China-based polysilicon and wafer producer Daqo New Energy reported third quarter 2016 financial results that characterised the abrupt demand slowdown from PV manufacturers at the beginning of the quarter but cited a strong rebound in demand since October.
‘Silicon Module Super League’ (SMSL) member, JA Solar has agreed to settle a long-term ‘take or pay’ contract for the purchase of polysilicon from US-based polysilicon producer Hemlock Semiconductor.
Former China-based integrated PV manufacturer LDK Solar, which entered liquidation proceedings in the Cayman Islands and bankruptcy in mainland China has resulted in major creditor losses and its wafer and cell production operations being acquired.
Integrated PV module manufacturer REC Group said total module shipments in the second quarter of 2016 reached 326MW, bringing first half year shipments to 640MW and a 4% quarter-on-quarter increase.
Key Taiwan-based wafer producers Green Energy Technology (GET), Sino-American Silicon (SAS) and Danen Technology delivered mixed sales results for September, 2016, yet the underlining trend remained weak demand and ASP pressures.
Crystal growth equipment supplier GT Advanced Technologies (GTAT) said it had accepted the resignation of CEO, Dave Keck and appointed board member and former employee, Greg Knight as its new CEO.
Leading polysilicon and multicrystalline wafer producer GCL-Poly Energy Holdings has reported first half 2016 financial results that as expected benefited from the downstream boom in China that kept both polysilicon and wafer prices high.
Solar wafer and module manufacturer ReneSola reported second quarter 2016 results impacted by a module end market demand slowdown in China and high polysilicon prices, while wafer ASPs decline, squeezing revenue and margins.
Taiwan-based solar cell and wafer producers are being impacted by slowing demand from China and unfolding overcapacity that has resulted in ASP declines hitting monthly revenue figures since June.
Solar PV manufacturing in 2016 has seen the highest capex (capital expenditure) levels for years, and a return to capacity expansion plans. Furthermore, many of the companies announcing the capacity expansions are doing so for the first time, especially at the cell and module stage.
