FSLR Sets Module Efficiency Record - Analyst Blog
2012年1月17日 - 11:30PM
Zacks
First Solar Inc. (FSLR) announced it set a new
world record for cadmium-telluride (CdTe) photovoltaic (PV) solar
module efficiency, achieving 14.4% total area efficiency. The U.S.
Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL)
confirmed the record, which eclipsed the prior record of 13.4%,
which was also set by First Solar.
The record performance, announced at the World Future Energy
Summit in Abu Dhabi by First Solar Chief Technology Officer Dave
Eaglesham, comes just six months after First Solar leapfrogged the
world record for CdTe solar cell efficiency with a mark of 17.3%.
Both the cell and module record-setters were constructed using
commercial-scale manufacturing equipment and materials at the
company’s Perrysburg, Ohio factory.
Cell efficiency measures the proportion of light converted to
energy in a single solar cell, whereas total area module efficiency
measures light conversion across a production-size, multi-cell
solar module, providing a more realistic assessment of real-world
performance than cell or aperture-area efficiency.
Earlier, in December 2011, First Solar updated its long-term
module efficiency goal of 14.5%–15.0% average efficiency for its
modules by the end of 2015. The average efficiency of First Solar
modules increased from 11.4% in 2010 to 11.7% in 2011 and is
expected to reach 12.7% in the fourth quarter of 2012.
First Solar, the largest stand-alone solar module manufacturer
in terms of market capitalization, will benefit greatly from the
steady economic recovery as well as favorable legislations
supporting PV installations. The company’s project pipeline
currently stands at an impressive 3.2 GW.
First Solar manufactures solar modules with an advanced
semiconductor technology and is a premier provider of comprehensive
PV system solutions. The company is delivering an economically and
environmentally viable alternative to fossil fuel.
From raw material sourcing through end-of-life collection and
recycling, First Solar is focused on creating value-driven
renewable energy solutions that protect and enhance the
environment.
Moreover, by virtue of its diversified revenue exposure,
technological enhancements and cost minimization, the company has a
distinct edge over its competitors. Through cadmium telluride-based
solar modules, the company offers a differentiated technology
versus its silicon-based peers.
However, First Solar’s short-term growth may be partially
hampered by the volatile euro, apprehension over reduction in
German subsidies, falling crystalline silicon prices and the
modules’ glut in the market. The company presently retains a
short-term Zacks #5 Rank (Strong Sell). Over the longer run we also
maintain our long-term Underperform recommendation on the stock.
This is in line with other solar peers like China Sunergy
Co. Ltd. (CSUND) and Real Goods Solar
Inc. (RSOL).
CHINA SUNERGY (CSUND): Free Stock Analysis Report
FIRST SOLAR INC (FSLR): Free Stock Analysis Report
REAL GOODS SOLR (RSOL): Free Stock Analysis Report
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