Your daily dose of photovoltaic technology developments and solar news

Cylindrical CIGS-based thin-film PV specialist Solyndra has passed the US$2 billion in sales backlog with the signing of a new long-term sales agreement with German systems integrator Umwelt-Sonne-Energie GmbH, worth US$238 million through 2013. Unlike other thin-film producers, Solyndra is specifically targeting only rooftop installations, due to its unique solar system technology that is claimed to generate more electricity on an annual basis, compared to other technologies from typical low-slope commercial rooftops. In October 2008 Solyndra’s backlog stood at US$1.2 billion and has since secured over US$800 million in long-term contracts.

Not immune from the current slowdown in semiconductor and related industries equipment spending caused by the current economic downturn, Veeco Instruments reported sales for the first quarter of 2009 at US$62.8 million, compared to US$102.3 million in the first quarter of 2008. The company showed a loss of US$20.9 million, while operating cost reduction initiatives in place since the third quarter have resulted in a 20% decrease in expenses. LED and solar orders were US$28 million, down 26% from the first quarter of last year and 35% sequentially, according to the company.