Over production, slowing demand and price declines have hemorrhaged the businesses of most solar cell producers this year.
But the pain hasn’t been spread evenly. Companies such as Suntech, Sharp Electronics and Q-cells have seen commanding market positions whittle.
Big dog First Solar has not. The company is poised to finish the year as the largest manufacturer of solar cells with 12.8 percent of the market, up from 7.5 percent last year, says iSuppli.
Its major competitors (listed above) will see their market shares decline, the research firm says.
First Solar has several advantages going for it. Its thin-film technology gives it low production costs and enables it to under cut the price of crystalline cells.
“With its capability to produce cells at a cost of 89 cents per watt in the second quarter, First Solar is generating stable operating margins, while its competitors are struggling to stay profitable,” iSuppli Senior Director Henning Wicht said in a research rerport.
The company also has maintained low inventories so that it is selling what it produces rather than stock piling it and has built established sales operations in Europe.
ISuppli estimates First Solar will manufacture 1,100 megawatts of solar cells this year, more than double last year’s total.
Second place Suntech will end the year with 6.9 percent market share, projects iSuppli.
Posted by Mark Boslet 
