Archive for October 6th, 2011
Solar Modules, Jobs, and Supply Side Economics
A few weeks ago I read an industry newsletter announcing the demise of Evergreen and Solyndra - two US solar manufacturers, who blamed Chinese solar companies for part of their profitability problems. In the same newsletter, several publicly-trade Chinese manufacturers reported quarterly results showing continued growth and profitability. Why are US solar manufacturers failing where Chinese companies are succeeding? The pedestrian explanation to this dichotomy is that labor rates are lower in China, therefore the Chinese are more competitive. But, the facts don't bear this out. PV modules are generally manufactured in the same way worldwide and the methods and technology are widely distributed. ...
0 Comment | Posted in Solar Modules
October 06, 2011
China Closes Most Lead Acid Battery Plants?
In case you hadn't heard this - the Chinese government has closed most lead-acid battery manufacturing plants in the last month in response to extreme pollution. This is part of the government's "twelve-five plan" for environmental improvement. The plants we have heard of being closed are owned by Narada, Kstar, Chilwee, Heyuan Sunnyway and Zhejian Haijiu Battery, although we expect that almost all manufacturers will be affected. Some will be able to meet the new environmental requirements, but many will just close permanently. What will be the effect to our industry? Lead prices have already dropped. Supply ...
0 Comment | Posted in Solar Batteries
June 06, 2011