YMR Report Reveals Significant Mismatch Between Solar Cell Shipment Targets and Likely 2009 Results - Further Reductions in Guidance Expected

AUSTIN, Texas--(Business Wire)--
Young Market Research (YMR) has released the first issue of its Monthly Solar
Cell Capacity, Shipment and Company Profile Database and Report. This
three-in-one report features essential supply, shipment and company profile data
and analysis on over 210 different cell manufacturers.

According to YMR President Ross Young, "The first issue of this report shows
that solar cell manufacturers are currently overly optimistic on the 2009
market. Aggregating their 2009 shipment forecasts results in a market size of
10.4GWs, up 39% vs. the 2008 total of 7.5GWs and well beyond the likely outcome
of 5.5-7.5GWs. As a result, we expect to see many companies reducing their 2009
guidance in coming quarters."

For a detailed explanation as to why the 2009 market will likely decline, please
see http://www.youngmarketresearch.com/press_details.cfm?id=6.

Some of the other highlights of the report include:

* After holding the #3 position in shipments in 2008, First Solar is expected to
grab the #1 position for the first time in 2009 with a healthy share advantage
over its top competitors on cost leadership and strong demand from the growing
utility market.
* Thin film technologies a-Si and CIGS are expected to occupy 17% of worldwide
capacity in 2009, but just 9% of shipments on technical challenges, higher
capital costs in the case of a-Si, higher balance of system costs due to lower
efficiencies and strong price competition from CdTe and c-Si technologies whose
costs and prices are falling rapidly. This report shows 93 cell manufacturers
participating in a-Si or CIGS.
* The 2009 capacity growth rate will be 40% slower than 2008 as suppliers look
to preserve cash. A majority of listed companies lost money in Q1`09 with
average operating margins falling from double-digits through Q3`08 to 3% in
Q1`09.
* 42% CAGR in nameplate capacity to 50GWs in 2012 with at least 18% annual
growth as healthy demand growth returns in 2010 due to lower prices and larger
stimulus programs worldwide.
* China is expected to lead in total capacity throughout the forecast with a
dominant share in c-Si capacity and the top share in thin film capacity from
2009.

For more information on this report including free sample content, please visit:
http://youngmarketresearch.com/solar_cell_capacity.html. Available as a single
issue or a monthly or quarterly subscription, a discount of $500 is available if
ordered before July 17th. For additional questions, please call 512-514-1226 or
write info@youngmarketresearch.com.

About YMR

YMR was formed by Ross and Barry Young. The Youngs created and managed
DisplaySearch and the OLED Association and have over 50-years of industry
experience in flat panel displays, semiconductors, solar, computers, banking and
consulting. For more information, visit http://www.youngmarketresearch.com.

Young Market Research
Ross Young, 512-514-1226
ross@youngmarketresearch.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009