They're moving toward bigger panels while the technological edge of competitors is in trying to make very exotic and difficult material processes efficient enough. bigger panels = cheaper, bulk sales. Unlike a lot of competition, they actually CAN afford to waste research time on technological gambles, while in the meantime deliver a product that actually sells and establish a place in the market. A few generations of solar tech from now, when they find a process that's cheap AND more electrically efficient, AMAT will be in the position to capitalize on it, while the smaller players will be locked into their own niches... sputtering deposition, flexi-CIGS whatever.