The first comprehensive study about the European solar thermal market came out in 1996. The European Solar Industry Federation (ESIF) had conducted it within the framework of the ALTENER program of the European Commission and published it with the title "Sun in Action." Experts from 10 countries collated descriptions of the European and some non-European markets. The market data published stem from 1994 and are used here as the yardstick for comparison of developments in recent years. This article by Gerhard Stryi-Hipp, Manager, German Solar Industry Association (DFS) is an update of the most important data and shows some trends in the current market, without claiming to be a comprehensive study such as the original ESIF work. ESIF has requested an updating of "Sun in Action" within the framework of ALTENER II, which is to be carried out soon.
