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

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

July 10, 2026
The financing will support the Government of India’s PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSMGBY) initiative.
July 10, 2026
Metlen has acquired a 40% stake in a SPV owned by Tsakos Group to develop a 251.9MW solar-plus-storage project in central Greece.
July 10, 2026
Renewables developer Elawan Energy has closed a €760 million financing on a 1.3GW solar PV, wind and battery energy storage system (BESS) portfolio in Spain.
Premium
July 10, 2026
Speaking to PV Tech Premium, Renewabl CEO JP Cerda discusses how hourly matching is reshaping Europe’s corporate solar PPA market.
July 10, 2026
The price of PV modules in Europe has continued the upward trend in June 2026, except for the bifacial TOPCon segment.
July 10, 2026
The so-called “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” Act (OBBBA) has cost the US US$68.2 billion in capital investments into clean energy projects, according to analysis from business advocacy group E2.

Upcoming Events

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
Solar Media Events
April 20, 2027
Istanbul, Türkiye