LDK Solar posts Q2 loss but "expects growth" in 2011
Vertically integrated photovoltaic manufacturer LDK Solar has announced its second quarter (Q2) financial results that included a USD $47.9 million operating loss, representing -9.6 percent operating margin. However, with recently improving order patterns and stabilizing prices the company expects a resumption of growth in the second half of 2011.
Germany: PV generation overtakes hydropower for the first time
In the first half of 2011, renewable energy broke a new record, having met more than 20 percent of Germanys electricity demand. Also for the first time, photovoltaic generation overtook hydropower.
SpectraWatt files for bankruptcy just months after laying off workers
According to various media reports, solar cell manufacturer SpectraWatt Inc. has filed for bankruptcy. The news comes just months after the company laid off over 100 employees.
GT Advanced Technologies acquires Confluence Solar
GT Advanced Technologies Inc., formely known as GT Solar, has acquired Confluence Solar Inc. for USD$80 million.
Japan: Renewable energy signed into law
While details of the scheme are pending, photovoltaics looks set to receive a major boost in Japan with a renewable energy bill passing through the upper house of parliament today. Analysts Jefferies predict solar to be the big winner under the scheme and said that the law, will become an eventual feed-in tariff (FIT).
REC extends PV production shutdown
REC has extended its photovoltaic production shutdown in Norway until the end of the year.
Hanwha SolarOne posts Q2 loss
In another sign of a tough photovoltaic market, Chinese cell and module manufacturer Hanwha Solar Co. has posted a small loss for the second quarter (Q2) of 2011. Reduced gross profits and increased operating expenses were blamed for the RMB32.3 million (USD$5 million) loss.
Roth & Rau sells off CTF subsidiary
Roth & Rau has sold its Roth & Rau CTF Solar GmbH (CTF) subsidiary off to an unidentified Chinese manufacturer. The financial sum was not disclosed.
Falling prices hit inverter supplier revenues
Industry analysts IMS Research has released its quarterly PV Inverter Supply and Demand report, which shows that, while shipment volumes have increased markedly over the year, falling prices have resulted in decreased revenues for inverter suppliers.
Conergy denies rumors of production line closures in Frankfurt Oder
Following rumors that Germany-based Conergy is looking to reduce its Frankfurt, Oder manufacturing operations and close down certain production lines, a works council called a meeting to inform the employees about the situation.
