Global solar installations in 2013 hit 37GW, according to the latest data from the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA).

The figures include 11.3GW for China, 6.9GW in Japan and 4.8GW in the US.

There were mixed results in Europe. Germany fell from 7.6GW to 3.3GW and France from 1.1GW to 613MW.

Several other countries made gains however with Greece (1.04GW), Italy (1.1-1.4GW), UK (1-1.2GW) and Romania (1.1GW) all topping the GW mark.

"In a number of European countries, harsh support reduction, retrospective measures and unplanned changes to regulatory frameworks that badly affect investors' confidence and PV investments viability have led to a significant market decrease," said Gaëtan Masson, head of business intelligence, EPIA.

The EPIA figures are in line with Deutsche Bank’s estimated numbers and more positive than those of some other industry analysts.

NPD Solarbuzz has predicted 49GW of solar demand in 2014. It predicted 36GW for 2013.