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

November 13, 2025
Recurrent Energy's 150MW Carwarp Solar Farm in Victoria and Global Power Generation (GPG) Australia's 200MW Glenellen Solar Farm in New South Wales have registered with AEMO’s Market Management System.
November 12, 2025
Nextracker has rebranded itself as ‘Nextpower’ to reflect what the company said was its evolution from solar tracker supplier to a “full-platform” provider of integrated energy solutions.
November 12, 2025
Changing economic and demographic trends across the world will drive an increasingly complex energy mix over the coming years, says the IEA.
November 12, 2025
Qcells has announced plans to reduce pay and working hours for one-third of its 3,000 employees in the US state of Georgia.
Premium
November 12, 2025
PV Talk: Stefano N. Granata of STS discusses the growing momentum behind back contact cell technology as manufacturers and investors embrace higher-efficiency solutions.
November 12, 2025
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has increased its equity stake in Infinity by US$40 million.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Lisbon, Portugal
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA