Solar PV Companies Overcome Silicon Shortage and Push Ahead

 

June 23, 2006

Market penetration and acceptability is expected with new improved, modular, affordable, adaptive and aesthetically acceptable systems in place.

Over the last two years, new ribbon-type technology that reduces process waste and consumes less of the wafer material has affected the ability of production to match demand. Further, new breakthroughs in conversion efficiency of thin-film technologies of 13.5 percent will reduce the silicon consumed per square meter of installation for the same output power.

"Silicon feedstock supply constraints growth in the solar photovoltaic industry," said Pramodh Panchanadam, Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst, in the report. "Only by increasing production capacity and use of new technologies in both manufacturing and production processes will the effects of this constraint be mitigated."

However, the market is still largely dependent on government support and political will. With the political mood swinging towards lowering of imports in solar products to the market especially in Europe, a strong fear psychosis has griped the market that demand may not be met.

"The industry, to sustain growth, will need to look in to what it can do to pull away from a subsidy supported to market driven entity," explains Panchanadam. " For this, it will need to entrench on market fundamentals such as restructuring its supply chain, distribution network and marketing structure."

Solar cell and module manufacturers in addressing feedstock supply issues go for extended supply contracts as a strategic step to secure their raw material requirements. However, beyond 2009, when most of the contracts expire, companies will have to rethink on being niche manufacturers or vertically integrated to better control their supply chain. In addition, innovative strategies such as having joint ventures with regional Asian players to reduce manufacturing costs will also play a major factor in deciding market share in the future.

For a virtual brochure, which provides manufacturers, end users, and other industry participants an overview of the latest analysis of the Global Solar Photovoltaic Market, contact trisha.bradley@frost.com.