Advanced Chemicals & Materials for Photovoltaic Cells & Modules

Background

Photovoltaic technology is at the early stage of a large commercial ramp-up. Supported by subsidiaries in Europe and Japan, the industry is breaking out of early niche applications and becoming a non-grid alternative. Constrained by a polysilicon silicon shortage and the potential of lower costs per watt, thin film technologies are now emerging to challenge traditional single and multi-crystalline cells. The overall growth of the industry by cell type is depicted below:

This report studies the technology and materials employed in the manufacturing of photovoltaic cells and modules, develops market forecasts to 2012, and highlights emerging trends and critical issues for suppliers of chemicals and materials for this process. This report is a vital source of strategic, tactical and forecast information for marketers and executive management for producers and users of these materials.

Report Contents

1. Executive Summary

• Chemicals and materials in the value chain
• Scenarios impacting demand
• 2006 & 2012 consumption of materials

2. Methodology and Background

3. Forecast Drivers

• Segmentation by category
• New requirements and technologies
• Review trends in manufacture
• Forecast model

4. Chemicals and Materials Review

A. Silicon supply

• Current supply and demand
• Forecast investment
• Alternative feed stocks –i.e. silicon metal
• Supply shortage trend analysis

B. Silicon Cell Manufacturing Flow

• Ingots and Boules
• Wafering
• Cell manufacture
• Moduling

C. Thin Film Cell Manufacturing Flow, including CdTe, a-Si, Micromorph, and CIS/CIGS

• PVD deposition
• CVD deposition
• CBD
• Electroplating
• Evaporation
• Substrates
• Metallization

D. Chemicals and Materials for Modules

• Glass and alternative front sheets
• Backsheets including, PVF, PVDF, PET, and other substrates
• Metallization
• Encapsulants, including EVA
• Other –ETFE, etc.

5. Chemicals and Materials Market Analysis and Forecasts

• Polysilicon
• Wafering
• Silicon cells
• Thin film cells
• Moduling materials

6. PV Cell Manufacturer Overview

• Manufacturing plants and locations
• Process technologies

7. Overall Assessment

• Roll up summary of consumables demand and forecasts
• Leading future opportunities
• Unmet needs analysis
• Impact of new technologies and/or alternatives