our strategy
PV Crystalox Solar remains committed to systematically enhancing its position in the PV industry as an independent producer of multicrystalline silicon wafers.
By focusing on the wafer and not competing with our customers in cell production, we are able to develop strong relationships with solar cell producers. It is our intention to remain one of the PV industry’s cost leaders and to supply quality wafers at competitive prices whilst retaining attractive margins. The Board feels that this is best achieved through solid controlled growth.
The strategy we have been following for a number of years seeks to combine low costs with production flexibility.
what we have been doing?
- average wafer production costs 20% down in 2010;
- Bitterfeld polysilicon annualised output averaging 1,450MT during the first two months of 2011; and
- internal production costs of Bitterfeld polysilicon lower than average contracted costs since August 2010.
what’s next?
- 10–15% average wafer production costs reduction target in 2011;
- operating Bitterfeld polysilicon facility at full capacity;
- further reduction in Bitterfeld polysilicon costs expected during 2011;
- continued production efficiencies; and
- higher yields.
what we have been doing?
- ingot production 100% in-house;
- polysilicon – mix of internal production and external suppliers;
- polysilicon – new five-year contract with existing supplier signed in 2010; and
- wafering – internal wafering in Germany and external subcontractors in Japan.
what’s next?
- planned capacity expansion in ingot production:
- Q1 2011–530MW;
- Q4 2011–670MW; and
- Q4 2012–855MW.
what we have been doing?
- Taiwan – 11% revenue share in 2010 (2009: 3%);
- China – 31% revenue share in 2010 (2009: 9%); and
- supply tier one solar cell producers.
what’s next?
- enhanced relationships with existing customers;
- new customers in the major markets of Taiwan and Korea; and
- Taiwan share to increase significantly in 2011.
what we have been doing?
- working with customers to increase product quality; and
- increasing efficiency of cells from our wafers.
what’s next?
- working with customers to increase product quality and develop the next generation of wafer technology.