There would seem to be signs that project finance for large-scale photovoltaic energy plants is reappearing, according to tentative comments from Phoenix Solar AG. The systems integrator noted in its first quarter financial statement that the backlog in the financing of large photovoltaic power plants appeared to be ‘easing slowly.’
Weaker demand in the first quarter of 2009, coupled to over-supply of modules in key markets has forced CENTROSOLAR Group AG to write-off its remaining 2008 PV module and materials inventory. CENTROSOLAR's gross profit was pushed down by one-off factors from €14.6 million in the previous year to €6.7 million.
Applied Materials Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mike Splinter, expects capital spending in the photovoltaics industry to decline by approximately 50% in 2009 as access to capital, over-capacity and weaker demand due to the global economic recession is limiting PV manufacturers' expansion plans this year.
A new European record has been claimed by the Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, for copper-indium-gallium-diselenide thin film solar cell, which has produced under pilot production conditions. ZSW said that a 19.6% conversion efficiency had been recorded using an inline multistage process in its automated coating plant. The results have been certified by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems.
CIGS thin-film start-up, DayStar Technologies reported a first quarter loss of US$7.7 million, with US$6.5 million in cash and cash equivalents remaining. DayStar had total liabilities of US$16.0 million, and total stockholders' equity was US$37.0 million. The company had US$10 million of purchase orders for equipment outstanding. The company said in its SEC 10Q filing that it would be forced to curtail operations as it had not been able to raise new funds to date.
2,500 Solar Industry Participants Eligible to Vote for Next Solar Manufacturing Leader. Photovoltaics International, a leading source for technical manufacturing information and news concerning the solar industry, along with the organisers of the International Solar Technology Awards, the Cell Awards, invite the solar industry to vote online for its favourite manufacturing technology. To vote members of the industry must register online before May 13th and then simply rate entries on a scale of 1-20. The winners of the Cell Award will be announced at Intersolar Munich on May 28th.
The Komax Group has warned that group sales in the first half of 2009 will see a ‘huge decline,’ resulting in losses without given further guidance. Komax has been hit by a sales decline in the struggling automotive industry but has been affected by the tight financial markets, especially for project finance for major photovoltaics plants, the company said.
Photovoltaics technology and equipment supplier Roth & Rau has officially opened a new R&D facility at its headquarters in Hohenstein-Ernstthal, Germany. The 1,500 m² lab facility was opened last Friday at a cost of €11 million and will focus on products and processes for use in the production of novel, more efficient solar cells.
Suntech Power Holdings has joined the PV CYCLE association which is engaged in establishing a voluntary take-back and recycling program for end-of-life PV modules in Europe. The first large quantities of modules installed in Europe was in the early 1990s, so major recycling is not expected for another 10 to 15 years.
3S Industries Group is expanding its operations in Asia as it expects significant future growth for its automatic string soldering machines, laminating lines, testers and turnkey solar module production lines in the region. 3S said it was establishing subsidiaries in Hong Kong, Singapore and an office in Kunshan, China.
