Silicon Wafer Manufacturers Making a Move Forward (CSUN, SOLF, JASO)
China-based manufacturers of solar-grade crystalline silicon wafers plan to expand their production capacity in 2010. The plans are based on the projections of a sharp rise in demand for PV systems in the domestic market. While makers had originally planned to expand their annual capacity by 30GWp, they are now projecting the total additional capacity at more than 40GWp.
Industry sources indicated that of the 40GWp capacity, 10GWp will be set up by LDK Solar (NYSE: LDK), which is currently the world’s largest maker of poly-Si wafers. Jiangsu Zhongneng Polysilicon Technology Development, a leading poly-Si material maker that is diversifying into wafer production, will be adding 20GWp to the planned capacity expansion.
Following the news, shares of Solarfun Power Holdings Co. Ltd. (NASDAQ: SOLF) have risen by 8.74% to $9.58, China Sunergy Co. Ltd. (NASDAQ: CSUN) by 5.84% to $5.44 and JA Solar Holdings Co. Ltd. (NASDAQ: JASO) by 7.11% to $6.78.
