LDK just announced that it has been able to substantially cut the electricity needed to produce one kilogram of silicon, reducing it from 300 kwh to 100 kwh. The improvements in efficiency took place at LDK’s new polysilicon plant in Xinyu, Jiangxi province.
However, as Cleantech.com notes, LDK has been struggling lately:
… Read the restThe good news comes as LDK continues to battle negative reports from analysts, including ThinkEquity’s Jonathan Hoopes, who downgraded the stock to ‘sell’
Florida Power and Light announced that they have broken ground on their planned DeSoto Solar Energy Center, Florida’s first commercial solar energy facility. Once the center is completed, it will produce 25 MW of solar energy, making it the largest solar PV facility in the US.
FPL Group President and Chief Operating Officer Jim Robo commented on the event:
… Read the rest"We’re proud to be the company that is bringing commercial-scale solar power to the Sunshine State.
Another awful quarter for Akeena Solar (AKNS) which continues to pile up losses with profitability nowhere in sight. Akeena Solar reported a Q4 loss of $0.32, versus the analyst estimate of ($0.17). Revenues for the quarter were $10.9 million, versus the consensus of $11.53 million. That’s about a 60% increase in the EPS loss over the year ago quarter with a minor bump in revenues. This is a company that better stop the bleeding in … Read the rest
Suntech just announced a new distribution agreement with House Care Co, LTD. Under the terms of the agreement, House Care is authorized to distribute Suntech’s products to the Japanese market. In 2009, House Care expects to distribute 30MW of Suntech’s products.
Dr. Tadao Kasahara, President of MSK Corporation, a Suntech subsidiary, commented on the agreement:
… Read the rest”House Care is one of Japan’s leading providers of innovative roofing systems and we are delighted to establish a fruitful
First Solar (FSLR) and GT Solar (SOLR) are what I’d call solar opposites, technically speaking. One appears headed for a retest of the lows while the other appears ready to break out and continue moving higher.
First Solar (FSLR) reported great earnings last night but it was their cautious outlook that sent the stock into the cellar today. I really thought that it would recover quickly off the morning gap down, but it just couldn’t … Read the rest
Here’s the text of Obama’s speech last night related to energy:
We know the country that harnesses the power of clean, renewable energy will lead the 21st century. And yet, it is China that has launched the largest effort in history to make their economy energy efficient. We invented solar technology, but we’ve fallen behind countries like Germany and Japan in producing it. New plug-in hybrids roll off our assembly lines, but they will run … Read the rest
China Sunergy (CSUN) has announced a new contract with an unnamed US PV firm to produce multi-silicon solar cells. CSUN will buy silicon wafers from the US firm and in turn sell back solar cells. The bilateral agreement is expected to begin in April.
Said CEO Wang, “The securing of this year-long agreement with our U.S. partner, especially during a period of instability within the solar sector, demonstrates that China Sunergy is able to execute … Read the rest
Hat tip to Street Insider for the following analyst comments on FSLR following earnings:
Citi: 09 guidance cut due primarily to decision to vendor finance a portion of 09 shipments. Citi is concerned about compressing margins and increasing inventories. Maintains Hold rating but is cutting estimates and price target goes from 170 to 160
Deutsche Bank: believes FSLR may still be best positioned solar company but is cautious due to customer, industry and macro … Read the rest
Hoku Materials, Inc, has just with Stone and Webster, Inc, to redefine the company’s responsibilities in the construction of Hoku’s new polysilicon plant. Under the terms of the change order agreement, Hoku will delay engineering and construction of the trichlorosilane production area of the plant until April, and will transfer construction management services to JH Kelly, LLC.
Dustin Shindo, Hoku’s chairman and CEO, described how the change will affect the company:
“The revised scope of … Read the rest
Suntech just announced that they have signed an exclusive distribution contract for the North American market with Eagle Roofing. Under the agreement, Eagle Roofing will incorporate Suntech’s SolarBlend(tm) roof tiles into the Eagle Solar roof. Eagle expects that this agreement will lead to the SolarBlend tiles being installed in over 1,000 homes. Eagle will also offer Suntech’s Black Label(TM) STP 175S – 24/Ab-1 175-watt modules to its customers. Along with Suntech’s products, Eagle will also … Read the rest