org