What’s behind the figure of US$58.8 million?

January 4, 2012
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

News that Norsk Hydro has sold its stake in CIGS thin-film wannabe, Ascent Solar, for US$4 million, to another investor, TFG Radiant Investment Group, may not help the struggling firm with sorely needed cash injections, but it would indicate a level of ‘trust’ in the firm to help ride out the current industry-wide challenges.

However, looking at the investments made by Norsk Hydro since 2007 in Ascent, a rather scary picture emerges. In several significantly sized deals, Norsk Hydro invested approximately US$58.8 million in Ascent for roughly a 20% stake in the firm.

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

That stake was sold to TFG Radiant for a loss of over US$54 million, barely 4 years later, indicating that there isn’t much to shout about.

 

Read Next

Premium
January 12, 2026
December 2025 saw record solar generation in Australia's NEM, with rooftop and utility-scale solar surging, but pricing volatility persisted.
January 11, 2026
Yanara has selected Gamuda Australia as the project delivery partner for the early contractor involvement phase of the Mortlake Energy Hub in Victoria.
January 9, 2026
The Chinese Ministry of Finance and the Taxation Administration issued an adjustment of export rebate policies for solar PV products and other items.
January 9, 2026
China’s market supervision body has warned of monopoly risks in the plans to consolidate the country’s polysilicon sector.
Premium
January 9, 2026
PV Tech Premium spoke with Crux on the trends to look forward in 2026 in the clean energy transferable tax credit market.
January 9, 2026
The US has withdrawn from a number of UN climate organisations, including the Framework Convention on Climate Change, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Dallas, Texas
Solar Media Events
April 15, 2026
Milan, Italy
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Solar Media Events
November 24, 2026
Warsaw, Poland