Unexpected Strength in Europe Solar Panel Demand Shores Up Trina Solar

10.37
Trefis
TSL: Trina Solar logo
TSL
Trina Solar

News of stronger-than-expected demand for solar panels inĀ  Europe has helped push up Trina Solar (NYSE:TSL) and other solar stocks. Competitor First Solar (NASDAQ:FSLR) has announced that it will increase planned production in its German facilities in 2012 to meet demand from European markets, raising hopes that demand for panels in the region would be higher than previously anticipated. [1]

First Solar had plans to close down its German facilities by the end of the year, but will now delay the closure to meet the unexpected spike in demand. Europe is a major market for Chinese panel manufactures like Trina Solar, which have taken a major hit since last year because of falling government support for solar power.

We have a $8 price estimate for Trina Solar, which is at a 20% premium over its current stock price.

Relevant Articles
  1. Do PERC Panels Pose A Threat To First Solar And SunPower?
  2. Key Takeaways From Trina Solar’s Q3 Results
  3. How Will The Slowdown In Chinese Installations Impact Trina Solar’s Q3 Results?
  4. Trina Solar Posts Solid Q2 Growth, But Downstream Projects Remain A Key Factor To Watch
  5. Why The Solar Industry Could Face Headwinds In The Near Term
  6. Going Private Is A Good Deal For Trina Solar Shareholders

Click here for our full analysis of Trina Solar.

European demand

According to a GTM Research report, Germany added better-than-expected 1,830 MW of solar capacity in the first quarter of the year. [1] Demand could have been boosted by installers looking to beat the sharp cuts in subsidies for solar PV that the German government implemented on April 1. Germany is looking to limit annual installations to about 3 GW. Last year the country added about 7.5 GW of solar power generating capacity. Drastic cuts in government support in Germany and other countries pushed First Solar to announce the closure of its facilities in Europe. However, because of an unexpected surge in demand from these markets, First Solar has decided that it will delay the planned closure.

The announcement has raised hopes that panel sales in Europe – the largest market for solar equipment – will remain robust for the rest of the year. Countries such as Germany, Italy and Spain account for a major portion of Trina Solar’s global sales. Although countries are slashing subsidies, dropping costs of solar energy are making installations increasingly feasible. Higher demand for panels could come as a welcome relief for the struggling solar industry.

Understand how a company’s products impact its stock price on Trefis.

Notes:
  1. LDK Leads Surge on First Solar Demand in Europe: China Overnight, Bloomberg [] []