The real estate sector crisis drags down the central heating boiler market

However, this drop could be partially compensated by a rise in demand for solar panels, considering the government’s decision to subsidize the use of alternative heating systems, according to one of the largest players on the thermal equipment market.

Sales of central heating boilers stagnated this year, at 160,000 units, according to Achim, compared to a 230,000 unit peak registered in 2003.

Officials of the Buderus company, a major player, foresee a drop on the central heating boiler market in 2009. “People focus on thermal equipment with increased energy efficiency, which means condensing boilers,” Alexandru Eftimiu, Buderus Romania’s General Manager, told the NewsIn agency.

Eftimiu estimates a rise in solar panel sales of 300 percent in 2009, and targets €4 million in business on this segment. He also plans to register a 20 percent annual increase in net sales in 2008, up to €11.5 mln, and a 50 percent rise in sales on the solar panel segment.