Polycrystalline silicon material availability and market pricing outlook study for 1980-1988: January 1983 update
Photovoltaic solar cell arrays which convert solar energy into electrical energy can become a cost-effective, alternative energy source provided that an adequate supply of low-priced materials and automated fabrication techniques are available. Presently, silicon is the most promising cell material for achieving the near-term cost goals of the Photovoltaics Program. Electronic grade silicon is produced primarily for the semiconductor industry with the photovoltaic industry using, in most cases, the production rejects of slightly lower-grade material. Therefore, the future availability of adequate supplies of low cost silicon has been one of the major concerns of the Photovoltaics Program. This current report updates the supply outlook for silicon with emphasis on pricing, and is based primarily on an industry survey conducted by a JPL consultant. This survey included interviews with polycrystalline silicon manufacturers, a large cross-section of silicon users and silicon solar cell manufacturers.
- Research Organization:
- Jet Propulsion Lab., Pasadena, CA (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AI01-76ET20356
- OSTI ID:
- 5570780
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/JPL-1012-79A; JPL-PUBL-83-9; ON: DE84001226
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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