Shipments of photovoltaic modules and cells by U.S. manufacturers, as measured by their maximum electric power output, reached a record level in 1997, up 31 percent from year-earlier figures. This marked the twelfth consecutive annual increase in shipments.

The value of photovoltaic shipments increased 34 percent from 1996 levels, also to a record level, according to official data on the solar industry released today by the Energy Information Administration (EIA). The growth in shipments is due largely to a strong export market, which accounted for 73 percent of the shipments in 1997.

This EIA report covers both of the major forms of solar energy. Photovoltaic devices directly convert the sun's energy to electricity. Solar thermal collectors use the sun’s energy to heat a working fluid (often water) for heating or generating electricity.

Other findings on the photovoltaic and solar thermal collector manufacturing industry for 1997 include:

o The average annual rate of increase in photovoltaic shipments over the past 12 years has been 19 percent.

o The value of shipments of photovoltaic modules and cells grew from $131 million in 1996 to $175 million in 1997. The price per unit increased 2 percent.

o In 1997, there was a 71-percent increase in the shipments of photovoltaics for connection to the electric power system.

Photovoltaics historically have been shipped and used at remote areas to provide electricity.

o Although shipments of solar thermal collectors increased 7 percent between 1996 and 1997, the value of these shipments remained nearly the same at about $29 million, because of a 9-percent drop in the average price per unit. More than 90 percent of shipments of solar thermal collectors went to the residential sector for use as pool heaters.

Data tables covering most of the 1997 photovoltaic and solar thermal information are now available on EIA’s Home Page at ftp://ftp.eia.doe.gov/pub/solar.renewables/solar.txt. Complete data covering 1997 U.S. solar thermal collector and photovoltaic shipments will be reported in the publication "Renewable Energy Annual," which is expected to be published in November 1998. Printed copies of the "Renewable Energy Annual" will be available from the U. S. Government Printing Office, 202/512-1800 or through EIA’s National Energy Information Center, 202/586-8800.