Semiconductor industry solar energy activity heats up

BOSTON, USA: Despite recent, highly publicized problems at Evergreen Solar and Solyndra, solar energy continues to play an essential role as governments seek sources for renewable energy. The Strategy Analytics GaAs and Compound Semiconductor Technologies Service (GaAs) viewpoint, “Compound Semiconductor Industry Review October-December 2011: Optoelectronics, Materials and Equipment,” offers a positive outlook for solar industry players, as seen in the many announcements from companies that are expanding their solar module or material capacity.

This report also captures product, technology, contract and financial announcements for companies in the optical and material supply chain, such as AIXTRON, IQE, Kopin, Oclaro, GigOptix, Cree, JDSU, Avago Technologies, Finisar and Osram

“It is easy to get a negative outlook about an entire segment when a couple of the high profile participants run into difficulties,” observed Eric Higham, director of the Strategy Analytics GaAs and Compound Semiconductor Technologies Service. “Solar energy has become a widely deployed form of alternative energy. This report provides a snapshot of the growth and activity in the compound photovoltaic technologies which underpin the solar market.”

Asif Anwar, director, Strategy Analytics Strategic Technologies Practice, added, “Despite the bankruptcy proceedings at Solyndra and Evergreen Solar, photovoltaic device and module manufacturers continue to announce efficiency improvements and capacity expansions.”