The ruling extends a provisional moratorium granted in April by the authorities in Schaffhausen, where Suntech’s European operation is based.

SPI is in the process of restructuring itself as a result of inter-company debts.

A statement from parent group Suntech Holdings said: "SPI has already met important milestones in the restructuring process.

“The definitive moratorium allows SPI time to restructure debt and reach an agreement with creditors.