Shortage of glass threatens solar supplies

WE REPORTED in January that electronic semi firms are under pressure and suffering tightness because demand for solar grade silicon is on the rise.

Malcolm Penn, of analysis firm Future Horizon, warned that firms wanting solar grade polysilicon were willing to pay high prices while semi firms weren't and substrate prices were already on the rise.

Now Taiwanese wire Digitimes is suggesting that solar cell makers are contemplating using metallurgical grade silicon as an alternative with polysilicon shortages likely through next year. But, the quality might not be too good, reckons Digitimes, here. µ

See Also
INQ solar panels are up and running