With Applied Material’s share prices suffering in the wake of a $1.9 billion solar contract being cut to $250 million, the company is taking steps to try to ensure continued demand for its products. In an interview with Clean Technology Insight, Charles Gay, president of Applied Material’s solar unit, advised that the company has been talking to utilities both in the US and in China to try to stimulate demand for its thin-film solar panels. In the interview, Gay advised that the company has been talking to Duke Energy as well as a Chinese hydropower producer.

“We recognize that it’s important for us to reach out to the end-market for our products, help our customers find connections,” said Gay, who assumed the post of president at Applied’s solar unit in January.