Solar Technology Stocks

More Sell Ratings for Suntech Power Holdings (STP)

2010-11-17T10:09:00.001-05:00

Biggest down movement for today in Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. -7.31%

In the news:

Hapoalim Securities is out with a research report this morning, where it reiterates its Sell rating Suntech Power Holdings (NYSE: STP); it has a $6.00 price target on the stock.
The HS analysts cited the company's better than expected Q3 revenues and gross margins (though worse than expected EPS), which was driven entirely by losses due to foreign exchange.
The analysts noted that, in an effort to address a higher production cost structure than peers arising from the need to outsource all of its wafer needs, STP announced the acquisition of 375 MW of wafer capacity from one of its equity holdings, Glory Silicon. STP is acquiring the 70% of the capacity it doesn't own for $127 million; this implies $0.48 per watt, ahead of the $0.35-0.40 capex per watt the analysts believe standard new wafer capacity can be built.

Read more

Behind Record-Breaking Solar Cell Efficiencies

2010-11-09T10:34:00.001-05:00

What's Behind Record-Breaking Solar Cell Efficiencies, Part 1
In this two-part series on solar cell efficiencies, we examine laboratory and commercial solar cell efficiencies of Crystalline Silicon, CIGs, Amorphous, Cadmium Telluride and Multijunction Concentrator cells.

California, USA -- In solar, it's hard to go a month without hearing news about conversion efficiencies. In September, for example, Oerlikon Solar and its partner, Corning, said they broke the world efficiency record for a lab-created tandem-junction amorphous-silicon cell. The cell, which was tested by the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory, delivered 11.9 percent stabilized efficiency.

Meanwhile, Conergy said its new selective-emitter technology could boost solar-cell efficiency from one of its German factories by "up to 0.5 percentage points." And scientists at Yonsei University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology announced new technologies that could one day enhance cell efficiencies by up to 65 percent, in the case of Yonsei, and that could double cell efficiencies, in the case of MIT.

"Everyone's working on efficiency," said Paul Wormser, senior director of product engineering and system solutions at Sharp Electronics' solar division. "You would be hard pressed to find a manufacturer that hasn't stated publicly at least once a year something about an efficiency improvement program."Full article

Solar market drops, but will recover

2010-11-05T10:24:00.000-04:00

American thin film manufacturer First Solar ‒ top international producer of PV cells for 6 consecutive quarters ‒ lost ground in the third quarter of 2010, increasing capacity by just 2% and moving into third position behind Chinese companies Suntech and JA Solar.

Revealing this development in its latest analysis, IMS Research is predicting that even though demand will weaken in 2011, First Solar will gain market share when it increases production capacity through new production facilities that are expected to start up over the next two years.

First Solar recently announced that it would be expanding capacity by opening two additional four-line plants in the United States and Vietnam in 2012, in addition to previously announced expansions in France, Germany and Malaysia.

Renewableenergyworld.com reports that these expansions would suggest that the thin film supplier’s production capacity will reach over 2.7 GW by the end of 2012 at current line run rates. However, given its history of improving throughput, IMS Research estimates that its capacity could in fact reach over 3 GW by then.

IMS PV research analyst Sam Wilkinson commented: “While much of the industry has indicated uncertainty and a possible reduction in demand in 2011, with Germany’s small commercial segment likely to decrease the most in MW terms, First Solar is expecting an increase in demand for its products and a need to accelerate capacity expansions.”

Full article

Suntech to Announce Third Quarter 2010 Results

2010-11-04T11:06:00.002-04:00

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP), the world's largest manufacturer of solar panels, will announce its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2010, before the U.S. market opens on Wednesday, November 17, 2010. Suntech management will host a conference call that day at 8:00a.m. U.S. Eastern Time (which corresponds to 9:00p.m.Beijing/Hong Kong time and 1:00p.m. Greenwich Mean Time on November 17, 2010) to discuss the company's results.

Barron's: Dark Clouds Over First Solar

2010-09-20T09:26:00.001-04:00

Barron's Daily Stock Alert Newsletter came out with a bearish piece on First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR) today, which suggests that the stock could be setting up for a 30% fall. During today's trading session, FSLR has gained 0.21% to $138.70. Year-to-date, the shares have gained 2.38% and 30% in just the last three months.

First Solar manufactures thin-flim panels, which it sells to solar project developers and system integrators, primarily in Europe. Last year, Germany accounted for 64% of the company's revenue. Much of the demand for the thin-film panels has been driven by government incentives in Europe, which are now being slashed.

Germany has eliminated incentives for ground-based systems; Spain cut incentives by 45%; Italy has proposed cuts of 25%-27%. The ratcheting down of these incentives could hurt revenues going forward.

Source

Trina Solar shares climb after 2Q profit doubles

2010-08-26T06:30:00.003-04:00

Shares of Trina Solar Ltd. got a boost Tuesday after the Chinese maker of solar wafers, cells and modules reported sharply higher net income and revenue for the second quarter, surpassing Wall Street's expectations.

THE SPARK: Trina shipped more solar modules during the quarter than it had expected — 223 megawatts, above its expectations of 200 to 205 megawatts. The company's net income doubled to 38.7 million, or 52 cents per share, up from $18.6 million, or 35 cents per share, a year earlier.

Revenue more than doubled to $370.8 million from $150 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected earnings of 49 cents per share on revenue of $338.3 million.

Top 10 Fastest-Growing Solar Stocks

2010-08-19T09:43:00.001-04:00

Below are the top 10 fastest-growing Solar stocks, based on the average long-term earnings growth rate estimated by Wall Street analysts.

Real Goods Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:RSOL) is the 1st fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 40.0%. This number is based on the average estimate of 2 brokerage analyst(s).

Canadian Solar Inc. (NASDAQ:CSIQ) is the 2nd fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 35.5%. This number is based on the average estimate of 4 brokerage analyst(s).

ReneSola Ltd. (ADR) (NYSE:SOL) is the 3rd fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 29.0%. This number is based on the average estimate of 2 brokerage analyst(s). SunPower Corporation (NASDAQ:SPWRA) is the 4th fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 28.5%. This number is based on the average estimate of 6 brokerage analyst(s).

Yingli Green Energy Hold. Co. Ltd. (ADR) (NYSE:YGE) is the 5th fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 25.0%. This number is based on the average estimate of 4 brokerage analyst(s).

Trina Solar Limited (ADR) (NYSE:TSL) is the 6th fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 24.0%. This number is based on the average estimate of 5 brokerage analyst(s).

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (ADR) (NYSE:STP) is the 7th fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 23.8%. This number is based on the average estimate of 8 brokerage analyst(s).

First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSLR) is the 8th fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 22.8%. This number is based on the average estimate of 8 brokerage analyst(s).

Evergreen Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:ESLR) is the 9th fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 22.5%. This number is based on the average estimate of 2 brokerage analyst(s).

JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd. (ADR) (NASDAQ:JASO) is the 10th fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 20.0%. This number is based on the average estimate of 3 brokerage analyst(s).

Source: China Analyst

Trina Solar to Supply Solar Modules to SunEdison

2010-08-18T10:46:00.003-04:00

Trina Solar Limited (NYSE: TSL) ("Trina Solar" or the "Company"), a leading integrated manufacturer of solar photovoltaic (PV) products from the production of ingots, wafers and cells to the assembly of PV modules, today announced that its subsidiary, Trina Solar (U.S.) Inc., has signed a sales agreement to supply solar modules to SunEdison, a subsidiary of MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. ("MEMC").
Under the terms of the agreement signed with MEMC, Trina Solar is expected to supply SunEdison with approximately 35 megawatts (MW) of PV modules over the remainder of 2010. The modules are expected to be utilized by SunEdison for projects in North America and Europe.
"This collaboration once again demonstrates Trina Solar's ability to partner with leading U.S. solar industry players to create effective PV solutions in the U.S. market," said Mr. Sean Tzou, Chief Strategy Officer of Trina Solar. "Combining Trina Solar's high-quality modules with SunEdison's leading solar project capabilities, helps our company to further increase market share, diversify our sales base and enhance recognition of our brand globally."

Source: prnewswire.com

TSL Chart:

Short Term and Long Term trends seem to point up. Trina Solar is still beating the performance of the whole bearish market in these last months.

Suntech Power Reports Earnings

2010-08-18T09:32:00.001-04:00

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP), the world's largest manufacturer of crystalline silicon solar panels, today announced financial results for its second fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2010.
Second Quarter 2010 Highlights

-- Total net revenues were $625.1 million in the second quarter of 2010,
representing 6.3% growth sequentially and 94.8% year-over-year

-- Total PV shipments increased 11.9% sequentially and 181.7% year-over-
year

-- Gross profit margin for the core wafer to module business was 20.4% in
the second quarter of 2010

-- Consolidated gross profit margin was 18.2% in the second quarter of
2010

-- GAAP net loss attributable to holders of ordinary shares was $174.9
million, or $0.97 per American Depositary Share (ADS). Each ADS
represents one ordinary share. The non-cash impairment charges and
provisions related to thin film and Shunda had a negative impact of
$1.00 per diluted ADS

-- Achieved 1.4GW of PV cell and module production capacity at the end of
the second quarter of 2010. Suntech announced new capacity expansion to
reach 1.8GW of PV cell and module production capacity by the end of
2010

-- Increased 2010 annual shipment target from 1.3GW to 1.5GW, which
represents over 113% year-over-year shipment growth

"The second quarter was another period of robust multi-market demand," said Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech's Chairman and CEO. "Strong operational execution ensured that we achieved our 1.4GW capacity target, which drove higher than expected shipment and net revenue growth."
"We delivered greater shipments to valued customers across Germany and other European markets including Italy, France, Benelux and the Czech Republic. Our investments into our North American expansion continued to bear fruit as we broadened market share and prepared for US-based manufacturing that will commence in the fourth quarter. We also secured supply agreements to several large, high profile projects in emerging markets including Thailand, India and Israel where our globally respected brand, reliable product performance and deep sales channels have provided a solid foundation to form new partnerships."

Source: prnewswire.com

Suntech Power News

2010-08-17T12:32:00.001-04:00

Shares of Suntech Power Holdings Company Ltd. (NYSE:STP) are trading higher by +3.60% ahead of its quarterly earnings release. Suntech Power, the Chinese photovoltaic products maker is expected to release its quarterly results on August 18th.

Wall Street Analysts consensus calls for a profit of $0.09 a share on $600.81 million revenue.

Suntech Power estimates have a range of $0.28 a share. The high estimate calls for profit of $0.27 a share and the low estimate is calling for a loss of $-0.01 a share, a year ago for the quarter the company reported $0.06 a share.

Suntech Power Holdings Company Ltd. (NYSE:STP) produces photovoltaic products. The Company designs, develops, manufactures and markets a variety of solar cells and modules. Suntech Power is based in China.

Solar Earnings

2010-08-12T11:05:00.003-04:00

Earning dates for this month:

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (ADR) (NYSE:STP)
Aug 18, 2010
Q2 2010 Earnings Release - 9:30AM EDT

Trina Solar Limited (ADR) (NYSE:TSL)
Aug 24, 2010
Q2 2010 Earnings Conference Call - 8:00AM EDT

Yingli Green Energy Hold. Co. Ltd. (ADR) (NYSE:YGE)
Aug 19, 2010
Q2 2010 Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited Earnings Release - 9:30AM EDT

Earnings Preview: Evergreen Solar's

2010-07-26T09:40:00.001-04:00

Analysts, on average, expect Evergreen Solar (NASDAQ:ESLR) to report a loss of $0.10 on sales of $80 million on August 02, 2010.
For the full year, analysts expect the company to post a loss of $0.42. In the year-ago period, the company reported a loss of $0.10 on sales of $64 million.
In the previous quarter, the company reported a loss of $0.08, matching consensus estimates for a loss of $0.08.

First Solar Earnings

2010-07-22T09:35:00.000-04:00

First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSLR) will report financial results for the second quarter ended June 26, 2010, after market close on Thursday, July 29, 2010. The Company will hold its quarterly conference call to discuss these results and outlook for the remainder of fiscal 2010 at 4:30 p.m. EDT. Investors may access a live webcast of this conference call by visiting http://investor.firstsolar.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=201491&p=irol-calendar.

An audio replay of the conference call will also be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call. The audio replay will remain available until Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. EDT and can be accessed by dialing 888-203-1112 if you are calling from within the United States or 719-457-0820 if you are calling from outside the United States and entering the replay pass code 7770641. A replay of the webcast will be available on the Investor section on the Company’s web site approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call and remain available for approximately 90 calendar days.

4 Ways to Profit from the Coming Boom in Alternative Energy

2010-07-20T14:47:00.001-04:00

Love is a fickle thing. When oil prices surged past $100 a barrel in 2008, investors fell madly in love with alternative energy stocks. But when oil prices crashed, and when signs emerged that government budget problems would curtail the industry-friendly subsidies, so did investor ardor for this young industry. The PowerShares Wilderhill Clean Energy Exchange Traded Fund (NYSE: PBW) slid from $28 in early 2008 to below $10 today.

These ups and downs are par for the course in any young industry. Sales initially soar, then the key companies raise loads of cash to aggressively boost capacity -- often times to a point where supply exceeds demand. Prices for items -- such as solar panels and wind turbines in this case -- then plunge, leading investors to assume that profits will never be robust.

But it usually just takes time. Eventually, the industry learns to keep capacity expansion at a minimum, demand keeps rising, and prices eventually firm. And that’s just what looks to be happening in the field of alternative energy.

Continue reading here

Free solar power - too good to be true?

2010-07-19T09:36:00.000-04:00

You can generate energy at home for FREE and have solar panels at no extra cost.
YOU know the old adage – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. So when Consumerwatch heard that solar panels were being fitted for free, we immediately asked: "What is the catch?"

For those who simply want to realise a dream by becoming more self-sufficient in terms of energy, then there is no catch.

You get to help the planet by harnessing sunlight that in turn cuts your bills – an average three or four bedroom house would save £150 on electricity, according to the Energy Saving Trust.

The company benefits as it gets to cash in on any extra electricity that you generate and fail to use by selling it back to the national grid.

Feed-In Tariffs (FIT) work out how much green energy has been pumped back into the national pot.

And it seems that this is where the real money-making potential lies for anyone investing in sun energy.

Claymore/MAC Global Solar Index (ETF) (NYSE:TAN)

2010-07-07T09:34:00.003-04:00

The Solar Stock ETF TAN continues upwards, alongside other titles like STP, FSLR and TSL. All still looking bullish on the short-term.

First Solar Swing Up

2010-07-06T09:56:00.002-04:00

First Solar Inc. (FSLR) has made an impressive swing up, gaining more than 10% in only 3 sessions.
Most solar stocks are now bullish on the short-term, but expect some resistance to new highs on the next days.
If the bullish move continues we could see a new mid-term up trend starting.

Goldman Sachs Says Go Long Solar Stocks

2010-07-01T13:50:00.000-04:00

For all the perceived evil, you have to give them credit....
Goldman Sachs knows how to make money — lots of it.
In fact, they are so good at making money — for themselves and their clients — that for years they've been referred to in financial circles as 'Golden Slacks'.
It's rumored that they won't talk to you unless you've got $5 million to invest. And they only lend their name to the most exclusive high-end deals and initial public offerings. (They underwrote yesterday's Tesla IPO.)
Point is, Goldman is the best of breed of Wall Street banks. When they speak... the world listens.
And this week, they came out bullish on the solar sector.

Goldman's solar calls
Attached to the Goldman client note was a list of solar stocks and their analysts' opinion of each.
Here are the stocks they initiated coverage on, along with ratings and price targets:
First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR): Buy rating and $150 price target
SunPower (NASDAQ: SPWRA): Neutral rating, $15 price target.
MEMC (NYSE: WFR): Sell rating, $9 price target.
JA Solar (NASDAQ: JASO): Buy rating, added to Conviction List. $7.50 target price.
Suntech (NYSE: STP): Sell. Target price: $8.40.

Source

Solar Reversal

2010-06-30T11:07:00.005-04:00

After the down swing of last week, Solar Stocks are getting ready for another bullish swing. The short-term trend could get reversal in the next few days, and the Solar Stock ETF TAN looks like this:

Claymore/MAC Global Solar Index (ETF) (NYSE:TAN)

The higher lows could also mean a medium-term trend change.

First Solar to Invest $81 Million Building Factory in France

2010-06-29T08:24:00.000-04:00

First Solar Inc. is investing 66 million euros ($81 million) to build a factory near Bordeaux in France to produce solar panels, La Tribune reported, without saying where it got the information.

Half the cost will be funded by the renewable energies unit of French power company Electricite de France SA, the newspaper said.

Source: Bloomberg

First Solar Looks Past Success To Even Brighter Future

2010-06-25T15:05:00.002-04:00

First Solar Inc. (FSLR) is the world's largest solar-panel maker. Now, it wants to compete with fossil-fuel power generators.

In addition to making flat, glass panels that convert sunlight into electricity, First Solar has built some of the largest solar farms in the U.S. including a 21-megawatt facility in Blythe, Calif., owned by NRG Energy Inc. (NRG) and a 10-megawatt plant in Boulder City, Nev., owned by Sempra Energy (SRE).

First Solar plans to build several more solar farms with a project-development business assembled over the last year through its acquisitions of NextLight Renewable Power LLC in April, a unit of Edison International (EIX), in January and part of privately held OptiSolar last year.

The move is a risky one for the Tempe, Ariz.-based company. First Solar hopes it can leverage its expertise in solar panels to build solar farms capable of taking on gas-fired power plants. The goal: to greatly expand solar power's share of the U.S. power market.

With 2,200 megawatts of solar farms under development, First Solar hopes it can demonstrate that solar power is a reliable, reasonably priced source of valuable daytime electricity. For investors, the company aims to prove that solar farms can be lucrative.
...

Source: WSJ

The TAN, Solar Stock ETF

2010-06-24T09:47:00.001-04:00

The rally of these last weeks is over, but how long the bearish swing will last?

Claymore/MAC Global Solar Index (ETF) (NYSE:TAN):

Top 10 Best-Rated Solar Stocks

2010-06-23T13:21:00.000-04:00

Below are the top 10 best-rated Solar stocks, based on the number of positive ratings by brokerage analysts. Six Chinese companies (TSL, STP, YGE, JASO, SOLF, SOL) are on the list.

First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSLR) is the 1st best-rated stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by 24 brokerage analysts. It is covered by 41 brokerage analysts. Trina Solar Limited (ADR) (NYSE:TSL) is the 2nd best-rated stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by 17 brokerage analysts. It is covered by 20 brokerage analysts. Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (ADR) (NYSE:STP) is the 3rd best-rated stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by 12 brokerage analysts. It is covered by 37 brokerage analysts. Yingli Green Energy Hold. Co. Ltd. (ADR) (NYSE:YGE) is the 4th best-rated stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by 11 brokerage analysts. It is covered by 20 brokerage analysts. SunPower Corporation (NASDAQ:SPWRA) is the 5th best-rated stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by 11 brokerage analysts. It is covered by 36 brokerage analysts.

MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. (NYSE:WFR) is the 6th best-rated stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by 10 brokerage analysts. It is covered by 23 brokerage analysts. GT Solar International, Inc. (NASDAQ:SOLR) is the 7th best-rated stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by 8 brokerage analysts. It is covered by 10 brokerage analysts. JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd. (ADR) (NASDAQ:JASO) is the 8th best-rated stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by 8 brokerage analysts. It is covered by 17 brokerage analysts. Solarfun Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (ADR) (NASDAQ:SOLF) is the 9th best-rated stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by 6 brokerage analysts. It is covered by 12 brokerage analysts. ReneSola Ltd. (ADR) (NYSE:SOL) is the 10th best-rated stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by 5 brokerage analysts. It is covered by 7 brokerage analysts.

Source: China Analyst cnanalyst.com

PG&E partners with SunRun to finance home solar photovoltaics

2010-06-22T07:39:00.000-04:00

PG&E Corp. is partnering with yet another Bay Area solar company, investing $100 million to help pay for the installation of more than 3,500 home photovoltaic arrays.

This time, the parent of the Pacific Gas & Electric utility is pairing with San Francisco-based SunRun Inc. to create a tax equity fund. But the company had already stepped into the banker role in January, when it put $60 million into a similar fund for Foster City-based SolarCity Corp.

Pacific Energy Capital II, a subsidiary of PG&E, will manage the financing vehicle, which the companies claim is the largest of its kind to date.

SunRun, which like SolarCity offers solar leases to homeowners, will use the money too install panels throughout 2010 and 2011 in at least five states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Massachusetts and New Jersey. The PG&E subsidiary will get any government tax credits associated with the home projects.

Once the panels are installed – at low or no cost to homeowners – SunRun owns the photovoltaics while customers pay a set rate for the generated power. The arrays would otherwise cost tens of thousands of dollars for homeowners to buy outright and install.

The announcement is the latest in a string of developments in the home solar leasing market. SolarCity revealed a $90 million fund with U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corp., a division of U.S. Bancorp, in March. Homebuilder Lennar Corp. said last week that it was partnering with SunPower Corp. on a solar leasing option for some of its homes.

Source

First Solar Rallies As Credit Suisses Turns Bullish; $150 Target

2010-06-17T10:38:00.001-04:00

First Solar (FSLR) shares are on the rise this morning after Credit Suisse analyst Satya Kumar upped his rating on the stock to Neutral from Outperform, with a new price target of $150, up from $110. He contends that upside in pricing for Q2 and Q3 is not yet reflected in the stock.

Kumar offers a four-part thesis for his upgrade of the solar company’s shares:

He sees upside to estimates, and today raised his 2010 demand estimate to 13 GW from 12.7 GW, and says strong demand should reduce price erosion.
Risks to long-term margins are diminishing, he contends. Easy cost reductions for rival silicon-based solar companies - in particular lower poly prices, outsourcing to China and vertical integration - have mostly been accomplished.
Long-term growth prospects remain intact; he says 2011 might not be as bad as feared, particularly in Germany; he thinks U.S. demand could surprise positively.
FSLR’s panel efficiencies should “inflect meaningfully higher” by Q4 of this year or Q1 of next year, he contends.
Kumar raises his 2010 EPS estimate to $7.53, from $6.79; the Street consensus is $6.93. For 2011, he goes to $8.32, from $7.34.

First Solar Chart for today:

Solar plane set for night flight

2010-06-16T09:26:00.002-04:00

A solar-powered plane is getting ready to hit the skies once again - this time, at night.
It will be the first ever manned night flight on a plane propelled exclusively by solar energy.

Solar Impulse will lift off from an airfield in Switzerland, on a sunny day sometime at the end of June.
It will then fly around, charging the solar cells on the plane's wings, in a bid to store enough energy for the electric motors to last until dawn.

The aim of the project's founders, Andre Borschberg and round-the-world balloonist Bertrand Piccard, is to show that a solar-powered craft is able to fly day and night - and eventually long-distance flights - without any fuel.
Source

Solar ETF TAN

2010-06-09T10:10:00.003-04:00

Markets seem to be rebounding today.

The Solar Stock ETF (Claymore/MAC Global Solar Index) (TAN) represents the solar stocks industry and seems to be Bullish on the very short term:

Only time will tell if the Bulls get the upper hand. We might have a double bottom pattern forming.

Needham & Company Downgrades SunPower Corp. (SPWRA)

2010-06-07T09:40:00.001-04:00

Needham analyst says, "We are downgrading SunPower to Hold due to increased downside risk to estimates and currency headwinds. We see increased risk surrounding SunPower's expanded European pipeline of systems business due to the possibility of additional subsidy cuts, currency headwinds and growing macro concerns in Europe. Furthermore, SunPower continues to face pricing pressure despite strong near-term demand. With a lack of near term catalysts, we expect SPWRA shares to remain range bound. Therefore, we recommend investors wait on the sideline at this time."

SunPower Corporation (SPWRA) is down -4% for today.

Canadian Solar Updates 1Q10 Performance

2010-06-02T14:43:00.001-04:00

The maker of technology to be used in solar panels has revealed that the SEC has begun an investigation surrounding certain sales transactions in 2009, which may have continuing legal effects moving forward.

CSIQ is down -16% for the day.

Canadian Solar Inc. (the "Company," "we" or "Canadian Solar") (Nasdaq: CSIQ), one of the world's largest solar companies, today updated its 1Q 2010 performance and guidance for 2Q 2010 and the second half of 2010. The Company has postponed the release of its full financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2010 and its quarterly conference call, scheduled for June 2, as a result of the commencement of an investigation by the Audit Committee of the Company's Board of Directors. While the investigation is ongoing, the Company is updating preliminary first quarter operating results.
...
-- We have implemented a more robust foreign currency hedging plan,
raising our hedging level to more than 90% of our expected Q2 cash flow.
We are now hedging well into Q3.
-- We are on track to expand our internal cell capacity from the current
420MW to 700MW.
-- We intend to commence ramping up our new cell lines on July 1st and
complete the ramping up process in September;
-- We have successfully revamped our ingot and wafer plant and expect it
to contribute positively to our P&L in 2Q10;
-- We will take advantage of our global market profile and increase sales
in non-Euro currencies.

Operations Update

-- Conversion Efficiency: We began commercial manufacturing of enhanced
selective emitter ("ESE") modules in March 2010. We have shipped over
3.0 MW of ESE modules to date. Conversion efficiencies have approached
18% in initial production runs. We expect to increase our ESE cell
production capacity to 120 MW by the end of the third quarter.
-- Module Capacity: We increased our module production capacity from 820
MW at the end of 2009 to 1.3 GW at the end of May 2010.
-- Cell Capacity: We currently have 420 MW of internal solar cell
production capacity. We expect to reach 700 MW of internal solar cell
production capacity by September 2010.
-- Ingot and Wafer Capacity: Our internal ingot and wafer operation
stopped incurring losses in 1Q10. The furnaces have been repaired and
the plant is expected to contribute to our margins in 2Q10. We expect
to produce approximately 30 MW to 35 MW of wafers internally in 2Q10.
-- Ratio of Internal Cell Production: In 1Q10 we manufactured
approximately 50% of the cells we used in the quarter internally. In
2Q10 we expect to produce approximately 110 MW of cells internally
representing approximately 60% of our 2Q10 shipments. By 4Q10 we
expect to produce approximately 165 MW of cells internally,
representing approximately 70% of our expected 4Q10 shipments.

Source

Panasonic Entry into Solar Power

2010-05-31T09:23:00.000-04:00

The Panasonic Group will launch on July 1, 2010 its HIT(R) 215 Series* household solar power generation systems, the first series of collaborative products to be developed since SANYO became a part of the Group. The launch signifies how the newly extended group has combined its collective strengths for a full-scale entry into the solar cell business.

Since the announcement of the capital and business partnership with SANYO in December 2008, Panasonic has established a Collaboration Committee and promoted discussions, under all applicable laws and regulations, to maximize the potential synergy effects within the new Panasonic Group. Following the subsequent formalization of this takeover on December 21, 2009, 27 different sub-working groups have engaged in more advanced discussions, and the HIT 215 Series household solar power generation systems, featuring HIT 215 solar power generation modules with the world's highest-level energy conversion efficiency, represent the first tangible fruit of these collaborative efforts.

The new products combine SANYO's solar power generation modules with Panasonic's energy management technology, construction materials, and electrical technology, and will be broadly promoted across the companies' various sales routes, including home appliances, electrical and construction products. In doing so, the Panasonic Group is seeking to maximize its combined strengths to achieve significant business expansion within the rapidly growing solar power generation market, and aims to establish a position as the top manufacturer in the market with a target share in Japan of at least 35% by 2012.

Source

Will the rally continue?

2010-05-28T12:35:00.004-04:00

The market rallied yesterday, with many solar stocks posting impressive gains.

SunPower Corporation (SPWRA) up more than 20% yesterday:
"Announced a joint venture will own and operate SunPower's 1.4 gigawatt third solar cell fabrication facility, now under construction in Malaysia. SunPower and AUO will equally own the joint venture and contribute equal capital funding."

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (STP):

Solar Stocks Gapping Up

2010-05-26T08:27:00.003-04:00

The market should open today with a decent Gap Up.

Let's see how far the Bulls will go. Many solar stocks are gapping more than 3%.
STP 3.2%
TSL 4.6%
CSIQ 2.3%

SolarFun (SOLF) reported earnings and is gaining 11% on the Pre-Market.

FIRST QUARTER 2010 HIGHLIGHTS

Total net revenues were RMB 1,475.8 million (US$216.2 million) in 1Q10, an increase of 17.8% from 4Q09 and an increase of 115.7% from 1Q09.

PV module shipments, including module processing services, reached 150.6 MW, an increase from 110.8 MW in 4Q09 and from 35.7 MW in 1Q09.

Average selling price, excluding module processing services, declined, as expected, to US$1.76 per watt in 1Q10.

Gross profit was RMB 272.5 million (US$39.9 million) and gross margin was 18.5%.

The main Solar Stock ETF looks like this, but expect a good bullish move for today:

Auriga Upgrades First Solar

2010-05-24T12:33:00.000-04:00

Auriga upgrades First Solar (Nasdaq: FSLR) from Hold to Buy, saying the recent sell-off creates an attractive entry point.

The firm said even with their reduced reduced estimates, they forecast 21% upside to their current price target of $138.

Analyst Mark Bachman said, "We attribute the recent decline in share price to the depreciation of the Euro relative to the Dollar, and not because of fundamental change with regard to supply/demand within the solar industry. With the recent announcement of FSLR pushing project business into 2011, our model recognizes that more module sales will be denominated in Euros in 2010. That said, we also recognize and credit FSLR's aggressive currency hedging activities and ~15% natural hedge from manufacturing in Germany to buffer the effect of a weakened Euro. Our new price target of $138 is 20X our 2011 EPS estimate of $6.89."
Source: StreetInsider

Bulls coming back in Solar?

2010-05-21T10:47:00.002-04:00

Most Solar Stocks are showing some signs of a reversal move. Only time will tell if this is just another Bull Trap.

First Solar, Inc. (FSLR) Chart looks interesting:

Solar power game-changer: 'Near perfect' absorption of sunlight, from all angles

2010-05-20T15:27:00.001-04:00

A new anti-reflective coating developed by researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute could help to overcome two major hurdles blocking the progress and wider use of solar power. The nanoengineered coating boosts the amount of sunlight captured by solar panels and allows those panels to absorb the entire spectrum of sunlight from any angle, regardless of the sun's position in the sky.
An untreated silicon solar cell only absorbs 67.4 percent of sunlight shone upon it — meaning that nearly one-third of that sunlight is reflected away and thus unharvestable.
After a silicon surface was treated with Lin's new nanoengineered reflective coating, however, the material absorbed 96.21 percent of sunlight shone upon it — meaning that only 3.79 percent of the sunlight was reflected and unharvested. This huge gain in absorption was consistent across the entire spectrum of sunlight, from UV to visible light and infrared, and moves solar power a significant step forward toward economic viability.

Source: PhysOrg

Japan Solar Sail

2010-05-18T09:31:00.002-04:00

Today the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is set to launch the first spacecraft that will speed across the solar system using a hybrid solar sail—one propelled partly by solar pressure, partly by traditional solar power.

Dubbed Ikaros—for Interplanetary Kite-Craft Accelerated by Radiation of the Sun—the experimental craft will launch from the Tanegashima Space Center at 5:44 p.m. ET (6:44 a.m. Tuesday, local time).

Ikaros is hitching a ride into space aboard an H-IIA rocket, piggybacking with JAXA's Akatsuki Venus Climate Orbiter mission.

Once in space, the cylindrical, 677-pound (307-kilogram) craft will separate from the rocket and spin itself to unfurl its roughly 46-foot-wide (14-meter-wide) solar sail. (Related blog: "Tiny Solar Sail Pitched to Clean Up Space Junk.")

First proposed in the 1920s, solar sails are large reflective membranes that allow a spacecraft to be pushed by radiation pressure from sunlight, negating the need for heavy onboard fuel. (Explore a time line of space travel milestones.)

"It's the space equivalent of a yacht sailing on the sea," said Yuichi Tsuda, deputy project manager for Ikaros. Like wind filling a boat's sails, particles of light—or photons—streaming from the sun bounce onto a mirrorlike aluminized solar sail.

As each photon strikes, its momentum is transmitted to the spacecraft, which begins to gather speed in the almost frictionless environment of space. A solar sail can eventually reach speeds five to ten times greater than a rocket powered by conventional fuels.

Source: National Geographic

The State of the TAN

2010-05-17T14:48:00.002-04:00

More Bearish moves for the solar stocks with TSL, CSIQ, YGE and STP losing more than 5% for the day.

Claymore/MAC Global Solar Index (Solar Stock ETF) is making new lows. Maybe this is the time to start buying?

Solar Energy Could Provide 25% Of World Electricity

2010-05-16T08:58:00.003-04:00

The International Energy Agency (IEA) presented two new analyses in Valencia, Spain this week, a Solar Photovoltaic Energy Technology Roadmap and a Concentrating Solar Power Technology Roadmap. 1bog reports.

A key long-term finding from these analyses is that 20-25% of global electricity production could be from solar electricity by 2050.

Some interesting charts:

Source

Dazzling future for Solar Power

2010-05-12T13:47:00.002-04:00

"Concentrating solar power plants like the PS10 near Seville, Spain may provide around 10 percent of world electricity by 2050"

Solar power is expected to provide almost a quarter of the world's electricity supplies by 2050, according to a new report published by the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Eleven percent of total supplies are predicted to come from solar panels on homes and offices while a further 11 percent will be provided by central solar power stations feeding clean electricity to populous areas.
Solar power currently accounts for 0.5 percent of total electricity supplies, but this will need to rise if cuts in carbon emissions are to be achieved, according to the IEA.
Executive director of the IEA, Nobuo Tanaka said in a statement: "The combination of solar photovoltaics and concentrating solar power offers considerable prospects for enhancing energy security while reducing energy-related CO2 emissions by almost six billion tonnes per year by 2050."
The future success of solar power stations (known as Concentrating Solar Power or CSP) will depend on the development of "dedicated transport lines," but the IEA predict that it could become competitive with coal and nuclear power plants by 2030.
The IEA expects North America to be the largest producer of CSP electricity, followed by India and North Africa -- which will likely export half of its output to Europe.

Source: CNN

LDK Solar Co., Ltd. Issues Q2 Revenue Guidance

2010-05-12T09:00:00.003-04:00

LDK Solar Co., Ltd. announced that for the second quarter 2010, it expects revenue of between $460 and $490 million. For fiscal 2010, it expects revenue to be in the range of $1.6 to $1.7 billion. According to Reuters Estimates, analysts were expecting the Company to report revenue of $377 million for the second quarter of 2010; revenue of $1.4 billion for fiscal 2010.
Source: Reuters

The chart looks bumpy for LDK Solar, but this might be a bullish short-term trend forming:

Suntech Announces Preliminary Results

2010-05-10T09:17:00.002-04:00

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP), one of the world's largest crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturers, today announced preliminary financial results for the first quarter of 2010.
Suntech expects total net revenues for the first quarter of 2010 to be in the range of $580 million to $590 million. Gross margin is expected to be in the range of 19% to 20%, compared to previous guidance of 18% to 20%.
As a result of the depreciation of the Euro versus the USD, Suntech expects to incur a foreign exchange loss of approximately $24 million to $25 million for the first quarter of 2010. This is expected to be partially off-set by a net gain of approximately $2 million to $3 million from hedging activities.
Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech's Chairman and CEO said, "We are pleased to see extremely strong demand in the first quarter of 2010. With robust demand in incumbent solar markets and rapid growth in a host of emerging markets, we expect this environment to continue deep into 2010."

Source:prnewswire.com

Most Solar Stocks are moving up between 5% and 10% in the Pre-Market. With the massive rally in the European Markets, this should be an interesting day.

Solar Stocks Plunge

2010-05-06T14:09:00.002-04:00

Chinese stocks fell hard on Thursday trailing Asian indices lower. Large cap stocks hold on better than smaller counterparts; the Claymore/AlphaShares Small Cap China ETF (NYSE:HAO) lost three times as much as the large cap proxy, FXI.

Energy, solar stocks weight down indices on stronger dollar and falling oil. Solar stocks dominate the worst performing China ADR universe by noon on Thursday. Suntech Power (NYSE:STP), Solarfun Power (NYSE:SOLF), Canadian Solar (NASDAQ:CSIQ), Yaingli Green Energy (NYSE:YGE) and Trina Solar (NYSE:TSL) make up the worst stocks measured in percentage change on the following screen.

Solar stocks continue the plunge with many Solar Companies dropping more than 10% just for this day.

The Solar Stock ETF quotes: 7.22 -0.54 (-6.96%)

Wells Fargo covering Solar Stocks

2010-05-05T14:31:00.002-04:00

An analyst at Wells Fargo initiated coverage on a group of stocks in the Solar space earlier today:

ReneSola (NYSE: SOL) with an Outperform rating and a $9.50-$12 valuation range. Calls ReneSola a "big beneficiary of 2010 demand trends," mainly wafer pricing, margins and protection from its OEM segment if the market turns lower. Shares of ReneSola are down more than 5% today, last trading around $7.06.

Solarfun (Nasdaq: SOLF) with an Outperform rating and a $10-$12.50 valuation range. The firm notes that the company has been historically unappreciated, however, "with a new management team and an improving cost structure, we believe SOLF is leaving the penalty box." Wells Fargo argues that Solarfun has "one of the best risk-reward profiles in the group..." The firm expects Solarfun to report FY10 EPS of $0.92. Solarfun shares are one of the few solar stocks holding onto positive territory today, last trading up 0.5% to $8.39.

Yingli Green Energy (NYSE: YGE) with a Market Perform rating and a $11.50-$14.50 valuation range. The firm said it would like to be more positive on Yingli given that the company boasts a "industry-leading cost structure," however, the FY10 outlook looks to be "already among the most optimistic in the group..." Wells Fargo also believes that the recent polysilicon plant adds risk and that the balance sheet needs cleaning-up. The firm is currently looking for Yingli to report FY10 EPS of $0.94. Shares of Yingli are down 3.1% to $11.87.

Canadian Solar (Nasdaq: CSIQ) with a Market Perform rating and a $18-$23 valuation range. Wells Fargo says exchange rate headwinds and firmer input pricing could be issues for Canadian Solar in the first half of this year. "While H2 comparisons and earnings improvement are pluses, revenue growth and margin structure remain in flux, forcing the company to choose between market share and profits." The firm is looking for Canadian Solar to report FY10 EPS of $1.34. CSIQ shares are up 0.3% to $16.90 today.

Suntech (NYSE: STP) with a Market Perform rating and a $11-$14 valuation range. Wells says "Suntech has one of the best brands in the industry, but we believe the company needs to revamp its cost structure and improve corporate governance, notably its relationship with Global Solar Fund (GSF); Suntech has a high ownership stake in this entity but does not consolidate results. Valuation of 17x 2010E EPS vs. the peer group near 15x leaves little room for stock appreciation, in our view." Shares of Suntech are down 3.2% to $12.62 today.

Source: streetinsider.com

Evergreen Solar sees price declines in second half

2010-05-05T10:02:00.000-04:00

U.S. solar company Evergreen Solar Inc (ESLR) said on Wednesday it expects to see some pricing pressure in the second half of 2010, following forecast incentive cuts in Germany, the world's No. 1 solar market.

The government there is set to reduce most of the mandated prices paid for electricity from German solar arrays starting in July, with proposed cuts of 16 percent for rooftop panels.

Speaking on a conference call with investors, executives at Evergreen Solar also said the company's project to expand operations in China is on track.

Source

SunPower unveils more efficient solar panels

2010-05-04T08:55:00.001-04:00

SunPower, a Silicon Valley manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, panels, and systems, announced Monday the debut of its its new SunPower E19 Series solar panels, a product lineup that offers an efficiency of 19 percent or greater.

The efficiency figure measures how great a percentage of the sunlight that hits a solar panel is actually converted into usable electricity. The higher the efficiency, the cheaper the cost of using solar energy.
Some companies have reached up to 42 percent efficiency in testing their products. Others have claimed even higher percentages in the lab. But most commercial silicon solar cells average in the 15 percent range.
The E19's panels achieve a higher efficiency by using 3 percent more surface space per cell and by employing an antireflective coating that can capture greater amounts of off-angle light, explained San Jose, Calif.-based SunPower. The coating helps generate more energy per watt than a conventional solar panel. The combination of the coating and larger cells also offer a darker and more aesthetic look to the panels, the company said.
The E19 line includes a 318-watt, 96-cell solar panel with an efficiency of 19.5 percent and a 238-watt, 72-cell solar version with an efficiency of 19.1 percent.

Source: CNET

JA Solar reporting earnings

2010-05-03T10:12:00.003-04:00

Earnings Date:
May 11, 2010
Q1 2010 Earnings Release - 9:30AM EDT

Analysts, on average, expect JA Solar (NASDAQ:JASO) to report earnings of $0.18 on sales of $265 million on May 11, 2010.
For the full year, analysts expect the company to post EPS of $0.52. In the year-ago period, the company reported a loss of $0.18 on sales of $34 million.
In the previous quarter, the company reported EPS of $0.17, topping consensus estimates of $0.12.

JASO is near the 2010 Highs. Moving above $7 could prove very bullish for this stock:

First Solar, Inc Earnings

2010-04-29T10:18:00.002-04:00

FSLR is up 15% after the Earnings Release:

First Solar, Inc. announced that for fiscal 2010, it expects net sales of $2.6-$2.7 billion, reflecting reallocation of module capacity from its systems business to meet stronger module demand by its European customers. Earnings per fully diluted share (EPS) are projected in the range of $6.80 to $7.30 and include $0.09-0.10 per share dilution for the pending acquisition of NextLight Renewable Power, LLC. According to Reuters Estimates, analysts on an average are expecting the Company to report revenues of $2.7 billion and EPS of $6.29 for fiscal 2010. The First Solar Board of Directors has approved an additional four line manufacturing plant with an annual capacity of over 220 MW at the first quarter 2010 line run-rate. The plant is expected to begin production in the fourth quarter of 2011.

First Solar To Buy NextLight Renewable

2010-04-28T09:46:00.000-04:00

First Solar To Buy NextLight Renewable For $285 Mln

First Solar Inc. (FSLR) said it will buy NextLight Renewable Power LLC for about $285 million, adding to its project pipeline and bolstering its position in the U.S. utility-scale renewable power market.

NextLight develops utility-scale solar projects in the southwestern U.S. With the purchase, the maker of low-cost photovoltaic modules reels in a 1,100-megawatt project pipeline made up of 570 megawatts under signed purchase agreements with Western utilities and 530 megawatts of additional photovoltaic projects in various stages of development.

"NextLight has assembled a project pipeline that very much complements First Solar's project portfolio," said First Solar Chief Executive Rob Gillette. "We are looking forward to having the highly experienced NextLight team join First Solar."

The deal is expected to be completed in the third quarter.

First Solar lately has been shuffling its assets, in November selling one of its California solar farms to independent power producer NRG Energy Inc. (NRG) and buying a solar project development pipeline from Edison Mission Group in January.

In February, First Solar said its fourth-quarter profit climbed due to better-than-expected revenue growth that more than offset lower margins. First-quarter results are due after the bell Wednesday.

Shares of First Solar closed at $128.36 on Tuesday and were inactive premarket. The stock has fallen 5.2% so far this year.

Source: Wall Street Journal

First Solar Releases its Quarterly Earnings on April 28

2010-04-26T11:02:00.003-04:00

Analysts, on average, expect First Solar (NASDAQ:FSLR) to report earnings of $1.65 on sales of $539 million on April 28, 2010.
For the full year, analysts expect the company to post EPS of $6.13. In the year-ago period, the company reported EPS of $1.99 on sales of $418 million.
In the previous quarter, the company reported EPS of $1.65, topping consensus estimates of $1.51.

First Solar, Inc. Chart:

SunPower Corporation (SPWRA): Earnings Preview

2010-04-23T10:27:00.000-04:00

SunPower Corporation (SPWRA : 18.16, 0.28) is scheduled to report first quarter 2010 results on Thursday, April 22.

SunPower Corporation is a vertically integrated solar products and services company that designs, manufactures and markets high-performance solar electric power technologies. The company operates through two business segments: components segment and systems segment. The Systems Segment represents sales directly to system owners and developers and includes engineering, procurement, construction (EPC) and other services relating to solar electric power systems that integrate the company's solar panels and balance of systems components, as well as materials sourced from other manufacturers. The Components Segment primarily represents sales of the Company's solar panels and inverters to solar systems installers and other resellers, including the company's third-party global dealer network. On April 14, 2009, the Company completed the acquisition of Tilt Solar. In March 2010, the Company acquired SunRay Renewable Energy.

Dec-Q operating EPS of $0.32 vs. $0.27 is $0.07 below my estimate. Sales rose 18% from Oct-Q, reflecting higher shipments in all geographies. Gross margins, below my view, narrowed due to foreign exchange. As expenses rose, the operating margin contracted. Separately, the internal audit committee concluded that '08-'09 income was overstated by about $17 million. I still see pricing pressure from Asia-based competitors with rising conversion efficiencies. While Q4 results confirmed strength of company's components biz, its ability to maintain price premium, guidance suggests back-end-loaded year, higher expenses tied to SunRay purchase. But I feel the company is taking right steps to secure strong pipeline in U.S., Europe, which will become even more important in possible oversupplied environment in H2 '10.

For the 1st qtr 2010, analysts' estimates range from $0.0 to $0.36, with a consensus estimate of $0.09. The consensus EPS forecast has decreased over the past week from -$0.36 to $0.35 and decreased over the past three months from $0.35 to $0.36.

Source:istockanalyst.com

Claymore/MAC Global Solar Index (ETF - TAN)

2010-04-22T08:49:00.004-04:00

The most traded solar stock ETF, TAN, is one of the best ways to diversify your solar investments.

This Year's performance is still negative, and the short-term trend for these last days is still bearish, but expect a reversal soon.

The state of the TAN:

Ningguo City could be first solar-powered city in China

2010-04-20T15:00:00.002-04:00

A Chinese tellurium mining company, Apollo Solar Energy, has signed a non-binding letter of intent with the Ningguo Municipal Government to begin a joint venture to design, build and run a 30x50 square kilometre solar city in Anhui Province, China.

The letter presents Apollo with the chance to become a 51% shareholder with the Ningguo City Investment Company, which could lead to proving how cost-efficient the use of solar energy for an entire community could be. Other investors would own 49 percent of the ventures shares between them.

As it stands, if the plans go ahead, Ningguo will be the first city in China to use solar power as its number one source of energy. Apollo's eventual aim, it says, is to make a completely zero-emission city in China. It won't be easy, though: it's believed that the entire project including a 10 GW grid-connected solar power station, will take up to 8 years and costs up to $14 billion.

Source

Evergreen Solar says 1Q revenue was $78.5 million

2010-04-20T13:33:00.001-04:00

Evergreen Solar Inc. said Monday that its first-quarter revenue was about $78.5 million, higher than analysts expected and 44 percent above its revenue a year earlier.

The company, which makes solar-power products using silicon wafers, did not forecast its profit.

In the same period a year earlier, the company lost $64.3 million, and analysts were expecting it to report an adjusted loss of 9 cents per share, or nearly $19 million, for the quarter that ended April 3.

Evergreen is scheduled to report first-quarter results May 4.

The company said it shipped enough products to generate about 35.4 megawatts of power, or about enough to power 35,000 homes.

The average selling price in the first quarter was about $2.20 per watt, about 4 percent less the previous quarter. Evergreen said its manufacturing costs were $2.05 per watt, flat with the fourth quarter.

Evergreen expects to produce 37 megawatts to 38 megawatts in the second quarter.

Its shares rose 6 cents to $1.18 in regular trading Monday and another 9 cents in extended trading after release of the revenue estimate.

Source: businessweek.com

Energy Conversion Devices is Among the Companies Offering Investors the Best Value in the Electrical Components & Equipment Industry

2010-04-19T12:05:00.000-04:00

Below are the top five companies in the Electrical Components & Equipment industry as measured by the price to book ratio. Often companies with the lowest ratio present the greatest value to investors.
Energy Conversion Devices (NASDAQ:ENER) has a price to book ratio of 0.5x based on a current price of $7.23 and a book value per share of $15.05.
DayStar Technologies (NASDAQ:DSTI) has a price to book ratio of 0.5x based on a current price of $0.33 and a book value per share of $0.68.
Evergreen Solar (NASDAQ:ESLR) has a price to book ratio of 0.6x based on a current price of $1.14 and a book value per share of $1.9.
Universal Security Instruments (AMEX:UUU) has a price to book ratio of 0.6x based on a current price of $6.67 and a book value per share of $10.76.
Deswell Industries (NASDAQ:DSWL) has a price to book ratio of 0.7x based on a current price of $5.27 and a book value per share of $7.63.

Source: MYsmartrend.com

SunPower Secures $350 Million Facility

2010-04-16T14:13:00.000-04:00

SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ: SPWRA | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) (NASDAQ: SPWRB | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating), a Silicon Valley-based provider of solar cells, solar panels, and solar systems, said that it has signed a new three-year letter of credit facility.

The facility, which SunPower said initially provides for a maximum issuance of $350 million in letters of credit but, at the agreement of the parties, may be increased to a maximum of $400 million, will replace the company's existing $250 million letter of credit facility and will be underwritten by a syndicate of banks that include Deutsche Bank (NYSE: DB), Bank of America Merrill Lynch (NYSE: BAC), Citi (NYSE: C), Credit Suisse, and Barclays Capital.

California-based SunPower designs and manufactures solar technology for residential, business, government and utility customers. The firm has offices in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia.

Source: tradingmarkets.com

First Solar Bullish Run

2010-04-15T10:14:00.002-04:00

An interesting article about being in the wrong side of the market. In this case, Shorting First Solar in the current bullish market.

One of the biggest benefits I get from writing this blog is that sometimes some very smart people disagree with me. In the investing business you will be wrong often. The earlier you realize that you are wrong the smaller (on average) your losses will be. I don’t think the blog can move markets through talking my book. (I disclosed a good argument for shorting First Solar and the stock went up!) But I do think that kick-back from smart people can help reduce my losses when I am wrong. Believe me that is often enough!

Source: Favstocks
Continue reading

Thin Film 2010: Market Outlook to 2015

2010-04-14T14:14:00.002-04:00

From only 17 megawatts in 2002 to nearly 1 gigawatt in 2008 (a compounded annualized growth rate of 96%), thin film’s rise over the last decade has been remarkable indeed. The search for alternative technologies to traditional crystalline silicon PV has led to a tidal wave of investment and entrepreneurial activity in thin film, with 170 active companies and over $2 billion in VC investment in the space. However, as of 2010, only two thin film companies have produced in excess of 100 MW annually.

Full Article

Suntech,Trina Solar sign $11.7 bln loan deals

2010-04-14T08:29:00.002-04:00

China's top solar power equipment makers Suntech Power Holdings (STP.N) and Trina Solar (TSL.N) have signed framework agreements with China Development Bank (CDB) [CHDB.UL], giving them access to a combined 80 billion yuan ($11.72 billion) in loans, company officials said.

Suntech, China's largest solar cell and panel maker, signed an agreement with CDB for up to 50 billion yuan ($7.33 billion) worth of loans over five years, Rory Macpherson, Suntech's director for investor relations, told Reuters on Wednesday.

"It's a non-binding agreement," he said. "It's not related to specific projects ... it could be used for capacity expansion. It essentially shows the strong partnership between Suntech and China Development Bank," he said, adding that the agreement was signed in the past two weeks.

Trina Solar forged a 30 billion yuan ($4.40 billion) loan agreement with CDB that will last through 2015, Chief Financial Officer Terry Wang said.

Source

Trina Solar Chart:

Renewable Energy Helps Fuel Dow Above 11,000

2010-04-13T12:58:00.001-04:00

The benchmark Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above 11,000 for the first time since stock markets began their nosedive 18 months ago. And the rebound in investor and trader confidence seems to be taking renewable energy and clean technology stocks with it.

An uptick in the price of a barrel of oil, the coming 40th anniversary Earth Day celebrations and renewed focus on energy and climate legislation in Congress could once again be sparking market enthusiasm, at least for the short term, market watchers are speculating.

But the upturn could prove short-lived as some banks and investment firms remain wary of the sector's long-term performance, warning their clients of shrinking public support for subsidies and an end to government stimulus spending globally.
...

Source: NYTimes
Continue reading

First Solar Upgrade

2010-04-12T12:38:00.001-04:00

First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSLR) is up more than 3% after this upgrade:

Earlier this morning Battle Road Research upgraded shares of First Solar (FSLR) to Buy from Hold and set a $150 price target.

In its note, Battle Road says negative catalysts are in the past and “expectations are too low for 2010.” (First Solar stock is down 9% over the last 12 months, compared with a 49% gain for the Nasdaq.) The stock has been under pressure over concerns about subsidy cuts in Germany, First Solar’s primary market.

Thanks to a process that avoids polysilicon, First Solar continues to have gross margins near 50%. “The company continued to improve its cost per watt and efficiency in the fourth quarter, cementing its cost advantage,” Battle Road says.
Uncertainty related to the European subsidies known as feed-in-tariffs “have been fully absorbed by the stocks.”
Despite concerns, volumes for the first three and half months of 2010 have exceeded expectations. Battle Road notes that industry estimates call for worldwide installations totalling eight to 13 gigawatts in 2010, up from 6.4 gigawatts in 2009.
Shares of First Solar are up 3.8%, or $4.75, today to $128.84.

source: Barrons Blogs

Chinese solar stocks shine

2010-04-09T07:52:00.001-04:00

Seven out of the eight U.S. listed Chinese stocks made it to the overbought screen Thursday morning. Gains for the sector look limited from here as LDK Solar (NYSE:LDK), ReneSola Ltd. (NYSE:SOL) and Solarfun Power (NASDAQ:SOLF) have approached theoretical highs. Suntech Power (NYSE:STP), Trina Solar (NYSE:TSL) look better from a technical point of view but again, advance of Canadian Solar (NASDAQ:CSIQ) and China Sunergy (NASDAQ:CSUN) look excessive compared to the rest of the sector.
...
Back to solar stocks: high oil price helps alternative energy plays such as solar, wind and hydro power. Solar stocks look good based on fundamentals as well after hitting a bottom in the middle of 2009. Shipments have dramatically increased while margins have stabilized. JA Solar (NASDAQ:JASO) has just raised 2010 Q1 shipment guidance. Four solar stocks out of the total eight reported revenue and earnings growth for the last quarterer of 2009.

JA Solar Raises Shipment Guidance

2010-04-07T15:35:00.002-04:00

With the positive news from JASO, not only is the best solar stock performance in these last weeks, but managed to uplift the whole sector with gains above 5% in many of the leading solar stocks.

JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq: JASO), a leading manufacturer of high-performance solar products, today announced revised guidance for its first quarter ended March 31, 2010. Based on current customer orders and product deliveries, JA Solar now projects first quarter shipments to exceed 265MW, above the high-end of its previous guidance of 215MW to 225MW given on Feb. 11, 2010.
"During the first quarter, we saw robust demand from existing and new customers," said Dr. Peng Fang, CEO of JA Solar. "By streamlining the company's existing solar cell manufacturing facility, JA Solar is able to achieve higher than expected production to meet strong customer orders. We also won several new European customers during the quarter, which further diversified our customer base and provides better visibility for the full year."
...
The company expects to report its first quarter results in mid-May, and plans to provide guidance for the second quarter of 2010 and updated full-year 2010 guidance at that time.
Source: PR Newswire

Solar Pebble could light the way for rural Africans

2010-04-06T12:30:00.002-04:00

A solar-charged light might seem like just another green gadget to the average American, but for families in rural Africa, it could prove revolutionary.
Product design consultancy Plus Minus Design is vying to replace unsustainable and potentially dangerous lanterns in the homes of off-grid Africans with the Solar Pebble. Engineered with the economic constraints of developing-world citizens in mind, the Solar Pebble will provide one hour of LED light for every two hours of charge, and will cost only $2.70 to manufacture.
Source: CNET

United States Renewable Energy Sector Is Falling Behind The Rest Of The World

2010-04-05T10:59:00.000-04:00

As China and Europe implement policies to encourage clean energy market growth, US clean energy companies are focusing their efforts overseas - resulting in lost jobs and opportunities in the US. Analysts believe that unless the US government does more to encourage job and market growth in the clean energy sector, that the country will fall behind China and Europe in achieving a global leadership position in this growing market sector. See the following article from Money Morning for more on this.

If the United States doesn't take drastic measures to engineer new clean energy policies and investment initiatives, it will continue to take a back seat to China and Europe, which are driving the clean energy market toward a profitable future.

Both clean energy companies and a skilled workforce are heading overseas, where government policies are creating a more welcoming and promising market for clean energy products.

Take Massachusetts-based Evergreen Solar, Inc (Nasdaq: ESLR). In 2008, it used $58 million in government aid to open a new Massachusetts factory to build silicon wafers and cells and assemble solar panels. But in November 2009, it announced the assembly of solar panels would be moved to Wuhan, China, where solar panel manufacturing will cost far less than in the United States.

Source

Solar-powered boat

2010-04-01T08:05:00.001-04:00

Solar-powered boat Türanor raises hopes of a sun-fuelled future

Considering its 85 tonnes and its potential to shape the future of maritime travel, the launch of Türanor was a surprisingly reserved affair. The world's largest solar-powered boat made a gentle plop as it was lowered by a huge crane on to the waters of the Kiel firth in northern Germany today, and triggered the polite applause of onlookers – mainly fishermen and shipyard workers. "We've made it, she's safe, and she floats," whispered its owner, Immo Ströher, with tears welling in his eyes.

But the real challenges for the gleaming white catamaran still lie ahead, as its makers seek to use it to prove that the sun can fuel our world.

Next year, after an intense testing phase, Türanor – the name, inspired by JRR Tolkein's Lord of the Rings, means "power of the sun" – will embark on her maiden voyage, a round-the-world trip during which her two-man crew will attempt to chase the sun in order to capture as much available solar power as possible and navigate her at an average speed of 7.5 knots.

Ströher's granddaughter christened her today by smashing a bottle of champagne against her teak deck, and pronouncing: "May you always have plenty of water under your bows, and sun on your deck."

Source

LDK Solar Results Miss Estimates

2010-03-31T08:50:00.002-04:00

LDK Solar Co., Ltd.'s Q4 2009 Results Miss Estimates, Stock Drops; Issues Q1 2010 Revenue Guidance Above Analysts' Estimates-Reuters
Tuesday, 30 Mar 2010 11:35am EDT
Reuters reported that LDK Solar Co., Ltd.'s fourth quarter 2009 earnings missed Wall Street expectations, sending its shares tumbling. The Company also expects first quarter 2010 revenue of between $310 million and $330 million. According to Reuters Estimates, analysts are expecting the Company to report revenue of $312 million for the first quarter of 2010.

Source: Reuters

JA Solar continues the rally

2010-03-30T14:13:00.002-04:00

After yesterday's big move across all solar stocks, JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd.(NASDAQ:JASO) continues the move up, gaining more than 6% for today.

Expect some resistance around the $6 mark:

Barclays Bullish On Solar

2010-03-30T00:22:00.003-04:00

Barclays Raises Price Targets On SOLF, FSLR, SOL, CSIQ, TSL, YGE

Most Solar Stocks closed higher today, thanks to the Barclays upgrade, with some solar stocks like SOLF, CSIQ or JASO finishing the day up, more than 8%

First Solar (FSLR) from $100 to $125
ReneSola (SOL) from $5 to $7
Canadian Solar (CSIQ) from $21 to $25
Trina Solar (TSL) from $23 to $25
Yingli Green Energy (YGE) from $10 to $14

All of these are maintained at Equalweight by Barclays.

Solar Stocks ETF

2010-03-26T09:49:00.002-04:00

Claymore/MAC Global Solar Index (ETF) (Public, NYSE:TAN) Chart Update:

Chevron tests solar technologies in Bakersfield

2010-03-22T11:02:00.000-04:00

A demonstration energy project in Bakersfield aims to figure out which of several technologies works best to convert energy from the sun into usable power. KPCC's Molly Peterson reports on an announcement by the Chevron company.

Think of Chevron's project as an 8-acre science experiment. The test the company's announced includes sevent kinds of solar panels – 7,700 altogether – that different companies have developed.

Six of them demonstrate thin-film photovoltaic panels. Thin film technology uses semiconductor material like silicon spread out microscopically in a sheet to convert the sun's energy to power.

The seventh uses incredibly tiny crystals of silicon to do the same thing. All seven of the different solar companies have the same conditions under which they can prove how much energy they generate.

Chevron plans to compare their performance to an eighth technology, a commonly available solar panel like the kind many southern Californians have on their roofs. The company will use the energy produced to power Kern River Oil Field operations. Chevron will sell extra energy back into the grid.

Source

SunPower Reports Fourth-Quarter 2009 Results

2010-03-19T11:46:00.002-04:00

SPWRA is down -14% after earnings results:

Record Q4-2009 revenue of $548 million; fiscal-year 2009 revenue of $1.52 billion -- Q4 GAAP EPS of $0.09 and non-GAAP EPS of $0.47 - includes $0.03 per share in accounting investigation expenses -- Completed largest solar power plant in Italy, 24-megawatt (MW) project in Montalto -- Completed construction of more than 100-MW rooftop and ground mount systems in 2009 -- More than doubled the number of SunPower dealers in 2009 to ~1,000 dealers in eight countries -- Announced the acquisition of SunRay Renewable Energy - will add 1.2 gigawatt pipeline -- Announced 200 MW, five year rooftop supply agreement with Southern California Edison -- Financed 19-MW power plant for Xcel Energy in Colorado to be completed in 2010 -- Announced 32-MW supply agreement with Toshiba for 2010 delivery -- Appointed Jim Pape to lead Residential and Commercial (R&C) business unit

Source

SunPower Corporation Earnings Today

2010-03-18T13:55:00.001-04:00

After the closing bell, SunPower Corporation (SPWRA) will take the spotlight to reveal its fourth-quarter earnings. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters are expecting the solar concern to report net income of 49 cents per share, down from its year-ago profit of 70 cents per share. Sales for the period are expected to arrive at $491 million.

SunPower has a solid history in the earnings spotlight, having exceeded Wall Street's consensus expectations in three of the past four reporting periods. Judging by a recent uptick in call buying, some traders appear to be anticipating another upside surprise.

During the past 10 days, traders on the International Securities Exchange (ISE) have bought to open 3.75 calls for every put on SPWRA, revealing a distinct preference for bullish bets over their bearish counterparts. In fact, this ratio of calls to puts ranks higher than 82.7% of other such readings, indicating that traders on the ISE have rarely shown a greater bias toward calls over puts.
Source

Suntech Power is up!

2010-03-17T13:47:00.002-04:00

After a week of going nowhere, Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (STP) is up 4%.

Global Markets seem to continue the Bullish run, so this should be a good moment for Solar Stocks on the short-term.

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (STP) Chart

Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights

2010-03-16T10:02:00.002-04:00

First Solar Inc., Southern Company, Suntech Power Holdings Company Ltd., SunPower Corporation and ReneSola Ltd

First Solar Sells Project

First Solar Inc. (FSLR - Analyst Report) has sold a 30 megawatt (AC) photovoltaic solar power project to Southern Company (SO - Analyst Report) and Turner Renewable Energy.

The Cimarron I photovoltaic solar power project is adjacent to the Vermejo Park Ranch in northern New Mexico . First Solar is developing the project and is providing engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services.

First Solar will also provide operation and maintenance services under a 25-year contract. The facility will supply power to approximately 9,000 homes, or 18,000 residents, and displace over 45,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year.

Construction of the solar array will begin in March, with completion and commercial operation expected by year-end 2010. It will consist of approximately 0.5 million photovoltaic modules constructed with First Solar's patented thin film semiconductor technology.

Turner Renewable Energy is wholly owned by the media magnate Ted Turner.

...

First Solar enjoys a distinct cost advantage over its peers due to its reliance on low cost thin-film cells. However, the advantage is ebbing fast due to falling polysilicon prices. First Solar’s growth potential and that of the solar industry in the aggregate requires a prudent long-term focus on technological enhancements, capacity build-out and cost minimization. Balancing all three aspects would be an uphill task.

Competition in the industry is becoming tougher by the day for U.S. solar players such as First Solar, who has a huge German exposure in its top line compared to its counterparts such as Suntech Power Holdings Company Ltd. (STP - Analyst Report), SunPower Corporation (SPWRA - Snapshot Report) and ReneSola Ltd. (SOL - Analyst Report), whose markets are more diversified.

Source

Solar Stock ETF: TAN

2010-03-15T10:36:00.002-04:00

After these bullish weeks the Solar Stocks seem to be facing new resistance barriers. If the S&P 500 goes down for a short-term correction move, the solar industry will probably follow. So lets see and wait for the market reaction this week:

Claymore/MAC Global Solar Index (TAN)

First Solar, Inc. Reiterates FY 2010 Revenue

2010-03-11T13:32:00.001-05:00

First Solar, Inc. announced that for fiscal 2010, it continues to expect net sales to grow to $2.7 billion to $2.9 billion. According to Reuters Estimates, analysts on an average are expecting the Company to report revenue of $2.8 billion

FSLR seems to be in full upswing, the short-term still looks bullish:

ETF Preview: Solar Stocks Likely to See Downside Pressure on First Solar Downgrade

2010-03-10T09:26:00.000-05:00

Commodities -

United States Oil Fund (USO) is down 1.5%. United States Natural Gas (UNG) is down 0.2%.

Renewed hopes for Greece being able to tackle its debt woes is weakening investors’ appetite for gold in early morning trade Tuesday. A firmer dollar is also weighing on the metal’s price. Meanwhile, there is growing concern that Chinese demand for gold may not be as strong as once thought. Gold is 0.5% lower at $1,117.90, while silver is 1.34% weaker at $1,704.00, and copper is down around 1% at $337.75. SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) is down 0.5% and Market Vectors Gold Miners fund (GDX) is down 1%, both among the most active ETFs this morning. iShares Silver Trust (SLV) is up 0.7%.

ETF Power Play -

The Claymore MAC Global Solar Energy Index (TAN) and Market Vectors Solar Energy (KWT) could see increased selling pressure closer to today’s bell.

First Solar (FSLR) is down 3.9% after JPMorgan reportedly cut its rating on the stock to Underweight from Neutral.

Source

Yingli Green Energy posts 4th-qtr loss, predicts strong 2010 solar module shipments

2010-03-08T15:02:00.001-05:00

Yingli Green Energy Holding Co. (YGE) on Monday said its fourth-quarter results slid to a loss driven by one-time charges, but the solar cell maker predicted 2010 module shipments to nearly double from 2009 levels.

The China-based company posted a quarterly loss of 44.8 million renminbi ($6.6 million), or 0.3 renminbi per American Depository Share (4 cents per ADS), compared with a profit of 82 million, or 0.64 renminbi per ADS, during the same period the prior year.

Excluding special charges, adjusted earnings amounted to 137.5 million renminbi ($20.2 million), or 0.89 renminbi per ADS (13 cents per ADS).

Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters estimated a profit of 14 cents per ADS, on average. Analysts typically exclude one-time items.

Revenue climbed 44 percent to 2.53 billion renminbi ($370.8 million) from 1.76 billion renminbi in the prior-year period. Analysts forecast an average revenue of $326.5 million.

For the full year, the company reported a loss of 459.2 million renminbi ($67.3 million), or 3.31 renminbi per ADS (48 cents per ADS), compared with earnings of 653.8 million renminbi, or 5.05 renminbi per ADS, in 2008. Revenue slid 4 percent to 7.25 billion renminbi ($1.06 billion).

Source

Top 10 Solar Stocks with Highest Short Interest

2010-03-05T12:04:00.001-05:00

Below are the top 10 Solar stocks with the highest short interest as a percentage of total shares outstanding. Four Chinese companies (LDK, STP, YGE, TSL) are on the list.

Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:ENER) has the 1st highest short interest in this segment of the market. Its short interest is 33.4% of its total shares outstanding. Its Days to Cover is 5.51, calculated as current short interest divided by average daily volume.
First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSLR) has the 2nd highest short interest in this segment of the market. Its short interest is 18.9% of its total shares outstanding. Its Days to Cover is 7.61, calculated as current short interest divided by average daily volume.
LDK Solar Co., Ltd. (NYSE:LDK) has the 3rd highest short interest in this segment of the market. Its short interest is 18.7% of its total shares outstanding. Its Days to Cover is 7.66, calculated as current short interest divided by average daily volume.
SunPower Corporation (NASDAQ:SPWRA) has the 4th highest short interest in this segment of the market. Its short interest is 15.9% of its total shares outstanding. Its Days to Cover is 7.13, calculated as current short interest divided by average daily volume.
Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (ADR) (NYSE:STP) has the 5th highest short interest in this segment of the market. Its short interest is 12.4% of its total shares outstanding. Its Days to Cover is 6.74, calculated as current short interest divided by average daily volume.
Evergreen Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:ESLR) has the 6th highest short interest in this segment of the market. Its short interest is 11.1% of its total shares outstanding. Its Days to Cover is 5.31, calculated as current short interest divided by average daily volume.
Continue reading

Solar Stocks Rally

2010-03-03T13:17:00.004-05:00

Most solar stocks are having a great day today, with many companies gaining more than 3% for today.

Some charts for today:

JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd. (ADR) (Public, NASDAQ:JASO)

And the Solar Stock ETF shows how the whole sector bounced with the following gap:
Claymore/MAC Global Solar Index (ETF)

LDK Solar Acquires Best Solar's Crystalline Module Manufacturing Plant

2010-03-02T18:13:00.000-05:00

LDK Solar Co., Ltd. (NYSE:LDK - News), a leading manufacturer of multicrystalline solar wafers, today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the crystalline module manufacturing plant of Best Solar Co., Ltd. ("Best Solar"). Under the terms of the transaction LDK Solar will acquire Best Solar's crystalline module manufacturing plant at cash consideration of $21.5 million, representing the fair value of the assets acquired determined on an arms-length basis.

"This acquisition will significantly enhance LDK Solar's position in the downstream PV market," stated Jack Lai, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Secretary of LDK Solar. "LDK Solar has been fulfilling the majority of its solar module needs through purchases from Best Solar over the past three quarters. We look forward to realizing cost efficiencies by bringing crystalline module manufacturing in-house.

Source

Trina Solar profit tops Wall Street, shares climb

2010-02-24T12:19:00.001-05:00

Trina Solar (TSL) opened higher today, but now seems to follow the rest of the solar stocks, losing -3.44% at the moment.

TSL's Earnings info:

Earnings per ADS 74 cents tops Wall St view of 60 cents

* Revenues rose 45 pct to $313 mln

* Shares climb 3.4 percent premarket

NEW YORK, Feb 24 (Reuters) - China-based Trina Solar Ltd (TSL.N) reported higher-than-expected fourth quarter profit and said its margins widened even as the industry continued to see weaker selling prices for solar modules.

A glut of solar cells and modules pressured prices by about 40 percent last year, but a recent rebound in demand ahead of expected subsidy cuts in Germany has boosted sales for many producers of the renewable energy systems.

Net income rose to $49.2 million, or 74 cents per American Depositary Share, versus a loss of $673,000, or 1 cent per share, in the year-earlier quarter.

That easily topped the 60 cents per share that analysts had on average forecast, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

Revenue rose 45 percent to $313.3 million, beating analysts' forecast for $284 million.

Gross margins climbed to 32.6 percent, topping Trina's forecast of 25 percent to 27 percent.

Reuters

Top 10 Fastest-Growing Solar Stocks: SOLR, FSLR, YGE, RSOL, SOL, STP, ENER, SPWRA, JASO, TSL

2010-02-23T15:23:00.000-05:00

Below are the top 10 fastest-growing Solar stocks, based on the average long-term earnings growth rate estimated by Wall Street analysts. Five Chinese companies are on the list.

GT Solar International, Inc. (NASDAQ:SOLR) is the 1st fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 33.3%. This number is based on the average estimate of 3 brokerage analyst(s).

First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSLR) is the 2nd fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 31.3%. This number is based on the average estimate of 12 brokerage analyst(s).

Yingli Green Energy Hold. Co. Ltd. (ADR) (NYSE:YGE) is the 3rd fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 30.3%. This number is based on the average estimate of 6 brokerage analyst(s).

Real Goods Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:RSOL) is the 4th fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 30.0%. This number is based on the average estimate of 1 brokerage analyst(s).

ReneSola Ltd. (ADR) (NYSE:SOL) is the 5th fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 29.0%. This number is based on the average estimate of 2 brokerage analyst(s).

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (ADR) (NYSE:STP) is the 6th fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 26.5%. This number is based on the average estimate of 9 brokerage analyst(s).

Continue reading

First Solar Earnings

2010-02-18T22:42:00.000-05:00

FSLR After Hours: 117.20 -9.09 (-7.20%)

First Solar (FSLR) is trading lower after hours despite better-than-consensus Q4 results.

FSL reported Q4 revenue of $641.3 million, up from $408.9 million in Q3 and $433.7 million a year ago, and ahead of the Street at $581.4 million. EPS of $1.65 a share was ahead of the Street at $1.52.

The company repeated its previous guidance for 2010: revenue of $2.7 billion to $2.9 billion, with EPS of $6.06 to $6.85 a share. The company expects cap ex this year of $500 million to $550 million.

In a presentation prepared for this afternoon’s conference call with the Street, the company said global supply will likely exceed demand in the second half of the year, and that silicon module pricing is likely to decline further in the second half.

Source

First Solar Sets Date to Report Fourth Quarter Results

2010-02-16T09:21:00.002-05:00

First Solar will report financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 26, after market close on Thursday, February 18.

The company will hold its quarterly conference call to discuss these results and outlook for 2010 at 4:30 p.m. EST. The call will also be available at http://investor.firstsolar.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=201491&p=irol-calendar.

Solar Energy Harvesting Using 1 Percent Of Current Materials

2010-02-15T11:09:00.002-05:00

Imagine a world where sunlight can be captured to produce electricity anywhere, on any surface. The makers of thin-film flexible solar cells imagine that world too. But a big problem has been the amount of silicon needed to harvest a little sunshine.

Now, researchers [led by Harry A. Atwater] at Caltech say they’ve designed a device that gets comparable solar absorption while using just one percent of the silicon per unit area that current solar cells need. The work was published in the journal Nature Materials.

The research team tried silicon wire arrays instead of traditional silicon panels. These wires have been shown to do a good job converting sunlight to usable energy on the nanoscale. But the scientists had to create wires a thousand times longer.

Light bounces around within the wires and is eventually absorbed when it hits at the correct angle. But there was a problem: too much light was leaking out. Adding nanoparticles of alumina kept much more of the light scattering until it got absorbed. The result is a system that virtually matches silicon wafer light absorption and may be more efficient at converting light to electricity, while using a tiny fraction of the material.—Cynthia Graber

Source (PodCast)

MiaSole aims to match First Solar's cost

2010-02-11T10:00:00.002-05:00

Solar thin-film start-up MiaSole is aiming to be a viable competitor to industry leader First Solar (FSLR.O) by lowering manufacturing costs of its panels as it ramps up production and opens a new U.S. plant.

MiaSole's current manufacturing costs are over $1 per watt, said Chief Executive Joseph Laia Jr.

First Solar, one of the world's largest solar module makers, has the lowest production costs in the industry for its thin film cadmium telluride panels. The company broke $1 per watt in 2008 and reached 85 cents per watt in 2009.

While Laia declined to reveal MiaSole's exact manufacturing cost per watt, he said getting the cost down would be a major focus of the company this year.

"Can we get close to those guys (First Solar)? Yes," Laia told Reuters this week. "By the end of the year, we will be pretty close to them in costs."

Reuters

Trina Solar Announces New Technology to Boost Conversion Efficiency

2010-02-10T10:49:00.002-05:00

Trina Solar Limited (TSL) ("Trina Solar" or the "Company"), a leading integrated manufacturer of solar photovoltaic (PV) products from the production of ingots, wafers and cells to the assembly of PV modules, today announced it achieved a breakthrough in its development of monocrystalline cell technology.
As part of the Company's ongoing research and development strategy, Trina Solar has developed a square monocrystalline cell with enhanced power output using its proprietary improved cell manufacturing process. Using specially designed metallization and passivation techniques, the advanced cell structure is expected to significantly boost cell conversion efficiency, achieving up to 18.8% efficiency in test laboratory production. In addition, this technology is expected to improve module output due to increased light absorbing surface area of the square shaped cell.
"We are excited to announce this breakthrough in monocrystalline cell efficiency, which demonstrates the competence of our R&D team and the centrality of product development at Trina Solar," said Jifan Gao, Trina Solar's Chairman and CEO. "Trina Solar will continue to advance its extensive R&D program, aiming to develop solar cell conversion efficiencies of more than 20% over the coming two years."

Source

Evergreen Solar Ships 31.9 Megawatts

2010-02-09T09:17:00.001-05:00

Evergreen Solar, Inc. (ESLR), a manufacturer of String Ribbon™ solar power products with its proprietary, low-cost silicon wafer technology, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2009.

Key accomplishments during the quarter were:

Shipped 31.9 MW from our Devens facility at an average selling price of $2.32 per watt;
Improved product gross margins to 11.9% from 7.1% for the third quarter of 2009;
Reduced total manufacturing cost to $2.05 per watt, down 8.5% from $2.24 per watt for the third quarter of 2009;
Reduced wafer manufacturing cost to approximately $0.69 per watt from $0.75 per watt in the third quarter of 2009;
Generated $16.9 million of cash from operations, up from $11.2 million in the third quarter.
“Over two years ago, we established a cost target for our Devens facility of about two dollars per watt. We are pleased to have effectively achieved this cost target during the fourth quarter,” stated Richard M. Feldt, Chairman, CEO and President. “Our proven track record of manufacturing excellence is even more critical as we will relentlessly pursue additional operational efficiencies, further reduce our silicon and other materials costs and make progress on our technology roadmap to further reduce our costs at Devens to about $1.50 per watt in 2011 as we transition panel assembly to China.”

“Our China expansion remains on track,” added Mr. Feldt. “We have a strong Chinese management team and we are hiring experienced engineers and other support staff needed for the initial 100 megawatt facility. Equipment has been ordered, and we should be in a good position to ship our first product by this summer.”

Source

Deutsche Bank Cuts Estimates, Target (FSLR)

2010-02-08T10:03:00.000-05:00

Deutsche Bank analyst Steve O’Rourke this morning repeated his Hold rating on First Solar (FSLR), while cutting his EPS estimates and price target.

For 2010, his EPS estimate drops to $6.02, from $6.53. His price target is now $125, down from $135.

O’Rourke writes in a research note that the moves reflect his view that the 2010 second half will be more difficult than many on the Street have modeled. While he thinks the company has “the strongest company fundamentals in the industry,” he also thinks it faces both pricing pressure and margin compression.

FSLR is down $2.70, or 2.4%, to $111.49.

Source

Earnings Release Dates

2010-02-05T13:30:00.000-05:00

Expected next earnings release:

First Solar, Inc. (FSLR)
2/24/2010 - After Market
Q4 2009

Canadian Solar Inc. (CSIQ)
Mar 3, 2010
Q4 2009 Earnings Conference Call - 8:00AM E

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (STP)
Mar 4, 2010
Q4 2009 Suntech Power Holdings Earnings Conference Call - 8:00AM EST

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (STP) Overweight Rating

2010-02-05T11:04:00.001-05:00

Analyst Vishal Shah at Barclays Capital (ADR) (NYSE: BCS) has maintained a 1-Overweight rating for Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (ADR) (NYSE: STP).

Barclays estimates a margin of 18.7% at Suntech for the fourth-quarter of 2009, and 19.3% for the fourth-quarter of 2010. Barclays expects the company’s poly procurement costs to decrease from 80/kg in 2009 to 50/kg in 2010.

The recent checks conducted by Barclays Capital suggests positive customer feedback on the company’s Pluto technology. The technology has potential to drive up margins by 10%, according to Barclays.

Barclays Capital has set a price target of $20 for Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.

source

Market Concerns

2010-02-04T11:59:00.003-05:00

Markets across the world are having one of the worst losses in a day, with Europe and US economic problems in the major headlines.

Solar stocks continue to follow:

Claymore/MAC Global Solar Index (Solar Stock ETF) Chart:

GT Solar Profit Falls 15% But Tops Street View

2010-02-03T09:28:00.000-05:00

GT Solar International, Inc. is up 10% on the Pre-Market after Earnings results:

GT Solar International Inc.'s (SOLR) fiscal third-quarter profit fell 15% but easily topped Wall Street expectations as the solar-wafer maker saw increased business from key customers in Asia.

The results led the company to say it now expects its results for the year to be at the top end of its previous guidance, which was for earnings of 52 cents to 60 cents a share on revenue of $500 million to $550 million.

The stock soared 13% to $6.80 in after-hours trading on the news. The stock has doubled in the past year.

GT Solar reported earnings of $36.8 million, or 25 cents a share, down from $43.1 million, or 30 cents a share, a year earlier. Revenue fell 15% to $173.6 million, but the figure surged 67% from the fiscal second quarter.

Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected earnings of 15 cents a share on revenue of $145 million.

Gross margin widened to 44.2% from 43.6% a year earlier and 32.9% in the previous quarter.

Silicon Valley makes big push into solar and smart-grid technologies

2010-02-01T13:32:00.000-05:00

Cleantech's vast ecosystem includes a dizzying array of emerging technologies, from green building materials to electric vehicles, lighting and wind power. But as Silicon Valley reinvents itself as a global center of clean technology, two sectors — solar power and "smart" upgrades to the electric grid — already are reshaping the valley and changing the way energy is produced and used.
The Bay Area is believed to have the nation's largest concentration of cleantech jobs, and much of that job growth has been in solar and smart grid, technologies that leverage the valley's formidable strengths. Next 10, a nonpartisan think tank, estimates that the Bay Area now has about 7,000 jobs in renewable energy alone.
"The skills that have been put to such good use in the valley with chips — engineering the processes to be more efficient, bringing costs down — are now being applied to solar," said San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed, who wants to create 25,000 new cleantech jobs and cut the city's per capita energy use in half by 2022. "And in order to make a smart grid smart, you've got to collect an enormous amount of information and manage it and network it. It's a huge market opportunity for what companies here are already doing."

Source: Mercury News

STP, FSLR and SPWRA Stock Charts

2010-01-28T08:54:00.004-05:00

These last weeks were being ruled by the Bears and now we are close to a decisive point in the market.

Most Solar Stocks seem to be reacting after a string of losses, but what we really need is for the Bulls to pull the market up decently in the next few days, or the short to mid term trends will be pointing even lower.

Today's Pre-Market seems to be pointing up, but it's still risky to get long before a confirmation movement is printed on the charts.

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (STP):

It's important that STP stays above the $13 support price level and make a movement up soon.

First Solar, Inc. (FSLR):

First Solar looks to be in the weaker technical situation, and must be above $120 or the trend continues to look Bearish.

SunPower Corporation (SPWRA):

SunPower Corp is still above the $20 support but needs a stronger sign from the Bulls.

BlackRock clean fund targets Asian solar stocks

2010-01-27T11:01:00.000-05:00

BlackRock's New Energy Fund is "cautiously" investing more in solar companies after a glut in solar panels and falling prices saw producers' margins squeezed over the past two years, its fund manager said.

The BlackRock New Energy Fund was launched in 2001 and had some $3.9 billion assets under management as of Dec 31.

The fund delivered returns of 21 percent in 2009. That compared with 27 percent returns to the wider MSCI index of global stocks .WORLD

"We're now cautiously increasing our weightings in solar, it is cautious because we think it's a u-shaped recovery in demand," co-head of the fund Robin Batchelor told Reuters on Wednesday.

"Were focusing a bit more on the Asian producers which we think have a structural advantage over some of the European producers," he said in a telephone conversation from London.

"(Manufacturing in China) gets a big subsidy on power, cheap land, you've got cheap employment, it takes a bit quicker to get your permitting, all your environmental issues taken care of, these are things which all cost a lot in the western world."

"Power is a big component in manufacturing cost, that's putting a structural benefit towards some of the Asian producers."

The BlackRock New Energy Fund cut its exposure to solar from up to 30 percent "several years ago" to 5 percent, in advance of the solar panel over-supply developing, Batchelor said.

ABN AMRO's Solar Energy .ABNZSOL was down 3 percent last year, while the DJ-SAM (Dow Jones-Sustainable Asset Management) World Solar Index .SOLEX was down 2.4 percent.

More than half of BlackRock's New Energy Fund is invested in companies specialising in renewable energy, with the rest in stocks for example focused on "green" buildings, electric car batteries, emissions trading and carbon capture and storage -- a technology meant to remove carbon emissions from coal plants.

Source: Reuters

Solar Stocks Upgrades

2010-01-26T10:15:00.002-05:00

Some upgrades for Solar Stocks today:

SunPower (Nasdaq: SPWRA) raised from Hold to Buy. Price target lowered from $30 to $29. Shares are up 2.5% to $21.75 this morning. The firm's new target on SunPower suggests potential upside of 33%.

Suntech (NYSE: STP) raised from Underperform to Hold with a $12 target. Stock is flat in the pre-market session at $13.38.

Solarfun (Nasdaq: SOLF) raised from Underperform to Hold with a $7 target. Solarfun shares are up 0.4% to $7.85. Price target represents possible downside of about 10%.

China Sunergy (Nasdaq: CSUN) raised from Underperform to Hold. Price target raised from $4 to $4.50. China Sunergy is up nearly 4% this morning, last trading at $4.35. Jefferies new target suggests potential upside of about 3%.

Solar Downgrades

2010-01-25T11:16:00.002-05:00

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (ADR) (NYSE: STP) gained 1.77% to $13.25 despite being downgraded by Broadpoint AmTech Research to Sell from Neutral at a price target of $10. The 52-week trading range for STP is $5.09 - $21.38. Suntech Power Holdings closed at $13.02 in the previous trading session.

Suntech to Announce Earnings on March 4, 2010

2010-01-21T11:58:00.000-05:00

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd., the world's largest crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturer, will announce its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2009, before the U.S. market opens on Thursday, March 4, 2010. Suntech management will host a conference call that day at 8:00a.m. Eastern Standard Time (which corresponds to 9:00p.m. Beijing/Hong Kong time and 1:00p.m. Greenwich Mean Time on March 4, 2010) to discuss the company's results.

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on Suntech's website at http://www.suntech-power.com/ under Investor Center: Financial Events.