Despite Europe’s recent economic turmoil, the continent is the main reason why nine countries are on pace to grow photovoltaic (PV) market sizes over 250 megawatts (MWs) in 2010. In 2009, that figure was six.

According to a trio of reports released today by SolarBuzz, Germany will continue to lead the way, while other European countries move to expand their photovoltaic (PV) markets. In the next seven months, Germany’s solar energy market will experience two reductions in the country’s feed-in tariff — a fact that has led analysts to reduce demand forecasts. The Czech Republic, Italy and France, meanwhile, are expected to combine to generate three gigawatts (GW) of PV demand this year alone.

According to the report, the United States is also positioning itself to substantially expand its PV market. The U.S. market is benefiting from state solar rebates, federal solar tax incentives, net metering and solar grants, some of which has been made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Over the next two years, China and India are predicted to become major players in the global PV market. Within the two-year time frame, China has over 100 planned installations that are said to have a cumulative installed capacity of 18.6 gigawatts. India is predicted to install 4.8 gigawatts, cumulatively, at the same time.