UPDATE 1-SolarWorld keeps 2009 outlook, but Q3 weak

* Confirms 2009 sales outlook of 1 bln eur

* Q3 sales of 232.5 mln eur vs 270 mln eur estimate

* Q3 EBIT 34.7 mln eur vs 38 mln eur estimate

* Shares indicated down 3 percent

(adds details, background, peers)

FRANKFURT, Nov 4 (Reuters) - SolarWorld (SWVG.DE: Quote, Profile, Research), Germany's third-biggest solar company by sales, confirmed its 2009 sales outlook on Wednesday but posted third-quarter results below expectations in a sign that low prices have hit its business.

In a surprise announcement, the company said it still expected 1 billion euros ($1.47 billion) of sales for 2009.

But third-quarter sales came in at 232.5 million euros, while earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) amounted to 34.7 million. Analysts in a Reuters poll had on average expected sales of 270 million euros and operating earnings of 38 million.

SolarWorld, a solar allrounder that makes silicon, wafers cells and panels, has so far been able to defend itself much better in the current downturn than peers, offsetting massive price declines through its activities in several parts of the solar value chain.