Many Solar Firms Have Been Securing Strong Customer Bases for Survival

As competition in the solar industry increases, many solar firms have been securing strong customer bases for survival. Market rumors indicate that some Taiwan-based solar firms have been discussing with China-based GCL-Poly for closer cooperation. Taiwan's solar supply chain has been insufficient and the challenges for the solar industry have become more apparent after the recent fluctuations in demand. Solar firms have been focusing on building strong customer bases through various ways. According to industry sources, GCL-Poly is one of the leading integrated solar firms in China and has a supply chain from polysilicon production to end market systems. Hence, Taiwan-based solar firms have been eager to cooperate with GCL-Poly. Market rumors indicate that one Taiwan-based solar firm plans to set up a 500MW solar module production plant in Suzhou, and GCL-Poly will be the solar wafer supplier. Management of GCL-Poly indicated there has been contact with Taiwan-based solar firms, but so far nothing has been settled. GCL-Poly began the production of solar wafers in 2010. Through mergers and acquisitions, GCL-Poly became the industry leading solar wafer maker in the same year. Taiwan-based solar firms such as Motech, AU Optronics, and Walsin Technology have been investing in China by setting up plants for solar cells and modules. China-based solar integrated firms include Suntech, Yingli, Trina Solar, Canadian Solar, and JA Solar. Source: www.digitimes.com