ABSTRACT
This chapter provides the exact information and statistics how the demand influenced mass production of photovoltaic (PV) and the development of financing influenced the PV markets in the Americas, Australia, Asia, and Europe and also in the neglected PV markets of Africa and the Middle East. PV Industries were only represented by the various countries’ or regions’ industry associations. The PV industry associations had poor financial support from the fledgling PV industry and none from governments. Lighting Global is the World Bank Group’s platform supporting sustainable growth of the off-grid solar market. Compared to conventional energy available in rural areas such as kerosene and disposable batteries, the cost of a solar home system comes up front. A number of businesses powered by solar energy sprung up all over Africa. The great solar resource, the increasing cost-competitiveness of solar solutions and innovative business models shine a bright light on Africa’s energy future.
