PV Crystalox Solar on track

PV Crystalox Solar, the maker of silicon wafers that are used in solar panels, said its full-year performance continues to be in line with expectations.?The group said the photovoltaic (PV) market is benefiting from improving demand driven by incentive programmes in Japan and in particular in Germany, though industry overcapacity continues and pricing remains under pressure. It expects wafer shipments in the second half of the year to be significantly above those achieved in the first half (100MW), with total wafer shipment volume for 2009 now anticipated to be in the region of 230-235MW.Output continues to rise at the polysilicon production facility in Germany, the group added.?'Our longstanding relationships with major PV companies, strong balance sheet and continuing focus on cost reduction and operating efficiency gives the group resilience to compete effectively in the current uncertain market environment,' said PV Crystalox Solar.'Accordingly, we are well placed to benefit from any sustained upturn in the PV market.'