Solar PV system component manufacturers in the UK will benefit from the more than doubling of UK demand for solar PV systems, as forecast for 2010 by the European Photovoltaics Industry Association.

One company set to benefit is Hydro Aluminium Extrusion UK Ltd (Hydro), a supplier of aluminium and aluminium products, providing solar PV framing and other components.

Norwegian-owned Hydro has extrusion plants in Wales and Newcastle, and currently employs 300 people with a turnover of £80 million in the UK. The company works with Solarcentury, the UK’s leading solar energy company, to provide components for its ‘Energy Roof’ and ‘Fast Sun’ systems.

Solarcentury has already felt the impact of the Feed-in tariff, with a 20% rise in staff numbers since April as homeowners rush to take advantage of the £1,000 annual income from producing their own electricity. These growth figures match those in Germany and France since the introduction of their incentive schemes.

Spencer Melia, Fabrication Sales Manager of Hydro Aluminium Extrusion UK Ltd said "Hydro works with Solarcentury to provide the best solutions to get solar PV onto buildings. Solar PV products currently represent an important sector for our business and we’re predicting significant growth in this market.

It’s important that people realise solar power is not just about the panels, but the frame and system components too. R&D and new product development of the type pioneered by Solarcentury is allowing solar PV to go on an increasing range of buildings, and at faster speed bringing down labour costs and affecting overall system price and appeal."

Solar photovoltaic energy demand has grown consistently by 20-25% per annum over the past 20 years. The photovoltaic solar industry now globally generates around £6.7 billion in revenue. This includes the sale of solar modules, its associated equipment and the installation of systems.