The solar market seemed promising for South Korea-based big enterprises such as Samsung, LG, and Hyundai. However, continuous loss has pushed these firms to modify the business strategies.

LG Siltron has given up on the production of solar wafer while Hyundai Heavy Industries has sold all of its shares of polysilicon firm Korea Advanced Materials. In addition, Samsung SDI is considering selling its solar cell equipment sets, said Digitimes Research.

Amid the restructuring of the solar industry in South Korea, some firms have remained eager to expand and achieve vertical integration. Polysilicon firm OCI has set up two solar firms to manufacture solar PV systems in October 2012. Nexolon, which mainly produces silicon ingots and solar wafers, has begun to construct solar cell and module plants. Hanwha has completed the construction of its polysilicon firm and has officially set up an integrated supply chain from polysilicon to solar modules.