Hello everyone, I am (V:Brandcell), and this is the information I have compiled, hoping it will be helpful for you. The photovoltaic industry chain, as a crucial component of clean energy, has experienced rapid development in recent years. However, it still faces several challenges in terms of technology, costs, and market dynamics. This article will analyze the current issues, solutions, and future trends from three perspectives.
1. Existing Challenges
- Raw Material Supply Fluctuations: Core materials for photovoltaic cells, such as silicon and silver paste, are highly susceptible to international market influences. For instance, the production of high-purity silicon is concentrated, and imbalances in supply and demand can lead to significant price volatility, increasing production costs for downstream companies.
- Technical Bottlenecks: The efficiency of mainstream crystalline silicon cells has limited room for improvement, while new technologies like perovskite cells have not yet fully resolved stability issues. Additionally, reliance on imported key equipment may hinder the independent development of the industry.
- Incomplete Recycling Systems: Photovoltaic modules typically have a lifespan of 20 to 25 years, and early installations are approaching their end of life. However, recycling technologies and supply chains are still underdeveloped, potentially leading to resource wastage or environmental pollution.
2. Solutions
- Optimizing Supply Chain Layout: By diversifying raw material sources and enhancing local production capabilities, companies can reduce foreign dependency. For example, developing low-silicon consumption technologies or exploring alternative materials (such as using copper electrodes instead of silver paste) can alleviate cost pressures.
- Strengthening Technology Research and Development: Promoting collaboration among industry, academia, and research institutions can accelerate the commercialization of new battery technologies. Perovskite cells can improve efficiency through layered designs, while HJT (Heterojunction) cells are expected to be compatible with existing production lines, thus lowering upgrade costs.
- Improving Recycling Mechanisms: Establishing a closed-loop system that covers the recycling, disassembly, and material regeneration of modules is essential. Techniques such as physical or chemical methods can separate glass, aluminum frames, and silicon materials for the high-value reuse of components.
3. Future Development Directions
- Intelligent Production: Incorporating artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies can optimize manufacturing processes. For instance, big data can be used to predict equipment failures, and automated inspections can enhance the yield rate of components, further reducing costs.
- Expansion of Application Scenarios: Beyond traditional centralized power plants, distributed photovoltaics (such as rooftop solar and agrivoltaics) are expected to gain popularity. The development of lightweight and flexible components may also promote photovoltaic integration in construction and transportation sectors.
- Green and Low-Carbon Transformation: Collaborative efforts across the industry chain can help reduce carbon emissions. This includes using green electricity to produce silicon or developing battery processes that consume less energy, thereby enhancing environmental sustainability throughout the entire lifecycle.
Overall, the photovoltaic industry must address current challenges through technological innovation and model optimization. With advancements in technology and economies of scale, the cost per kilowatt-hour is expected to decline further, facilitating the broader adoption of clean energy.
