Global solar energy market continues to grow

The year 2013 was record breaking in terms of growth of global solar energy market. Here are some of the most interesting facts on this topic:

1) Solar photovoltaic installations were bigger in 2013 than wind energy installations and nearly matched those of hydropower.

2) Concentrated solar power capacity grew significantly in 2013, as there was 19 countries with installed or under construction CSP plants by the end of the year.

3) The power consumption from photovoltaic and CSP increased by 30% in 2013.

4) At the end of 2013, solar power consumption equaled 0.5 percent of electricity generation from all energy sources.

5) The record installation wasn't followed by the rise in investment as solar energy sector experienced decline in global investment by approximately 20%.

6) In the second half of 2014, Asia overtook Europe in becoming the largest regional solar energy market.

7) In 2013, China led the way in new solar energy installations by adding 12.9 gigawatts of new PV capacity to its grid.

8) Europe experienced significant decline in new solar installations in 2013 by adding just 11 GW of PV. In 2011, for example, this number was 22 GW.

9) The United States added 4.8 GW of new solar installations in 2013.

10) The Worldwatch predicts that solar installations will reach 40-51 gigawatts in 2014.