LONDON, July 23 --

The market for solar thermal systems (STS) in Europe has witnessed significant
developments at all levels in the last four years. Policy makers, market
participants and end users have shown a keen interest in STS, ensuring a high
growth potential. Due to its tremendous long-term growth prospects, this market
has attracted several new participants that are playing a central role in
promoting the industry.

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New analysis from Frost Sullivan ( http://www.buildingtechnologies.frost.com),
European Solar Thermal Heating Systems Market, finds that the market earned
revenues of over euro 958.9 million in 2008 and estimates this to reach euro 2.2
billion in 2014. The technologies covered in this research include passive and
active STS.

Currently, the key driver for the market in Europe is government support for
STS in the form of financial subsidies, tax credits, and regulatory reforms,
says Frost Sullivan Research Analyst Hammam Ahmed. The market for STS is highly
responsive to fluctuations in the provision of governmental support.

For instance, the Italian market witnessed strong growth levels following
increased government subsidies for STS. On the other hand, the German market
declined significantly as a direct result of a temporary disruption to these
subsidies and recovered as soon as they became available again.

High growth in the STS market, particularly over the last four years, has
attracted several new participants that are promoting the industry and making
STS accessible to a wider customer base.

Cost is the primary hurdle confronting the STS market. Despite the financial
incentives that solar thermal installations receive, the overall price is still
high and the recoup period can go up to 20 years in some regions. Additionally,
an STS is only a complementary alternative and not a substitute for a
traditional hot water system. Therefore, it is not a viable investment option
for most end users, especially in countries where conventional energy prices are
low.

In many countries, particularly in northern Europe, the solar yield can be as
little as 40 per cent, explains Ahmed. Additionally, the up-front cost of a
solar thermal system continues to be expensive.

Companies should work on developing low-cost and effective solar thermal
systems, particularly in the current economic conditions in Europe. On the
whole, with escalating competition, both manufacturers and installers will be
forced to reduce prices and the overall price of STS will go down.

If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides a brief synopsis of
the research and a table of contents, then send an e-mail to Chiara Carella,
Corporate Communications, at chiara.carella@frost.com, with your full name,
company name, title, telephone number, company e-mail address, company website,
city, state and country. Upon receipt of the above information, a brochure will
be sent to you by e-mail.

European Solar Thermal Heating Systems Market is part of the Building
Management Technologies Growth Partnership Services programme, which also
includes research in the following markets: Strategic Assessment of Growth
Opportunities in the European Green Buildings Markets and European Building
Integrated Photovoltaics Market. All research services included in subscriptions
provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been
evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.

About Frost Sullivan

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The company’s Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the
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please visit http://www.frost.com.

European Solar Thermal Heating Systems Market M342 Contact: Chiara Carella
Corporate Communications - Europe P: +44-(0)-20-7343-8314 M: +44-(0)-753-3017689
E: chiara.carella@frost.com

http://www.frost.com

SOURCE: Frost SOURCE: Sullivan

Chiara Carella, Corporate Communications - Europe, Frost Sullivan,
+44-(0)-20-7343-8314, Mobile, +44-(0)-753-3017689, chiara.carella@frost.com;
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