The German chemical company has said in its preliminary results for the first quarter of this year that polysilicon prices dropped significantly over the past weeks. Overall, the company expects to see its profits grow in 2017.

The German PV module maker has confirmed its financial results for 2016. The company reiterated its outlook, which forecasts that it will become profitable again in 2019.

A revision request has now been received by the appropriate court in Michigan. SolarWorld has meanwhile filled further protective letters against Hemlock to various courts in Germany, as a precaution to prevent possible enforcement of any penalty in Germany. SolarWorld CEO Frank Asbeck is confident that the U.S. silicon manufacturer will not receive recognition of any judgements in German courts.

Solarworld CEO Frank Asbeck talks to pv magazine on the recent finding against the company in its legal dispute with Hemlock Semiconductor. A supremely confident Asbeck explains why he doesn’t think the judge’s decision changes the case at hand, while still expecting a settlement with Hemlock, and why any final decision will not affect the company’s American subsidiary nor the German company.

European markets: In a continent seeking ever closer union but ever stronger opposition, solar’s ability to stand on its own two feet – free from subsidy – will prove crucial in the coming years, as seen in the disparate approaches many European nations are taking towards PV.