Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited (NYSE:YGE) announced its collaboration with WattGlass Inc., a provider of anti-reflection and anti-soiling coating provider for module glass, to make solar energy cost-competitive compared with traditional energy sources. Further, it will aid in greater output from a solar panel.
Outcome of the Deal
Yingli Solar is currently focused on providing most value to customers through advanced technology solutions. The WattGlass coating’s water-based nature makes it easier to store, removing additional storage costs. Further, this technology helps project owners to reduce operational and maintenance costs as the coating improves module power output over traditional coatings.
The partnership deal will combine both the company’s manufacturing expertise and technology to result in a synergy which will not only make solar energy more cost competitive but also provide value for customers.
Our Take
The U.S. Department of Energy introduced the SunShot initiative to support the solar industry and drive the cost of solar electricity down to 6 cents per kilowatt-hour. This is expected to be achieved by technological innovations.
The initiative set targets for concentrating solar power (CSP) deployment by 2020. On average, the price for a CSP project has dropped by about 9 cents per kilowatt hour from 12 cents in 2015. SunShot aims to make solar energy more affordable for Americans.
Other companies in the solar industry are also investing in research and development work, making strategic partnership to improve the quality of the solar modules. SunPower Corporation (NASDAQ:SPWR) is currently developing and partnering with leading module manufacturers to create high-performance solar electric power technology products for customers. In March 2016, the company collaborated with Dongfang Electric Corporation and Tianjin Zhonghuan Semiconductor Co., Ltd. for manufacturing P-series modules in China.
Similarly, other players in the industry like Canadian Solar Inc. (NASDAQ:CSIQ) a solar module producer, is currently investing in research and development activities to introduce better technology in order to stay competitive. Consequently, this is expected to strengthen U.S. economic competitiveness in the global clean energy race, help cut carbon pollution to combat climate change, and secure energy future.
Price Movement
In the last three months, shares of Yingli Solar have gained 9.8%, underperforming the industry’s advance of 23.7%.
Zacks Rank & Key Pick
Yingli Solar currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A better-ranked stock in the same space is SolarEdge Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:SEDG) , carrying a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
SolarEdge Technologies delivered an average surprise of 21.72% in the trailing four quarters. Its 2017 estimates have risen by 34.3% to $1.88 per share in the last 90 days.
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SunPower Corporation (SPWR): Free Stock Analysis Report
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