Suntech CEO sees U.S. solar market growing 30-50%

[jpak]

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/business/20070420-1152-suntech-solarpower-.html

NEW YORK – Suntech Power Co.'s chief executive said Friday he expects the U.S. solar power market to grow between 30 percent to 50 percent a year over the next decade.

<snip>

Shi said U.S. sales already account for 15 percent of total production – its third-biggest market, after Germany and Spain.

Annual growth in the U.S. market could accelerate from about 30 percent now if a $3-per-watt solar subsidy being discussed in U.S. Congress becomes law, he said.

“If this was passed, I think the U.S. would become the biggest market in no time,” Shi said. The country could become Suntech's biggest market in two or three years, and the company may consider building a U.S. panel manufacturing plant, he added.

<more>