Large-scale solar power generation projects are being constructed in various countries worldwide, including Middle East oil-producing countries. It's a sign of the times in view of the fact that the global environmental problem and the historical rise in the price of crude oil are restraining oil consumption remarkably.

In the U.S.A., the presidential candidates of both parties advocate a new energy policy and promise large-scale subsidies for renewable technology, with support for photovoltaic power generation in the future.

Photovoltaic power generation will expand from a growth market to a utility-scale industry to meet energy demand in the future.

On August 20, 2008, the Japanese Solar Cell Association announced that solar battery exports increased by 45% from April to June of this year, compared with the same period in the previous year, thus pushing up total production in Japan.

This study gives a prediction based on current production capacity and increases in production planned. It includes in-depth profiles of 47 solar manufacturers around the world, covering all the major solar cell technologies, including 18 companies manufacturing thin-film amorphous silicon solar cells.

In addition, this study includes information on plant locations and future production capacities, market size, market share, the top 10 manufacturers, and a forecast for 2013.