RE:RE:First Solar Expanding US Manufacturing - VNP Major SupplierFirst Solar uses cadmium telluride.
Cadmium is most commonly sourced by its removal from zinc metals during the refining process. Cadmium is therefore produced in countries where zinc is refined, not necessarily where zinc ore is mined. China, Japan, and Korea are the world’s largest producers, followed by Mexico, the United States, the Netherlands, India, the United Kingdom, Peru and Germany. Fifteen other countries produce smaller amounts. Metric tonnes:
Cadmium Telluride is manufactured by VNP and given that there are over 20 producers in States I’d say it is quite a testament that VNP has this contract.
I am unclear what portion they supply First Solar but First Solar has a history of significant advances in solar technology and boasts lowest degrade rates. They have gone to an emphasis on solar installation, selling their maintenance business to a Cad company, Novasource…a Clairvest investment.
I hope rev numbers over next couple of quarters get VNP significant higher EBDA..