Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.

What: Shares of solar-power wafer and module manufacturer LDK Solar (NYSE: LDK) jumped 11.9% in early trading today, thanks to a bright and sunny earnings report.

So what: The company beat analyst expectations and then raised its business outlook. Its shares have gained 139% over the past year and 128% in just six months.

Now what: This report confirms -- no, contradicts -- wait, underscores ... OK, let's face it: There is no clear trend in today's solar industry. Even the Chinese manufacturers report gains or disappointments seemingly at random. The one trend that does seem obvious is that everybody and their uncle are building out their manufacturing operations, which makes equipment seller GT Solar International (Nasdaq: SOLR) a virtual paragon of strength alongside materials supplier MEMC Electronic Materials (NYSE: WFR).

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