Intersolar North America 2008: Silicon Updates

[San Francisco, California USA]

Dow Corning and REC Silicon Videos and select Presentation slides.

As part of the North American Photovoltaics Advanced Manufacturing Technology Conference: Bulk Silicon at Intersolar, here is a video of the presentation:

Silicon and Silicone: Addressing Critical Needs Throughout the PV Value Chain Dr. Gaetan Borgers, Global Industry Director, Dow Corning Solar Industry

Focusing on Dow Corning’s Upgraded Metallurgical (UMG) Silicon developments, Dr. Borgers said:

By end of last year, we have gone from 1000 to 3000 metric tons of capacity. And the important thing I want to highlight here is that we did that in less than a year. And

REC Group Capital Markets Day 2008

2008 Margin outlook triggers the solar stock to sell off through Blue Monday.Search underway for a potential expansion site to locate about 25000 MT of polysilicon production capacity.

Beginning with their Capital Markets Day 2008 event on Friday, January 18, 2007, Renewable Energy Corporation ASA (OSL:REC) shares declined 38.6% in two trading days before rallying 13.2% on Tuesday, January 22, 2007.

Per this Reuters report, REC sees margin dipping in 2008, rising from 2009, by Aasa Christine Stoltz, the margin drop in 2008 is caused by a doubling of expansion costs. REC Group CEO Erik Thorsen said:

There is a concentration of ramp-ups (of projects) in 2008, which

Solar Light Flashes: December 31, 2007

Select Photovoltaic News Tidbits

In this final Solar Light Flashes of 2007, I need to catch up on accumulated tidbits I’ve collected over the past few months.

Advent Solar, Inc.If recent events at Miasolé regarding former CEO David Pearce are the precedent (see Former Miasolé Employees Confirm Cuts by Jennifer Kho at Greentech Media), then Advent Solar Appoints Peter Green as new President and CEO, tends to indicate Rusty Schmit’s days with Advent may be numbered despite the claim:

Company founder Rusty Schmit will remain a member of the Board of Directors in an active role focused on strategic initiatives and will be working with Peter to ensure a smooth transition.

This development also