According to executive vice president Hsin-shen Chu of the government-backed Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), the global photovoltaic market is prospering, sparking estimates that the market would grow at least 50% this year and at average annual rate of over 30% over the next five years. In the meantime, Taiwan's output of solar cells is projected at over 3 gigawatt, making Taiwan the world's No.2 supplier.

Members of the latest-formed alliance include AU Optronics Corp., Green Energy Technology Corp., NextPower Technology Corp., Taiwan Glass Industrial Co., Everlight Chemical Industrial Co., Gintech Energy Corp., Neo Solar Power Corp., Formosa Plastics Crop., Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., and Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI).

Chu pointed out that to help the island's photovoltaic manufacturers venture into the vast mainland China market, the ITRI will also push for joint development of industry standard and certification systems with the mainland's authorities. He went on that the mainland will likely grow into the world's biggest market for solar energy under the guidance of the mainland's renewable-energy industry policy.

Chu noted that insignificant market size and low technological differentiation among Taiwanese manufacturers of this industry are the two major disadvantages for the development of the Taiwan industry. He suggested Taiwan develop its photovoltaic industry by cooperating with the mainland.