SolarWorld turns to loss and rising inventory: full-year guidance reduced

November 14, 2011
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Germany’s largest module manufacturer, SolarWorld reported weakening financial conditions in the third quarter. Shipments and revenue remained flat with the second quarter but margins declined as weak demand and declining prices impacted results. SolarWorld guided sales above €1 billion for the full-year but below €1.3 billion reported in 2010. Finished goods inventory levels have increased sequentially for 5 quarters, while total inventories reached close to €500 million.

SolarWorld reported shipments of 195MW in the third quarter, flat with the second quarter and up slightly from 191MW in the same quarter a year ago.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Revenue amounted to €237.8, flat with second quarter revenue figures of €238 million, while EBIT-margin was 8.7%, down from 13% in the second quarter of 2011. SolarWorld reported consolidated net income of negative € 9.0 million, said to be due to losses in the United States that did not reduce tax liabilities.

For the first 9-months, SolarWorld reported increased shipments to 576MW, up slightly from 568MW in the same period of 2010. Revenues reached €772.9, down from €958.3 million in the prior year period.

The operating profit (EBIT) in the first 9-months amounted to €88.7, down from €133.6 million in the same period a year ago. Consolidated net income amounts to € 13.4 million, down from €54.7 million in the first 9-months of 2010.

Read Next

March 26, 2026
Australia's national science agency, CSIRO, has successfully completed trials of autonomous robots designed to revolutionise maintenance operations at large-scale solar installations.
March 25, 2026
EDP Renewables North America, Linea Energy and LRE have all advanced solar projects in the US Midwest this week.
March 25, 2026
The global annual capital expenditure on PV manufacturing equipment is expected to more than double to US$43.8 billion over the next decade, according to a report from VDMA.
March 25, 2026
Spanish independent power producer (IPP) Zelestra has secured US$600 million in green financing for two solar PV projects totalling 440MW in Texas.
March 25, 2026
Indian solar PV manufacturer Waaree Energies is developing a INR39 billion (US$415 million) solar glass manufacturing facility in India.
March 25, 2026
TCL Zhonghuan has reported a 2025 loss alongside a raft of executive changes as its operating revenue rose slightly year-on-year.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
April 15, 2026
Milan, Italy
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Solar Media Events
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
Solar Media Events
November 3, 2026
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
November 24, 2026
Warsaw, Poland