April 18, 2013. aleo solar AG will close the first quarter of the year 2013 with an EBIT of approximately EUR –16.3 million (first quarter 2012: EUR –8.2 million) based on preliminary calculations. The turnover amounts to approximately EUR 31.1 million (first quarter 2012: EUR 74.6 million).
The reduced turnover and low margins reflect the current situation on the global solar market, says York zu Putlitz, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of aleo solar AG. "Within one year the sales prices decreased by around one quarter. At the same time, the demand has significantly decreased in all European key markets as well. In Germany for example, 1,969 megawatts in solar power were installed in the first quarter of 2012. Compared to this, only 776 megawatts were installed in the first three months of 2013." The strong growth in installations last year was due to the political discussion on the Renewable Sources Act (EEG).
A positive signal for York zu Putlitz is the fact that aleo solar has managed to increase its market share in Germany from 1.37 to 1.6 percent in the first quarter of 2013. In March 2013, the market share of aleo solar AG increased by 2.46 percent compared to March 2012. "Our customers remain loyal to us and continue to rely on the aleo quality", zu Putlitz emphasizes. "The photovoltaic business evolves into a smaller installations market again. Therefore, demands for our services and solutions as a solar system provider are especially high." In Germany, the overall trend has moved away from large scale installations: Around 68 percent of the photovoltaic systems installed in the first quarter of 2013 range from 5 to 40 kilowattpeaks. Rooftop installations of this size are the core business of the authorized aleo partners and installers.
The interim report for the first quarter of 2013 containing the final figures is expected to be published on May 14, 2013.
