Solar-cell producer makes profit prediction; DayStar of Halfmoon expects to be in the black in two years as demand for product appears strong.(Business)

Byline: LARRY RULISON Business writer

HALFMOON - Solar-cell manufacturer DayStar Technologies Inc. said Tuesday it expects to become profitable within two years.

It is the first time the emerging company, which has lost more than $11 million over the past two years, has so clearly outlined its business plan and when it hopes to start making money.

Shares (Nasdaq: DSTI) were virtually unchanged for the day, dropping just 46 cents, or 3.53 percent, to close at $12.56.

DayStar, founded in California, raised more than $8 million in an initial public offering in early 2004. New York state promptly lured the company to Saratoga County with the …