Late last month Siemens – a founding and full shareholder in DII – acknowledged that it too would decline to renew its financial obligation to DII, although it hopes to remain affiliated with the concept in more informal ways.

“Economic conditions” led to Rexroth’s decision, according to press reports.

The move will taken by some as further evidence of waning support for solar energy within Rexroth’s parent company, German automotive giant Robert Bosch, owner of Bosch Solar and Aleo.

It