2014 and 2015: Solar Auctions, Auto-Consumption and Sun Taxes

Abstract

The solar market started to look brighter for some firms in 2014. Prices stabilised across the value chain, long-term polysilicon contracts expired and the best module manufacturers started to make positive profit margins. The European feed-in tariff policies had generally been removed or brought under control, and the solar markets of Western Europe contracted, installing an approximately flat amount year-on-year after the spectacular booms and busts of 2004–2011.