Applied Materials gives up on a-Si solar:
eetimes.com
SunFab's fate
(Applied plans to lower its investments in its SunFab solar technology amid disappointing results and losses in the arena. SunFab is based on a thin-film technology called amorphous silicon. Applied has sold turnkey SunFab lines to a number of customers.)
Mark LaPedus, semiconductor editor for EE Times
''Not long ago, Applied was bullish about SunFab and the technology looked promising. More recently, several unforeseen events have taken place: 1) Polysilicon prices fell; 2) This caused prices for silicon-based solar modules to fall; 3) Suddenly, thin-film solar technology, except at First Solar, did not look so attractive; 4) Let's not forget solar downturn.
So in my opinion, this is the beginning of the end for SunFab. Applied CEO Michael Splinter said that SunFab must stand on its own feet and become profitable. During the event, he said there is no timetable for that goal. He also said Applied is not afraid to drop an unprofitable product.
I admire Applied's efforts in solar. I am cheering them on. But I'm afraid SunFab is doomed. It will never become price competitive. It may become a niche. The problem for Applied is the customers who bought the SunFab technology. I wonder if they regret that decision. I'm sure they are not happy right now.''
Edwin Mok, an analyst with Needham & Co. LLC
''Applied finally admitted that its thin-film business lacks competitiveness, and is reducing spending in this area. Clearly, this is a positive step. Additionally, its c-Si business is partially offsetting weakness in SunFab, as we believe the new selective emitter offering is gaining strong momentum with Chinese PV producers.''
C.J. Muse, an analyst with Barclays Capital
''On the thin film solar front, Applied appeared a bit more subdued than usual and did not prognosticate as to when a recovery would happen, while re-affirming its commitment towards the Sunfab product. For the first time, Applied concretely indicated that the opportunity is likely to be in China and India for utility level projects more than anywhere else given the hotter climates and the advantages that TF-Si enjoys over crystalline silicon in such conditions.
Applied aims to get to a cost level of $0.85/W by the end of 2010 and then to $0.59/W by the 2012 timeframe. If achieved, this gives Applied's TF solar technology, potentially a fighting chance against crystalline solar technology -- though we continue to view this as quite a long shot.''
'For SAM growth, Applied is also likely to increase its penetration of the crystalline solar market in the form of additional capabilities especially in front metal and in point contact, emitter configurations leading up to 2 percent efficiency gain.''
disclosure: I own AMAT. |
