Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash and cash equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, cash accounts, interest bearing savings accounts and all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, when purchased.

Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Inventories — Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market, determined by the first in first out cost method. Work-in-progress and finished goods inventories consist of raw materials, direct labor and overhead associated with the manufacturing process. Provisions are made for obsolete or slow-moving inventories based on management estimates. Inventories are impaired based on the difference between the cost of inventories and the net realizable value based upon estimates about future demand from customers and specific customer requirements on certain projects. Inventory impairment charges establish a new cost basis for inventory and charges are not subsequently reversed to income even if circumstances later suggest that increased carrying amounts are recoverable.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Property, plant and equipment — Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost including the cost of improvements. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Depreciation is recorded on the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:

Plant and machinery (years)		5
Furniture, fixtures and equipment (years)		5
Computers and software (years)	3	—	5
Equipment acquired under capital leases (years)	3	—	5
Trucks (years)		3
Leasehold improvements	The shorter of the estimated life or the lease term
Solar energy facilities (years)		20

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Impairment of long-lived assets — Long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment and intangible assets other than goodwill, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Assets to be disposed of are separately presented in the balance sheet and reported at the lower of the carrying value or fair value less costs to sell, and are no longer depreciated.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Goodwill — Goodwill is not amortized; instead, it is reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist or if a decision is made to sell a business. A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining if an indicator of impairment has occurred. Such indicators may include deterioration in general economic conditions, negative developments in equity and credit markets, adverse changes in the markets in which an entity operates, increases in input costs that have a negative effect on earnings and cash flows, or a trend of negative or declining cash flows over multiple periods, among others. The fair value that could be realized in an actual transaction may differ from that used to evaluate the impairment of goodwill.

Intangible assets other than goodwill — Intangible assets consist of patents and customer relationships. Amortization is recorded on the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets.

Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Revenue recognition

Product sales — Revenue on product sales is recognized when there is evidence of an arrangement, title and risk of ownership have passed (generally upon delivery), the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. The Company makes determination of our customer’s credit worthiness at the time it accepts their initial order. For cable, wire and mechanical assembly sales, there are no formal customer acceptance requirements or further obligations related to our assembly services once the Company ships its products. Customers do not have a general right of return on products shipped therefore the Company makes no provisions for returns.

Construction contracts — Revenue on photovoltaic system construction contracts is generally recognized using the percentage-of-completion method of accounting, unless we cannot make reasonably dependable estimates of the costs to complete the contract or the contact value is not fixed, in which case we would use the completed contract method. At the end of each period, the Company measures the cost incurred on each project and compares the result against its estimated total costs at completion. The percent of cost incurred determines the amount of revenue to be recognized. Payment terms are generally defined by the contract and as a result may not match the timing of the costs incurred by the Company and the related recognition of revenue. Such differences are recorded as costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts (an asset account) or billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts (a liability account). For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, $10.8 million and $33.0 million of progress payments have been netted against contracts costs disclosed in the account costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts. The Company determines its customer’s credit worthiness at the time the order is accepted. Sudden and unexpected changes in customer’s financial condition could put recoverability at risk.

The percentage-of-completion method requires the use of various estimates including among others, the extent of progress towards completion, contract revenues and contract completion costs. Contract revenues and contract costs to be recognized are dependent on the accuracy of estimates, including direct material and labor costs and those indirect costs related to contract performance, such as indirect labor, supplies, tools, repairs, and depreciation costs. The Company has a history of making reasonable estimates of the extent of progress towards completion, contract revenues and contract completion costs. However, due to uncertainties inherent in the estimation process, it is possible that actual contract revenues and completion costs may vary from estimates. Under the completed-contract method, contract costs are recorded to a construction in progress account and cash received are recorded to a liability account during the periods of construction. All revenues, costs, and profits are recognized in operations upon completion of the contract. A contract is considered complete and revenue recognized when all costs except insignificant items have been incurred and final acceptance has been received from the customer and receivables are deemed to be collectible. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts, if any, are recognized in the period in which the loss first becomes probable and reasonably estimable.

For those projects where the Company is considered to be the owner, the project is accounted for under the rules of real estate accounting. In the event of a sale, the method of revenue recognition is determined by considering the extent of the buyer’s initial and continuing investment and the nature and the extent of the Company’s continuing involvement. Generally, revenue is recognized at the time of title transfer if the buyer’s investment is sufficient to demonstrate a commitment to pay for the property and the Company does not have a substantial continuing involvement with the property. When continuing involvement is substantial and not temporary, the Company applies the financing method, whereby the asset remains on the balance sheet and the proceeds received are recorded as a financing obligation. When a sale is not recognized due to continuing involvement and the financing method is applied, the Company records revenue and expenses related to the underlying operations of the asset in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

For any arrangements containing multiple deliverables, the Company analyzes each activity within the sales arrangement to ensure that it adheres to the separation guidelines for multiple-element arrangements.  The Company allocates revenue for any transactions involving multiple elements to each unit of accounting based on its best estimate of the selling price, and recognize revenue for each unit of accounting when the revenue recognition criteria have been met.

Construction in Progress — During 2012, the Company entered into EPC arrangements to develop utility-scale SEF’s across Greece and Italy.  The Company applied the completed contract method to these arrangements and has capitalized all costs related to these projects.  During the three months ended December 31, 2012, the Company recorded a $2.7 million provision for losses on contracts to costs incurred on the Greek projects that exceeded the discounted present value of the contract, reducing the balance of construction in progress for the Greek projects to $14.7 million as of December 31, 2012.  The Greek project was substantially complete at December 31, 2012; however, final acceptance had not yet been received.  The project in Italy was still in progress at December 31, 2012 and had a construction in progress balance of $1.4 million. No revenue has been recognized on any of these arrangements as of December 31, 2012.

Cable, wire and mechanical assemblies — In January 2012, the Company reassessed its business strategy and decided to no longer accept new orders. In our cable, wire and mechanical assemblies business the Company recognizes the sales of goods when there is evidence of an arrangement, title and risk of ownership have passed (usually occurring upon shipment), the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. There are no formal customer acceptance requirements or further obligations related to our assembly services once the Company ships its products. Customers do not have a general right of return on products shipped therefore the Company makes no provisions for returns. The Company makes a determination of a customer’s credit worthiness at the time the order is accepted.

Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Accounts receivable — The Company grants open credit terms to credit-worthy customers. Terms vary per contract terms and range from 30 to 365 days. Contractually, the Company may charge interest for extended payment terms and require collateral.

Allowance for doubtful accounts — The Company regularly monitors and assesses the risk of not collecting amounts owed by customers. This evaluation is based upon a variety of factors including an analysis of amounts current and past due along with relevant history and facts particular to the customer. It requires the Company to make significant estimates, and changes in facts and circumstances could result in material changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts.

Related Party Transactions [Policy Text Block]

Related Party Transactions - Products are bought from and sold to related parties at negotiated arms-length prices between the two parties.

Shipping and Handling Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Shipping and handling cost — Shipping and handling costs related to the delivery of finished goods are included in cost of goods sold. During the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, shipping and handling costs recorded in cost of goods sold were $0.6 million and $1.0 million, respectively.

Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Advertising costs — Costs for newspaper, television, radio, and other media and design are expensed as incurred. The Company expenses the production costs of advertising the first time the advertising takes place. The costs for this type of advertising were $0.1 million and $0.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]

Stock-based compensation — The Company measures the stock-based compensation costs of share-based compensation arrangements based on the grant-date fair value and generally recognizes the costs in the financial statements over the employee requisite service period. For further details, see Note 13—Stock-based compensation.

Standard Product Warranty, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Product warranties — The Company offers the industry standard of 25 year product warranty for our solar modules and industry standard five years on inverter and balance of system components. Due to the warranty periods, the Company bears the risk of extensive warranty claims long after the Company has shipped product and recognized revenue. In our cable, wire and mechanical assemblies business, historically our warranty claims have not been material. In our solar photovoltaic business, our greatest warranty exposure is in the form of product replacement. Until the third quarter of 2007, the Company purchased its solar panels from third-party suppliers and since the third-party warranties are consistent with industry standards the Company considers its financial exposure to warranty claims immaterial. Certain photovoltaic construction contracts entered into during the year ended December 31, 2007 included provisions under which the Company agreed to provide warranties to the buyer, and during the quarter ended September 30, 2007 and continuing through the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company installed its own manufactured solar panels. As a result, the Company recorded the provision for estimated warranty exposure on these contracts within cost of sales. Since the Company does not have sufficient historical data to estimate its exposure, it looked to its own historical data in combination with historical data reported by other solar system installers and manufacturers. The Company now only installs panels manufactured by unrelated third parties and its parent, LDK. The Company provides LDK’s pass through warranty, and reserve for unreimbursed costs, such as labor, material and transportation costs to replace panels and balance of system components provided by third-party manufacturers.

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income taxes — The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax reporting bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon future taxable income. A valuation allowance is recognized if it is more likely than not that some portion, or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized based on the weight of available evidence, including expected future earnings.

The Company recognizes the benefit of uncertain tax positions in its financial statements when it concludes that a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination based solely on its technical merits. Only after a tax position passes the first step of recognition will measurement be required. Under the measurement step, the tax benefit is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is more likely than not to be realized upon effective settlement. This is determined on a cumulative probability basis.

The Company elects to accrue any interest or penalties related to its uncertain tax positions as part of its income tax expense.

Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]

Foreign Currency — The Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in our reporting currency, U.S. dollars. The functional currency for the subsidiaries in Italy is the Euro. The functional currency for the subsidiaries in The People’s Republic of China is the Renminbi. Accordingly, balance sheets of the foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated using the average exchange rates in effect during the period. Translation differences are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income as foreign currency translation. Gains or losses on transactions denominated in a currency other than the subsidiaries’ functional currency which arises as a result of changes in foreign exchange rates are recorded as foreign exchange gain or loss in the statements of operations.

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Post-retirement and post-employment benefits — The Company’s subsidiaries which are located in the People’s Republic of China and Italy contribute to a state pension scheme on behalf of its employees. The Company recorded $0.6 million and $0.4 million in expense related to its pension contributions for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Neither the Company nor its subsidiaries provide any other post-retirement or post-employment benefits.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Guidance

In December 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2010-28, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350). ASU 2010-28 modifies Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. For those units, an entity is required to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. ASU 2010-28 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this update did not impact the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs, which amends current fair value measurement and disclosure guidance to provide increased transparency around valuation inputs and investment categorization. This update became effective prospectively for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. Other than additional disclosure requirements (refer to Note 19 —Fair Value of Financial Instruments), the adoption of this update did not impact the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income. ASU 2011-05, as amended by ASU 2011-12, increases the prominence of other comprehensive income in financial statements. Under this update, an entity has the option to present the components of net income and comprehensive income in either a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The Company has selected to report two separate statements. The update eliminates the option to present other comprehensive income in the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. This update was effective on a retrospective basis for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. Other than the change in presentation, the adoption of this update did not impact the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other: Testing Goodwill for Impairment, which permits an entity to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount before applying the two-step goodwill impairment test. If an entity can support the conclusion that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is more than its carrying amount, it would not need to perform the two-step impairment test for that reporting unit. Goodwill must be tested for impairment at least annually, and prior to the ASU, a two-step test was required to assess goodwill for impairment. In Step 1, the fair value of a reporting unit is compared to the reporting unit’s carrying amount. If the fair value is less than the carrying amount, Step 2 is used to measure the amount of goodwill impairment, if any. The update was effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this update did not impact the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU No. 2012-02, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other: Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment, which simplifies the guidance for testing the decline in the realizable value (impairment) of indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill. An organization is now allowed to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test. These changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2013. Adoption of this update will have no impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, Comprehensive Income—Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which requires entities to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, entities are required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, entities are required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. These changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2013. Management has determined that the adoption of these changes will not have an impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.