What is the solar photovoltaics supply chain review?

The Solar Photovoltaics Supply Chain Review explores the global solar photovoltaics (PV) supply chain and opportunities for developing U.S. manufacturing capacity.

Who is driving growth in the solar photovoltaic industry?

Various actors, from key businesses to state governments, are driving growth in an industry that shows no signs of slowing down. Find up-to-date statistics and facts on the solar photovoltaic industry in the United States.

Is polysilicon a bottleneck for solar PV?

Global capacity for manufacturing wafers and cells, which are key solar PV elements, and for assembling them into solar panels (also known as modules), exceeded demand by at least 100% at the end of 2021. By contrast, production of polysilicon, the key material for solar PV, is currently a bottleneck in an otherwise oversupplied supply chain.

Are solar PV supply chains cost-competitive?

Currently, the cost competitiveness of existing solar PV manufacturing is a key challenge to diversifying supply chains. China is the most cost-competitive location to manufacture all components of the solar PV supply chain. Costs in China are 10% lower than in India, 20% lower than in the United States, and 35% lower than in Europe.

What is the supply chain for solar PV?

The supply chain for solar PV has two branches in the United States: crystalline silicon (c-Si) PV, which made up 84% of the U.S. market in 2020, and cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin film PV, which made up the remaining 16%. The supply chain for c-Si PV starts with the refining of high-purity polysilicon.

What is the IEA photovoltaic power systems programme?

The IEA Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (IEA PVPS) is one of the TCPs within the IEA and was established in 1993. The mission of the programme is to “enhance the international collaborative efforts which facilitate the role of photovoltaic solar energy as a cornerstone in the transition to sustainable energy systems.”