This has proven to be a key factor in our success in the current market situation: For the fourth year in a row SCHOTT Solar managed to increase its sales of photovoltaic modules - by 32 percent in 2010/2011, bucking the general industry trend. In the segment for in-roof units up to 10 kWp our internal figures show a 14 percent jump in market share. When we look back on 2011, we see a thoroughly successful year.

The topic of cost reductions has been dominating discussion in the solar industry like no other. Our objective is to use our technological leadership to cut costs. New high-performance technologies, and in particular our new SCHOTT PERFORM™ MONO that is slated to hit the market this year, have put us well along that path.

To be competitive, you have to question established structures and be ready for change. That applies to SCHOTT Solar as well. In the future we'll thus be concentrating on module and project business close to the market and withdrawing from the upstream value-added steps at the wafer and cell level. There is one place that will see no change whatsoever, however: When you buy SCHOTT Solar modules, you're receiving proven SCHOTT Solar quality.

We're looking to further expand our cooperation with our partners in an effort to bring more top products from SCHOTT Solar onto the market. Let's work together to make 2012 a winning year as well!

Kind regards,

Dr. Martin Heming,

CEO SCHOTT Solar AG