IHS Markit has become increasingly concerned about the lack of visibility for strong global demand in the second quarter of 2020, compounded by the additional manufacturing capacity (cells and modules) expected to start ramping production in the first half of 2020. Image: Jolywood

IHS Markit has reiterated its global solar demand forecast for 2019, despite lower expectations for China.

The market research firm said that faster than anticipated growth in some international markets such as the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Italy, Turkey, or Ukraine had reduced the growth risks associated with weaker demand in China.

IHS Markit also remained bullish on the APAC region outside of China and several South American markets having greater upside potential for solar installations in 2019.

As a result, global solar installations are expected to be around 129GW in 2019.

However, the market research firm has become increasingly concerned about the lack of visibility for strong global demand in the second quarter of 2020, compounded by the additional manufacturing capacity (cells and modules) expected to start ramping production in the first half of 2020.

The impact of weak demand and potential overcapacity could impact the entire supply chain and initiate another cycle of gross margin compression for the PV industry.