FSLR Analysts's Comments

Oerlikon Boosts Fab Line Efficiency

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:36:21 -0500

In the spirit of fair play:
Thought that you might want to see this. Came accross it on Semiconductor international:
www.semiconductor.net/...
Applied Materials has successfully developed ... PECVD processes for the absorber layer deposition for both SJ and TJ cells [that have] demonstrated excellent uniformity (<5% variations for cell I-V characteristics) on a substrate size of 2.2 × 2.6 m. a-Si:H SJ modules and a-Si:H/µc-Si:H TJ modules with 6.6% and 9.3% stabilized efficiencies, respectively, have been produced.

First Solar's $1/Watt Capex: Half the Industry Average

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 12:49:10 -0500

Andrew,
Your Sharp numbers aren't quite right. The 1GW fab is also an LCD plant at Gen 10. The CapEx for Sharp is more like $1.38 (see article about 160MW facility: 145MW add for $22B Yen.)
In addition, when you look at cost depreciation over 7 years for these systems, the CapEx comes out to around 25%-30% of the cost of sale. So a $1 vs. $1.38 is not too different on a Cost/Watt scale.
The big differentiator is in the conversion efficiency. Sharp's triple junction is comparable to FSLRs CdTe (10% module for Sharp, %10.5 stated for FSLR) so the two are price comparable. Sharp also has the advantage of no Cd and no Te to worry about.
Something to think about - and a bit of perspective before discounting Sharp.

The Tellurium Supernova

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 12:38:55 -0500

It looks as if First Solar is also concerned about the supply. They are vertically integratrating when demand for their products is well above their ability to supply. The Acquisition of DT was a bit odd for them. They are above 20% OM, which gives them cash to do two things - lower the solar price further or expand the business. Instead of preparing for further GW capacity increases, they are moving verticle. To me, this signals a hint of risk. They are moving into the US market with the acquisition but they are also moving away from PV manufacturing as the sole source of revenue. It looks like Te supply is a concern for FSLR afterall.

First Solar Not as Fun as SOLF Today

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 12:38:42 -0500

Cadmium Telluride Casts Shadow on First Solar

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 12:38:04 -0500

Reality Check: First Solar and Tellurium

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 12:33:36 -0500

It looks as if First Solar is also concerned about the supply. They are vertically integratrating when demand for their products is well above their ability to supply. The Acquisition of DT was a bit odd for them. They are above 20% OM, which gives them cash to do two things - lower the solar price further and expand the business. Instead of preparing for further GW capacity increases, they are moving verticle. To me, this signals a hint of risk. They are moving into the US market with the acquisition but they are also moving away from PV manufacturing as the sole source of revenue. It looks like Te supply is a concern for FSLR afterall.