Thursday, May 17, 2012

Slight Increase in First Quarter 2012 Silicon Wafer Shipments

SAN JOSE, Calif. – May 7, 2012 – Worldwide silicon wafer area shipments increased slightly during the first quarter 2012 when compared to fourth quarter 2011 area shipments according to the SEMI Silicon Manufacturers Group (SMG) in its quarterly analysis of the silicon wafer industry. 
Total silicon wafer area shipments were 2,033 million square inches during the most recent quarter, a 1 percent increase from the 2,009 million square inches shipped during the previous quarter. New quarterly total area shipments are 11 percent less than first quarter 2011 shipments.
"The first quarter of the year tends to be a time for seasonal softness for silicon shipment volume, though quarterly shipments did improve some compared to the fourth quarter” said Dr. Bruce Kellerman, chairman of SEMI SMG and senior director of Semiconductor Product Marketing at MEMC. “With modest growth forecasted for the semiconductor industry in 2012, we are optimistic that positive momentum will continue for silicon shipments.”
 


Quarterly Silicon Area Shipment Trends
Semiconductor Silicon Shipments* - Millions of Square Inches
Million of Square Inches
Q1 2011 Q4 2011 Q1 2012
TOTAL 2,287 2,009 2,033
        *Shipments are for semiconductor applications only and do not include solar applications

 
Silicon wafers are the fundamental building material for semiconductors, which in turn, are vital components of virtually all electronics goods, including computers, telecommunications products, and consumer electronics. The highly engineered thin round disks are produced in various diameters (from one inch to 12 inches) and serve as the substrate material on which most semiconductor devices or "chips" are fabricated.
All data cited in this release is inclusive of polished silicon wafers, including virgin test wafers, epitaxial silicon wafers, and non-polished silicon wafers shipped by the wafer manufacturers to the end-users.
The Silicon Manufacturers Group acts as an independent special interest group within the SEMI structure and is open to SEMI members involved in manufacturing polycrystalline silicon, monocrystalline silicon or silicon wafers (e.g., as cut, polished, epi, etc.). The purpose of the group is to facilitate collective efforts on issues related to the silicon industry including the development of market information and statistics about the silicon industry and the semiconductor market.

About SEMI
SEMI is the global industry association serving the nano- and microelectronics manufacturing supply chains. SEMI member companies are the engine of the future, enabling smarter, faster and more economical products that improve our lives. Since 1970, SEMI has been committed to helping members grow more profitably, create new markets and meet common industry challenges. SEMI maintains offices in Beijing, Bengaluru, Berlin, Brussels, Grenoble, Hsinchu, Moscow, San Jose, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo, and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.semi.org

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

EMCORE Solar Panels Will Power SMAP Spacecraft and Instruments for 2014 NASA Mission

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., May 15, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EMCORE Corporation (Nasdaq:EMKR), a leading provider of compound semiconductor-based components and subsystems for the fiber optic and solar power markets, announced today that it has been awarded a solar panel manufacturing contract by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for its Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission targeted for launch in late 2014. Solar panels populated with EMCORE's most advanced ZTJ triple-junction solar cells will power the SMAP spacecraft and instrument suite in near-polar, sun-synchronous orbit for the duration of mission.

The SMAP mission will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the planet's water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data will also be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. For more information about the SMAP mission, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov/.
"We are honored to continue supporting these critical missions for NASA," said Christopher Larocca, Chief Operating Officer for EMCORE. "EMCORE successfully delivered solar panels to JPL last year for the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission and have delivered, or are in the process of delivering, solar panels for several other NASA missions including the Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE), Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), and the Magnetospheric Multi-Scale (MMS) missions. We look forward to working with NASA and JPL once again on this program."

EMCORE is the world's leading manufacturer of highly-efficient radiation-hard solar cells for space power applications. With a beginning-of-life (BOL) conversion efficiency nearing 30% and the option for a patented, onboard monolithic bypass diode, EMCORE's industry-leading multi-junction solar cells provide the highest available power to interplanetary spacecraft and earth orbiting satellites. EMCORE's proven manufacturing capability, technology leadership, and high-reliability solar panels make us the supplier of choice for demanding spacecraft power systems.

About EMCORE
EMCORE Corporation offers a broad portfolio of compound semiconductor-based products for the fiber optics and solar power markets. EMCORE's Fiber Optics business segment provides optical components, subsystems and systems for high-speed telecommunications, Cable Television (CATV) and Fiber-To-The-Premise (FTTP) networks, as well as products for satellite communications, video transport and specialty photonics technologies for defense and homeland security applications. EMCORE's Solar Photovoltaics business segment provides products for both space and terrestrial solar power applications. For space applications, EMCORE offers high-efficiency multi-junction solar cells, Covered Interconnect Cells (CICs) and complete satellite solar panels. For terrestrial applications, EMCORE offers a broad portfolio of Concentrator Photovoltaic (CPV) multi-junction solar cells and components, as well as commercial rooftop solar concentrator systems. For further information about EMCORE, visit http://www.emcore.com.

Friday, May 11, 2012

Reynolds Polymer Technology: Installation of Solar Power




RPT solar panels
Workers finish installing the 404 panel 100 kilowatt solar panel system on RPT's roof. The system is part of an ongoing effort to improve the facility's carbon footprint.



Grand Junction, CO (PRWEB) May 02, 2012
A few months ago, all the power Reynolds Polymer Technology, Inc.(RPT) needed to run the ovens that form the acrylic for commercial aquariums, power the computers in use throughout the building, or simply turn on the lights all came from one place – the power company. That’s all changing now, thanks to a new solar panel array installed on RPT’s roof.

The 404 panel solar system with nine inverters will save RPT about $1,000 each month in electric costs. With electricity rates increasing each year, those savings will increase, too. Calculations predict that those savings will add up and the array of panels will pay for itself in less than 5 years.

“We’ve been focusing on practical ways to reduce our carbon footprint for several years,” said Roger R. Reynolds, III, CEO of RPT. “Installing this solar panel system offered a good way to do this. It reduces our traditional energy consumption by 10 percent and was the right time for us to move forward with this project.”
The 100 kilowatt photovoltaic system ties into the traditional power grid. All solar power generated gets distributed throughout the building with any surplus solar polar sold back to the power company.
All the panels and power inverters are US-made and installed using a ballasted roof installation to prevent any penetration through the roof structure or roof materials.

The addition of solar power complements the existing efforts in place to improve RPT’s sustainability. A water reclamation system started in 2009 currently reduces water consumption by 41.3 percent, changing to high efficiency lighting saved 50 percent on the lighting bill, the painting of the roof white reduced energy consumption as it keeps the shop floor cooler in the summer, and various recycling programs in place ensure as much waste as possible is kept out of the landfill.

About Reynolds Polymer Technology, Inc.
Reynolds Polymer Technology, Inc. has completed more than 1,600 projects in 53 countries in their nearly 30 years in business. RPT is known as the leading manufacturer, fabricator, designer, and installer of R-Cast® acrylic and resin sheets. In fact, RPT is the only acrylic aquarium panel manufacturer in the U.S. Their products have been used extensively in the architectural, signage, aquarium, water-retaining, and scientific industries worldwide, including major projects in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and South America. RPT is constantly raising the standard for what can be done with acrylic and resins. Headquartered in Grand Junction, Colorado, RPT also has operations in Rayong, Thailand. Visit http://www.reynoldspolymer.com for more information. Proud member of the U.S. Green Building Council.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

SMA Solar Technology AG posted a positive start to fiscal year 2012

SMA Solar Technology AG (SMA/FWB: S92) posted a positive start to fiscal year 2012. In the first quarter, the company sold solar inverters with a total output of 1.9 gigawatts (Q1 2011:
1.0 GW), with sales amounting to €405 million. This exceeded both SMA’s own guidance of €350 million to
€390 million and the result for the same period in the previous year (Q1 2011: €255.9 million).

The first quarter of 2012 was significantly marked by catch-up and pull-forward effects in important European photovoltaic markets. “The strong demand for Sunny Boy inverters for PV rooftop systems in Europe during the first quarter reflects catch-up effects resulting from commercial commissioning in the fourth quarter of 2011 as well as pull-forward effects resulting from the discussion of additional feed-in-tariff reductions,” explained Pierre-Pascal Urbon, Speaker of the Managing Board and Chief Financial Officer for SMA. Project business with Sunny Central inverters has developed very well, particularly in markets outside Europe. SMA’s excellent international position, with a global sales and service network as well as a complete product line for all specific national requirements, enabled the company to strongly profit from this trend. Gross foreign sales rose by approximately 50% compared with the same period last year, to €257.6 million (Q1 2011: €173.9 million). The company’s most important foreign markets in the first quarter of 2012 were the U. S., Belgium, the United Kingdom, and France.

Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) amounted to three times the previous year’s first-quarter level, soaring to €42.8 million (Q1 2011: €13.7 million). The EBIT margin also improved compared with last year, rising to 10.6%
(Q1 2011: 5.4%). The company’s consolidated net profit totaled €29.6 million (Q1 2011: €10.3 million). With an equity ratio of 58.1% and net cash of €468.7 million (Dec. 31, 2011: €473.3 million), SMA continues to have a very solid balance-sheet structure and is financially independent.

For the remainder of the year, the SMA Managing Board anticipates falling demand in many European markets. It is too soon to tell whether the photovoltaic markets in America and Asia can compensate for this slowdown. Therefore, despite the strong first-quarter results, the SMA Managing Board confirms its guidance for 2012 published at the beginning of March, in which it anticipated sales of €1.2 billion to €1.5 billion and an EBIT margin of 5% to 10%.

“SMA is able to finance its expansion plans from its own resources. Particularly in times of great uncertainty in the capital markets, this is very important,” said Pierre-Pascal Urbon. “The energy transition brings many opportunities, especially for technology-oriented companies. Through our continued investments in development, we are poised to take advantage of them. We look forward to showcasing numerous innovations at Intersolar Europe in Munich on June 13–15.”

The quarterly financial report for January 2012 to March 2012 is available online at www.SMA.de/IR/FinancialReports.


About SMA
The SMA Group generated sales of €1.7 billion in 2011 and is the global market leader for solar inverters, a key component of all PV plants. It is headquartered in Niestetal, near Kassel, Germany, and is represented in 19 countries on four continents. The Group employs more than 5,500 people worldwide, plus a number of temporary employees that varies on a seasonal basis. SMA’s broad product portfolio includes a compatible inverter for every type of module on the market and for all PV plant sizes. The product range includes inverters both for grid-connected PV plants and for off-grid systems. SMA can therefore provide an ideal inverter solution for all plant sizes and types. Since 2008, the Group’s parent company, SMA Solar Technology AG, has been listed on the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (S92) and also in the TecDAX index. In recent years, SMA has received numerous awards for excellence as an employer and in 2011 and 2012 achieved first place in Germany’s nationwide Great Place to Work® competition.

Disclaimer:

This press release serves only as information and does not constitute an offer or invitation to subscribe for, acquire, hold or sell any securities of SMA Solar Technology AG (the “Company”) or any present or future subsidiary of the Company (together with the Company, the “SMA Group”) nor should it form the basis of, or be relied upon in connection with, any contract to purchase or subscribe for any securities in the Company or any member of the SMA Group or commitment whatsoever. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States of America absent registration or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

This press release may contain future-oriented statements. Future-oriented statements are statements which do not describe facts of the past. They also include statements about our assumptions and expectations. These statements are based on plans, estimations and forecasts which the executive board of SMA Solar Technology AG (SMA or company) has available at this time. Future-oriented statements are therefore only valid on the day on which they are made. Future-oriented statements by nature contain risks and elements of uncertainty. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors can lead to considerable differences between the actual results, the financial position, the development or the performance of the corporation and the estimates given here. These factors include those which SMA has discussed in published reports. These reports are available on the SMA website at www.SMA.de. The company accepts no obligation whatsoever to update these future-oriented statements or to adjust them to future events or developments.

Monday, May 7, 2012

Yingli Green Energy Establishes Regional Headquarters in Japan

BAODING, China and TOKYO, May 4, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited (NYSE: YGE) ("Yingli Green Energy" or the "Company"), a leading solar energy company and one of the world's largest vertically integrated photovoltaic manufacturers, which markets its products under the brand "Yingli Solar", today announced the establishment of its regional headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.
In order to strengthen business practices and further business development in Japan, Yingli Green Energy has set up a wholly-owned subsidiary, Yingli Green Energy Japan Corporation, Ltd. ("Yingli Japan"). 
"We are pleased to announce the opening of our regional headquarters in Japan," commented Mr. Liansheng Miao, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Yingli Green Energy. "Japan is an important PV market for us. With the establishment of the Japanese subsidiary, we expect to be closer to our customers and penetrate deeper into this market."
"Being closer to the customers is extremely important for Yingli, hence the establishment of a local presence in Japan," commented Mr. Masaki Mizuta, Managing Director of Yingli Japan. "We also believe that this is a key success factor in Japan and look forward to building better and longer relationships with our customers in Japan."
About Yingli Green Energy
Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited (NYSE: YGE), which markets its products under the brand "Yingli Solar", is a leading solar energy company and one of the world's largest vertically integrated photovoltaic manufacturers. Yingli Green Energy's manufacturing covers the entire photovoltaic value chain, from the production of polysilicon through ingot casting and wafering, to solar cell production and module assembly. Currently, Yingli Green Energy maintains a balanced vertically integrated production capacity of 1,700 MW per year. Capacity expansion projects of an additional 750 MW in total are under construction in Baoding, Haikou, Tianjin and Hengshui, which are expected to increase the Company's total nameplate production capacity to 2,450 MW by the end of 2012. Yingli Green Energy distributes its photovoltaic modules to a wide range of markets, including Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece, France, South Korea, China and the United States. Headquartered in Baoding, China, Yingli Green Energy has more than 20 subsidiaries and branch offices worldwide. Yingli Green Energy is publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: YGE). For more information, please visit www.yinglisolar.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "target" and similar statements. Such statements are based upon management's current expectations and current market and operating conditions, and relate to events that involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond Yingli Green Energy's control, which may cause Yingli Green Energy's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in Yingli Green Energy's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Yingli Green Energy does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable law.
For further information, please contact:
In China:
Qing Miao
Director of Investor Relations
Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited
Tel: +86-312-8929787
Email: ir@yinglisolar.com
In the Americas:
Helena Kimball
Head of Marketing Communications
Yingli Green Energy Americas Inc.
Tel: +1-603-5915812
Email: helena.kimball@yinglisolar.com
In Europe:
Rebecca Jarschel
Marketing Communications Manager
Yingli Green Energy Europe GmbH
Tel: +49-89-540303412
Email: rebecca.jarschel@ygee.eu
In Japan:
Masaki Mizuta
Managing Director
Yingli Green Energy Japan Corporation, Ltd
Tel: +81-80-55421097
Email: mizutam@yinglisolar.com

SOURCE Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited

http://www.yinglisolar.com

Sunday, May 6, 2012

ElectroniCast Market Research: LIC in Solar Photovoltaic Power Generation (2011-2021)



ElectroniCast Global Market Forecast


            The use of lithium-ion capacitors as independent power supplies in combination with photovoltaic panels is being considered for a wide range of devices such as streetlights, roadside signage/displays, airfield lighting, surveillance cameras, and security sensors.  Lithium-ion capacitors are characterized by an ability to charge with even weak current, and as a result, demand is expected to increase substantially in environmentally friendly fields such as solar power generation.

            Market Forecast Application Categories             This chapter presents the ElectroniCast market forecast for the years 2011-2021 for the worldwide consumption (use) of lithium-ion capacitors (LICs) used in solar photovoltaic power generation applications. Regional and sub-regional market forecasts are also presented and segmented by two major End-User categories:

·  Government/Commercial
·  Residential/Non-Specific

Market Forecast Functions               The estimate of 2011 plus the market forecast (2012-2021) is presented for Lithium-Ion capacitors for use with solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation.  The Lithium-Ion capacitor (LIV) market forecast data are segmented by the following functions:

·        Consumption Value (US$, million)
·        Quantity (number/Farad: Million)
·        Average Selling Prices (ASP $, each Farad)

The consumption of lithium-ion capacitors is very much in the development stage (or infancy stage) of its product life cycle (PLC), especially in conjunction with the use solar photovoltaic power (solar panels).

There are many different sources of energy (coal, nuclear, natural gas, hydro, oil), therefore, the use of solar photovoltaic products, as well as other alternative or renewable energy solutions are constantly striving to serve the needs of consumers.

The Government/Commercial category, with an emphasis on the government sector using solar panel/light emitting diode (LED) streetlights, is forecast to lead the marketplace during the forecast period (2011-2021).

The Residential category also includes “other” applications, which typically fall under the non-specific group based mostly on the web-based sale channels or other distribution channel where it often difficult to ascertain the final user-group of the product. 
Advantages of Using Solar Photovoltaic Streetlights              The Government/ Commercial application is forecast to maintain its market share dominance versus the Residential/Other user-group category, because of the availability of conventional electricity source at the home.  However, in the Government/ Commercial end-use category, the initial target product will be solar panels used for LED-based streetlights areas, as well as market driven by government-based subsidies/environmental programs (green projects).  Other advantages of using solar photovoltaic streetlights versus conventional include the following:


·        Zero cost of electricity and High economic returns: no bill because it is a stand-alone.

·        Maximum safety from electrical shock: maximum safety against electric shock-induced, as the system and 24VDC supply voltage is not dangerous to humans.

·        Rehabilitation of old poles and underground cables by recycling: reuse of pole at other sites, replacing existing with streetlights solar. Recycling of copper and other metal components.

·        No excavations with zero problems relating to traffic: zero cost and no excavation for the laying of cables for power lines both in low and medium voltage, no problem to vehicular traffic on the section covered.

·        Zero power lines maintenance: No problem of additional costs for maintenance and safety of the conduits and structures.

·        Zero problems with black-out: No blackout resulted from lack of energy or damage to underground lines, in case of battery could only occur on the lamp only interested in leaving the other service. Furthermore, the minimum duration of the LED lamp and estimated at least 50,000 hours of operation of 11 years to average 12 hours per day

·        Very low installation cost:  costs are only related to the concrete foundation and the rental of any machinery such as cranes or elevators for wiring no excavation

·        Zero CO2 emissions: no emissions of CO2 and respect for the environment, the materials used are recycled to 90%; offering a idea of providing a green urban management and environment care

·        Ability to reconfigure the positioning of the fixture: If you need changes to the road (crosses, squares or buildings) can re position the lamps without having to change anything quickly and without cost of excavation.




 

Establishment of the Global Solar Council


Representatives of leading international companies in the solar photovoltaic industry announced the founding of the Global Solar Council, a CEO-level industry coalition whose aim is to expand the global deployment of solar energy in a sustainable and cost-competitive way.

Global Solar Council members will engage with policymakers worldwide to demonstrate the progress towards abundant, affordable and low emissions energy already made possible by the solar industry and to emphasize the importance of a supportive policy and trade environment, which will enable the ongoing development of competitively-priced solar energy, driving job creation and economic growth.
Through its members, the Global Solar Council brings industry knowledge and insights from all sides of the solar photovoltaic value chain; from the supply of materials to product manufacturing and financing, policy, research and innovation, cross-border cooperation, and grid development and management.
Roland-Jan Meijer, the newly-appointed Executive Director of the Global Solar Council said, “The Global Solar Council is an important and timely industry initiative.  It demonstrates a strong commitment by key players in the sector to work together to continue to make solar energy a global success.”
Bob Hansen, CEO of Dow Corning added, “Solar energy has already proven itself a viable contribution to energy sources in many markets, particularly in the EU and the US, and the industry continues to improve the cost-effectiveness of this technology.  The Global Solar Council will enable us to continue the expansion of cost-effective solar power in collaboration with governments and other stakeholders.”
Suntech CEO, Dr. Zhengrong Shi said, “A thriving solar industry is an important contributor to economic growth and employment in developing regions.  By joining forces in the Global Solar Council, we will be able to demonstrate these benefits to our key stakeholders with one voice and drive forward the growth of the green economy.”
The Global Solar Council’s role is complementary to regional trade associations and other stakeholders.  Members will work in concert with organizations such as EPIA, APVIA, and SEIA to support their efforts on a global level.
Global Solar Council founding members and their representatives are Applied Materials (Dr. Charles F. Gay, President, Applied Solar), Dow Corning (Robert D. Hansen, CEO), DuPont (David B. Miller, President, Dupont Electronics & Communication), First Solar (Michael J. Ahearn, Chairman and Interim CEO), Lanco Solar (Vutukuri Saibaba, CEO), Phoenix Solar (Dr. Andreas Hänel, CEO), and Suntech (Dr. Zhengrong Shi, CEO)

Source:  Global Solar Council

Canada: Construction Financing Agreement for Solar Power Plant Development

 
ONTARIO, Canada, May 3, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- Canadian Solar Inc. (the "Company", or "Canadian Solar") (NASDAQ: CSIQ), one of the world's largest solar power companies and Bank of China (Canada) and Bank of China, New York Branch ("Bank of China"), one of the world's largest banks, today announced that they have signed a ground breaking financing agreement to provide a C$120 Million construction loan facility for solar power plants in Ontario, Canada. The loan facility will be used to support the construction of solar power projects owned by Canadian Solar and which are expected to be built during 2012, 2013, and into 2014.

"We are delighted to announce this agreement with Bank of China, a long time banking partner to Canadian Solar. Their strength and reputation as a global bank combined with their competitive terms makes them an ideal partner to support the growth of our project business in Ontario. This agreement also represents an important step towards our goal of generating over 40% of our revenue from total solutions in 2013 and beyond," said Shawn Qu, Canadian Solar's Chairman and CEO.
Canadian Solar continues to source innovative new banking partners to finance its Ontario and its global pipelines and initiatives.

About Bank of China
Bank of China was formally established in February 1912 and until 1949 served consecutively as the country's central bank, international exchange bank and specialist international trade bank. In 1994 the bank transformed from a foreign exchange specialist bank into a state owned commercial bank. Bank of China was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the Shanghai Stock Exchange in June and July of 2006 respectively, becoming the first commercial bank to achieve a dual listing in these markets. Through its commitment to serving the public and developing China's financial services sector, Bank of China has risen to a leading position in the Chinese as well as global financial community. For additional information please visit: http://www.boc.cn/en

About Canadian Solar
Canadian Solar Inc. is one of the world's largest solar companies. As a leading vertically integrated provider of ingots, wafers, solar cells, solar modules and other solar applications, Canadian Solar designs, manufactures and delivers solar products and solar system solutions for on-grid and off-grid use to customers worldwide. With operations in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia, Canadian Solar provides premium quality, cost-effective and environmentally-friendly solar solutions to support global, sustainable development. For more information, visit www.canadiansolar.com.

Safe Harbor/Forward-Looking Statements:
Certain statements in this press release including statements regarding our expected future shipment volumes, gross margins, supply cost, manufacturing capacities, and cell conversion efficiencies, are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These statements are made under the "Safe Harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by such terms as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "estimates," the negative of these terms, or other comparable terminology. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include the risks regarding the previously disclosed SEC investigation as well as general business and economic conditions and the state of the solar industry; governmental support for the deployment of solar power; future available supplies of high-purity silicon; demand for end-use products by consumers and inventory levels of such products in the supply chain; changes in demand from significant customers; changes in demand from major markets such as Germany; changes in customer order patterns; changes in product mix; capacity utilization; level of competition; pricing pressure and declines in average selling prices; delays in new product introduction; delays in utility-scale project approval process; delays in utility-scale project construction; continued success in technological innovations and delivery of products with the features customers demand; shortage in supply of materials or capacity requirements; availability of financing; exchange rate fluctuations; litigation and other risks as described in the Company's SEC filings, including its annual report on Form 20-F filed on April 28, 2012. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance, or achievements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All information provided in this press release is as of today's date, unless otherwise stated, and Canadian Solar undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.


SOURCE Canadian Solar Inc.