The new sun worshipers

The semiconductor chip industry has solar power on the brain.

Published August 26, 2008 2:12PM (EDT)

The global semiconductor industry may be in for some rough times, as economic growth around the world slows, but there's at least one sector that's positively hopping. I subscribe to regular updates on chip happenings from Semiconductor International, and you don't have to look too hard to see what the common theme is in six out of the seven news items highlighted in Monday night's e-mail update:

Veeco Introduces Coating System for CIGS Solar Cells

Space Energy Builds Factory for Double-Sided Solar Cells

Solar Thin-Films Signs CIGS Agreement With Amelio Solar

China Sunergy Revenues Increase by 44 percent

Schott Solar Reportedly Considering IPO

Hazeltine Joins GT Solar as Director of Process Development

Taken individually, the news items aren't particularly interesting or insightful -- most are little more than press releases. But in toto, it's obvious where the chip industry is looking for new profits and growth prospects: Directly at the sun.


By Andrew Leonard

Andrew Leonard is a staff writer at Salon. On Twitter, @koxinga21.

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