A few China- and Taiwan-based solar cell makers are fully utilizing their production capacities due to increased demand and therefore cannot accept new orders, while some tier-two makers have been unwilling to hike capacity utilization to meet increased orders because prices are lower than desired, according to industry sources in Taiwan.
Most solar cell providers noted that there have been no problems with delayed shipments and most customers can immediately receive products. The key, however, said solar cell makers, is payment. Because current solar cell prices have yet to return to a reasonable level, and most solar cell providers care more about cash flow than orders, therefore, as long as customers provide clear payment instructions and terms, suppliers will provide products, said solar cell makers.
A few tier-one solar cell firms with full capacity pointed out that order visibility has been healthy, and supply has been tight.