polysilicon

Polysilicon, a key material in the creation of solar panels, has undergone steady price climbs as output has been cut for a variety of reasons.

While just four solar companies have been identified to have their products barred from import into the US, applications of the Hoshine WRO could prove to be an everlasting headache for module imports.

Major players in the solar industry, such as LONGi Solar, are projecting accelerating growth in the near term.

The solar supply chain problems that began last year with high prices and polysilicon shortages are persisting into 2022. But we are already seeing a stark difference from earlier predictions that prices would decline gradually each quarter this year. PV Infolink’s Alan Tu probes the solar market situation and offers insights.

Also on the rise: Missouri town declares solar farm a nuisance. PG&E seeks 176 MW of front-of-the-meter local solar. Group using NREL’s free ReEDs model validates 100% renewables by 2035 for 24 states. Caesars bets on solar, breaks ground on three projects in Atlantic City. MIT, NREL researchers develop 40%-efficient thermophotovoltaic cell for grid-scale thermal batteries. SEIA cuts solar deployment forecast 46% in light of anti-circumvention investigation. LG Energy Solution Q1 net income cut in half by materials costs and supply chain challenges, with sights set on strong EV market.

The German company’s decision to cede market share to Chinese companies producing the material for solar panels, in order to focus on semiconductor-ready, electronic grade product, has seen it slip behind its rivals in terms of production scale.

The latest PV Leaderboard report by Wood Mackenzie confirms that Qcells marks 14 consecutive quarters with top market share in US residential and commercial solar module markets.

Also on the rise: A new solar project will connect Illinois customers to clean energy and bill savings. US battery manufacturer acquires Northern Reliability. New York State, the largest and most active community solar market. Job moves at Encore Renewable Energy, Perch Energy, Origis Energy, and more. Nexamp adds energy storage to community solar projects in Massachusetts. Three-year solar tax battle fought and won in Puerto Rico. ComEd opens enrollment to community solar project.

The Department of Energy is charting a course for the developing US photovoltaic manufacturing, which could mitigate global supply chain challenges and benefit the climate and the economy as well as helping the US achieve its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Also on the rise: Polysilicon reaches highest price since 2011. Ingeteam supplied 4.2GW of solar and battery inverters in 2021. WiTricity announces wireless EV charging. Job moves at Silfab Solar, LG Energy Solution, Centrica Business Solutions, and more. Why solar is a good fit for coal country.