That according to a report by market research group, The Information Network. Yes market growth for solar panels will slow, but it will keep growing, and a lot faster than many others. Globally, the solar panel market is expected to reach 7.1 Gigawatts in 2009, up 26 percent from last year. Although that’s far short of 2008 figures, when the industry enjoyed a 48 percent gain, it is still relatively rapid growth. A 22 percent difference is nothing to laugh at, but a 26 percent gain is also nothing to complain about, especially when other industries are fighting for single-digit growth at best.

The main reason behind the slowdown, according to the firm, will be a 20-30 percent drop in solar panel prices due to a sudden, and massive, surplus in polysilicon supply. Although not as fast, demand for solar panels should continue to grow, backed by ever heightening global interest and, here in the U.S., a new administration that promises to cast a brighter light on solar energy. The issue here will be convincing homeowners to spend on solar. Perhaps government-backed solar home loans would be in order?

Given the above predictions, read why Frontier Solar believes 2009 is the best year for homeowners to invest in solar.

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