There is just one directr competitor with plastics substrate called solarion
http://www.solarion.de/

3 facts:
- Ascet is ahead as for the output - solarion plans 10 MW in 2010 while Ascent will have 30 mW

- Ascent is beating solarions product in efficiency - solarion expect to have 8-10 percet efficiency comming from their first line. Ascent already reached 11,4 percent.

In fact, no direct competition on the world. Of course, there are many competitors using stainless foil substrate but plastisc has clear advantages. For terrestrial as well as space applications. BTW as for the IP. Majority of experts says that production process itself is the main success factor. And Ascent already demonstrated production process is their unique competitive advantage.

I know for some time Ascent is one of the leaders. Others will got the clue later, probably next year. Professional analysts included ... hi yoga :}