Solar Power Generation Industry Logistics

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.

Can America reestablish a robust solar manufacturing supply chain?

The assessment concludes that, with significant financial support and incentives from the U.S. government as well as strategic actions focused on workforce, manufacturing, human rights, and trade, America could reestablish a robust domestic solar manufacturing supply chain and become a competitive leader in a global solar industry.

What is the c-Si solar supply chain?

As evaluated in detail in the PV supply chain review, the domestic c-Si solar manufacturing sector is composed primarily of established polysilicon production facilities and some c-Si module assembly plants relying predominantly on imported components.

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 are the quarterly solar industry updates?

The quarterly solar industry updates often cover: Updates on related government programs and policies. NREL conducts detailed supply chain analysis for specific photovoltaic module technologies. These analyses include production locations, supply chain risk and costs, and material availability.

Should the US diversify the solar supply chain?

To manage this risk, the United States must quickly diversify solar supply chains and improve our domestic position. To be successful, a domestic sector with a minimum of 30 GWdc annual production for most if not all components of the supply chain is likely needed within 2-3 years, with as much as 100 GWdc needed by 2030.