As usual, I missed some important items in last week's roundup, so let's take a quick look at those before we get to this week's happenings.
I recently told you about a study that projected a dip in solar demand this year. Blogger Ed Gunther, whose solar investigations are just top notch, pointed out a new report by Solarbuzz that sees growth of 5%, to 6.37 gigawatts. This consultancy's data set may be more robust, so don't count on a decline in 2009.
Also noteworthy is that Norway's REC topped Suntech Power
Alright, enough about last week. JA Solar
Apparently this was a week for milestones. Yingli Green Energy
The thin-film kingpin came back the next day with guidance for 2010, plus news of a major capacity expansion. The forecast was notable in that it went beyond the usual sales and margin figures, and it included free cash flow guidance. Free cash flow is a rare commodity in this capital-consuming industry. With such a robust financial profile, it's no surprise that First Solar is comfortable expanding its current capacity by nearly 50%.
LDK Solar
This cash crunch should surprise absolutely no one. The firm's huge working capital deficit led me to warn Fools last month that LDK is a speculative security, suitable for stock daredevils only. Do you believe me now?