Investments into new thin-film production capacity exceeded $1bn annually between 2007-2012 as new entrants poured into the sector, but is on pace to fall to just $340m this year.

“For thin-film to return to double-digit market share, investments are required from new entrants,” says Finlay Colville, NPD Solarbuzz vice president.

“While the focus in the past was for new thin-film capacity in Europe and the US, emerging regions across the Middle East, Africa and Latin America may provide the funding and resources for the next investment cycle,” Colville says.

Five