Taiwan-based solar-grade polycrystalline silicon wafer maker Green Energy Technology(GET),in view of continual decreases in solar wafer prices,has adjusted its strategy by selecting orders for high-efficiency solar wafers at higher prices and therefore has lowered its corresponding capacity utilization from 70-80%in August to 50%,according to the company.
Taiwan-based makers are striving to keep quotes for 6-inch polycrystalline silicon wafers above US$1,while China-based fellow makers have lowered prices to below US$1,GET pointed out.In addition to solar wafers,GET currently utilizes 70%of its wafer slicing capacity,the company indicated.
With the downward adjustment in capacity utilization,A3+solar wafers with energy conversion rates of 17.8-18%and prices US$0.04-0.05 higher account for 60%of total solar wafer output,A2+for 20%and A+for 10%,GET indicated.The proportion for A3+is expected to increase to 80%in the fourth quarter of 2012,GET said.In addition,A3+will be shipped to clients in China beginning October,GET noted.
To cope with the impact of US anti-subsidization and anti-dumping tariffs and the European Union's anti-dumping investigation,some China-based integrated PV producers have talked with GET about cooperation,GET indicated.GET takes an open attitude toward cooperation with China-based integrated PV producers,the company emphasized.
As China-made PV modules are expected to reach a combined market share of 20%in 2012 and 40%in 2013 in Japan,the Japan government plans to hike minimum power-generating capacity for a PV module to above 250W in 2013,GET indicated.Consequently,China-based PV module makers have been seeking high-efficiency solar wafers and therefore have been talking about cooperation with GET,the company claimed.
The lowering of capacity utilization will see GET employees move from overtime shifts to regular hours,and will not require the company implement compulsory leave or layoffs,GET said.
