NPD Buys Solar Energy Specialist

The NPD Group has announced the acquisition of solar energy market research and consulting company Solarbuzz LLC, which will operate in conjunction with NPD subsidiary and flat panel display (FPD) specialist DisplaySearch.

Formed in 2001, Solarbuzz focuses on the solar energy and photovoltaic industries, with clients including all of the largest global PV manufacturers, plus investment banks, equipment manufacturers, materials suppliers, hedge fund companies and PV system integrators. It offers reports including the annual PV industry tracker Marketbuzz™, supply chain historical and forecast data publication Solarbuzz™ QUARTERLY, and annual Downstream PV Market Reports by region for the European, Asia Pacific and US markets.

Solarbuzz will keep its brand name, and the Solarbuzz team will report to Tim Bush, General Manager of The NPD Group's analyst-based services. Solarbuzz will get DisplaySearch's existing solar energy research reports and services added into its portfolio, as well as access to an extended network of sales and research support worldwide and with emphasis on Asia.

Bush says synergies between the companies are 'substantial' and welcomes Solarbuzz's 'globally recognized name, commitment to quality research, and deep roots in the solar industry'.

Tod Johnson, Chairman and CEO of The NPD Group, says the firm expects to see the solar energy market expand rapidly with 'increased government and industry efforts focused on renewable energy'. Of the buy, he comments: 'As the flat panel display (FPD) supply chain matures and extends its manufacturing expertise into the solar energy sector, we see an opportunity to quickly expand our business in this segment by acquiring Solarbuzz.'

Craig Stevens, who will continue to serve as Solarbuzz's President, says the firms 'share a common vision to provide comprehensive, high quality solar market research' and hints at forthcoming expansions to his firm's range of reports and consulting services.

DisplaySearch, formed in 1996 and bought by NPD in 2005, specializes in the $770 billion display supply chain, and the emerging photovoltaic/solar cell industries.

Web sites are at www.solarbuzz.com and www.displaysearch.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.

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