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Taiwan-Based Solar Cell Manufacturers to Gain Market Share in FY11; Prices Still Too Low

June 14, 2011 7:17 AM EDT
Taiwan-based solar PV manufacturers are expected to grab 16 percent of the global market in 2011.

Digitimes, citing a report from Photonics Industry & Technology Development Association (PIDA), reports that the market value of Taiwan's solar industry will expand to NT$253.1 billion in 2011 (or about $8.8 billion).

Taiwan will grab the market share from such fierce competitors as Japan, Germany, and the U.S.

When added with China, the two countries will account for about 60 percent of solar cell manufacturing worldwide.

PIDA also said that the weakness in the solar industry was only temporary, as solar will continue developing in the long run.

Separately, but still related, one industry source has said that Taiwan-based solar cells have been falling to 80 cents per/watt amid slight return in demand.

The lowest quotation from the European market is 78 cents per watt.

Digitimes notes that, although polysilicon prices have fallen to about $50 to $55 per kilo, a price of 78 cents per watt is too low.

Taiwan-based solar cell makers include Motech, Gintech, Neo Solar, Solartech, and E-Ton.

Investors may want to keep an eye on Claymore/MAC Global Solar Index (NYSE: TAN), and competitors like SunPower (Nasdaq: SPWRA), Trina Solar (NYSE: TSL), Yingli Green Energy (NYSE: YGE), GT Solar (Nasdaq: SOLR), and others as prices begin to shape-up and demand steadies.


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