Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

The Week in Solar

By Toby Shute – Updated Nov 11, 2016 at 6:24PM

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The race to grid parity, one week at a time.

Things move fast in the world of solar power, and it's hard for investors to keep up with all the twists and turns. For that reason, I've decided to put together a weekly rundown of some of the biggest news in the space. So, sun-drenched Fools, please let me know if this is a useful format, and what sorts of developments are most of interest to you.

Monday kicked things off with a major bit of M&A. We haven't seen too many large acquisitions lately, so German conglomerate Bosch's bid for a majority interest in ersol Solar Energy, at around $860 million, certainly sticks out. Bosch was recently tipped as a potential bidder in GE's (NYSE:GE) appliance auction, so the firm may seem out of place in solar. Bosch is already active in the solar water heater business, however, so expanding further into solar isn't much of a stretch.

Speaking of GE, the head of its energy division said on Monday that the firm expects its solar business to grow to more than $1 billion in sales over the next few years. That's small change compared to GE's projected 2008 wind power revenue of $6 billion or so, but the ramp-up of that business shows just how serious GE can get when it decides to "put the pedal to the accelerator." First Solar (NASDAQ:FSLR), take note.

On Tuesday, Hemlock Semiconductor (whose backers include Dow Chemical (NYSE:DOW) and Corning (NYSE:GLW)) opened up a new polysilicon facility. The firm, which is already tops in global silicon production, is roughly doubling its production this year. This massive supply increase has allowed the firm to sign long-term supply deals with the likes of SunPower (NASDAQ:SPWR). Hemlock is certainly doing its part to usher in an end to the silicon squeeze.

Finally, Wednesday saw two notable developments in the more frontier areas of solar innovation. Hewlett-Packard (NYSE:HPQ) licensed some technology to a solar start-up that aims to slash the cost of generating power using concentrating photovoltaic solar arrays. Meanwhile, Google-backed (NASDAQ:GOOG) eSolar landed a large deal with Southern California Edison to supply nearly 250 megawatts of solar thermal-generated power. You can read more about eSolar's steamy technology.

None

Invest Smarter with The Motley Fool

Join Over 1 Million Premium Members Receiving…

  • New Stock Picks Each Month
  • Detailed Analysis of Companies
  • Model Portfolios
  • Live Streaming During Market Hours
  • And Much More
Get Started Now

Stocks Mentioned

General Electric Company Stock Quote
General Electric Company
GE
$64.55 (-1.24%) $0.81
HP Inc. Stock Quote
HP Inc.
HPQ
$25.35 (-1.40%) $0.36
Alphabet Inc. Stock Quote
Alphabet Inc.
GOOGL
$98.74 (-1.40%) $-1.40
SunPower Corporation Stock Quote
SunPower Corporation
SPWR
$24.69 (-1.95%) $0.49
DuPont de Nemours, Inc. Stock Quote
DuPont de Nemours, Inc.
DOW
Corning Incorporated Stock Quote
Corning Incorporated
GLW
$30.31 (-1.33%) $0.41

*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.

Related Articles

Motley Fool Returns

Motley Fool Stock Advisor

Market-beating stocks from our award-winning analyst team.

Stock Advisor Returns
339%
 
S&P 500 Returns
109%

Calculated by average return of all stock recommendations since inception of the Stock Advisor service in February of 2002. Returns as of 09/24/2022.

Discounted offers are only available to new members. Stock Advisor list price is $199 per year.

Premium Investing Services

Invest better with The Motley Fool. Get stock recommendations, portfolio guidance, and more from The Motley Fool's premium services.