Entech Solar has suspended manufacturing operations of its concentrating solar energy systems at its plant in Fort Worth, Texas, and says it will focus on the rapid development and commercialization of its next generation products. ``We're moving in a new direction as a company toward the next generation of solar concentrating systems,'' Jessica Bloomgarden, a company spokeswoman, tells Recharge. She said Entech will fulfill existing supply contracts.

Bloomgarden could not say when the company's new product line will become available in the market.

The Fort Worth-based company says its has moved aggressively this year to restructure and cut staff numbers after a review of future strategy.

Earlier this month the company reported a $44.9m net loss for 2008, up from $14,4m a year earlier, despite revenue increasing to $30.8m, from $18.5m in 2007.

“The implementation of this change in strategic direction is already underway at Entech, and we have moved aggressively to reduce headcount and costs related to our current manufacturing operations,” says Frank Smith, chief executive.

“The board made this strategic decision based on the promise of our next generation solar products, which will offer a significantly higher value proposition to customers and address a larger market, including rooftop applications, versus our current systems.”

Entech says next generation SolarVolt and ThermaVolt module technologies have the potential to be “truly disruptive in the solar space – with improved efficiencies, reduced cost, smaller size, and additional applications.”

Earlier this month the company said it had made ``positive headway’’ in addressing several process manufacturing issues as it prepares for product certification and commercialization

Entech also earlier said it was making a 40% staff reduction and would eliminate non-essential capital spending. The company says it had $12m cash on hand at year-end 2008.

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